Postcards from Real Life: Curve

Whether we’re aware of it or not, the curve is a compositional element our brains love. And ferns deliver a visual feast of them.

We humans innately love curves. Our brains just like them. Going deep into geometric pscyhology is way more than bit beyond the scope of this post but it is fascinating. I’m a nerd, what can I say?

In art and photography, curves are super appealing to the eye. They can be conspicuous or subtle, but either way, our brains eat them up. And even when they’re not as obvious as a something like a sinuous road or river, they guide us through the image.

Photographers and other artists are trained early on about the importance of these kinds of compositional elements that make a piece “work”. You, the viewer, may not be thinking “That’s a damn great curve!” but you know the image or piece is appealing.

Anyway, I spent a good bit of time with these two fern fiddleheads during one of my Tremont workshops. They’re a curve bonanza and fun to shoot. The bonus of the spiderweb was exciting, too.

I started began that morning’s shoot doing broader landscapes. But, per usual, I ended up in the dirt, fascinated but the tiny details of the world at my feet.

What can I say? That’s what my brain loves.

Cheers, friends!

Bluesky Art Show

This post is inspired by the Bluesky Art Show, a challenge to share artwork surrounding a weekly theme each Saturday.

Originally published at https://valinreallife.com on June 20, 2026.