Composition – Vertical Lines

I had initially thought that I would split up the vertical elements into 2 parts, but on reflection I wasn't sure how this feature is used and I didn't have any clear images for the singular vertical line.
Vertical lines run down to up or is it the other way around, up to down.  Most of our perceptions derive from nature and in nature we see vertical movement as growth. That did get me wondering whether there are times that we do view a vertical element in the downward direction.

Vertical lines  naturally tend to create emotions of
growth
newness
uplifting
spiritual

The photo itself, because of the border or edge, will modify or accentuate linear type elements.
Even in fashion vertical lines are known for their slimming effects.

As you can observe in the above photograph, the portrait format helps to re-enforce the perceived length of the long slender leaves.  Long slender items can appear frail and wispy and with the added curves at tips seem to be searching (movement) for light. The main design component in the images are triangles even in the negative spaces.

With the frame of an image, vertical lines can also create feelings  of
dominance or submissiveness (depending whether the lines are the main subject)
increased height
grandeur
strength
power
scale

Vertical lines can be used to give a sense of depth to the image and are very easily recognized within  scenes.

The above image of a train bridge is actually a negative, as this version creates more sense of depth.
The negative image creates mystery thereby, creates some viewer attention as they try to comprehend how the light and dark patterns fit together, with their understanding of real world objects.

Vertical lines are key in cityscapes, especially where tall structures are involved. Multi vertical lines do create the same effect of separation and therefore can express
permanence
separation (barriers)
tension (result of being held back)

While photographing Toronto cityscapes from a high vantage point, I saw interesting vertical patterns in the image below.

The white lines create a rigid static structure with the windows providing diverging interest by having, at first glance, each pair different. It`s only on closer inspection that you notice the 3-D nature from the dark reflective sides that run diagonally across photo.

I wanted a sense of grand, mystical and forgotten era with the bench scene.
With the use of a wide angle lens, I am able to increase apparent height in the bench.  Here, all the vertical lines and angle of shot create the floating feeling and serene setting. The early morning and yellow green glow of spring add a dream-like quality.

The vertical lines and cropping do create an effect of dominance by the blue office tower.  The rust colour of the steeple and fall foliage (enhanced) create image contrast with its old world charm. The last holdout against unstoppable advancement of civilization.

Niels Henriksen