Elements of Design from Above

In my last blog post, I wrote about a recent helicopter tour of Charleston, SC with Holy City Helicopters.  My husband and I enjoyed this experience over Valentine’s Day weekend.   In my last post, I shared many of the amazing sights we took in as we rode above Charleston and the surrounding area.

Whenever I photograph, I make sure to look for

the elements of design in order to strengthen my compositions.  I found that not only does this  help strengthen compositions found on land, but from above, as well.  Some of my favorite images from the helicopter ride were favorites due to their textures, curves, and lines.

Textures were abundant everywhere we looked as we rode over the water surrounding Charleston, especially where water met land.

The most dramatic of these images with texture was the one that showed the sand highlighted by the setting sun.

There were also pleasing curves as we watched the meandering water make its way out to open sea.

There were wonderful curves of water surrounding the Morris Island Lighthouse.

By far, my favorite curve was the one  that led me directly to the lighthouse.

The final element of design that we encountered were leading lines.  I felt the lines of these streets of Charleston, just drew me straight into the scene and into the city.

The last lines we saw that evening were the lines of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge as we made our way back to the airport.

Whenever and wherever you photograph, be sure to pay attention to the elements of design!

To view all of the images taken during that helicopter ride, please visit my Charleston, SC from Above Gallery.