2015 CHALLENGE WEEK 38: S Curve

The challenge for this week focuses on composition and framing using an S curve. S curves lead a viewer through a photo on a graceful path. You, as the photographer, get to choose the path. If the idea of S curves is new to you, don’t worry. S curves are all around, but you may not have noticed. For example, meandering roads and streams can make gentle curves through a frame. The shot below uses the S curve of a roadway with long exposure to add repeating curves of light trails.

“S” by Shinichi Higashi

Once you start looking for curves, you’ll see them everywhere. We’ve had challenges about lines and curves in the past, but this challenges is about the S curve. Also, it’s not about finding the letter S. That works, but really you’re looking for a curve, not a letter.

“Curves and Chrome” by Gary H

Cars make good subjects for curves. Curves make the cars more visually appealing and add aerodynamics. I prefer the classics that had strong lines and curves. If you prefer outdoor photography, nature provides plenty of curves in almost any landscape.

“Shooting a wave” by Henrik Johansson

Architecture also includes gentle curves. Be careful to get a S and not just a C.

“Getty’s curves” by Todd

I first learned about S curves when I took photography in college, many years ago. Once I started seeing curves, I couldn’t stop. I now look for those curves when I shoot. If you want to learn more about S curves and why you should use them in your photography, here are some resources:

The rules are pretty simple:

Post one original photograph (Your Image) shot each week per theme posted on this blog to Google+, Facebook, or Flickr (or all three). Tag the photo #photochallenge.org or #photochallenge2015.
The shot should be a new shot you took for the current weekly theme, not something from your back catalog or someone else’s image.
The posted image should be a photograph, not a video.
Don’t leave home without your camera. Participating in the 2015 Photo Challenge is fun and easy.