What is a Leading Line?

Have you ever viewed a photograph and just said, "WOW"! Good photos exist, but GREAT photos are usually the ones that make you stand in awe and say, "WOW"!

Whenever you see a photograph that causes an emotional reaction, it is often due to an emotional attachment with the subject. It is also often due to certain skills that the photographer has acquired.

With every craft and trade, there are certain foundations and rules that should be learned in order to create a good outcome. One of these skills in photography is knowing the rules of composition. Having this sillset as a foundation will help you create a stunning, pleasing photograph and eventually, learn how to break the rules to be even more creative!

Leading Lines-one rule of composition

You may not realize it, but leading lines are everywhere in everyday life! You see wires, branches, benches, streets, pathways and more, everyday. Where do they lead? In photography, using these lines in a creative way is one of the most effective tools to create a great photography and make your image standout.

Basically, leading lines are a compostional method that features line shape that draw the viewers attention to the main subject in the frame. Usually, when a person sees this, his or her attention is instinctively focused on the lines and will try to see where they go. These lines lead us to the main subject in the photo.

If leading lines are applied, you will see some of these results-

The viewer will follow the lines and capture the whole scene presented in the frame.
The viewer's focus and attention will be on a particular subject.
The photo will look more natural and three dimensional.
Unique shapes

Leading lines will immediately catch your attention even from a distance and create a unique viewer experience. Not only will the frame be composed nicely, but there will be more depth to the scene, and the subject will be front and center.

Leading Lines are Everywhere

When you are composing an image of your family and friends, look for a leading line-you can find them anywhere!

Fences
Lamposts
Roads
Forest paths
Window panes
Doorways
Bridges
Train tracks

Place your subject at the end and your viewers eye will immediately be drawn to where you want it to go.

Don't Confuse Paths with Leading Lines

"Paths" and "Leading Lines" are not the same thing, but there is really not that much of a difference. Often, paths look just like leading lines-Both will guide the viewer toward a specific point. But paths usually lead toward a horizon, while leading lines take your eye to a point of interest-usually the subject.

For example, you take a photo of a railroad track leading off to the distance. This shot is using a path. But, if you add a couple walking together at the end, the focus of the photo changes to the couple rather than the horizon line. This is your leading line photo.

Types of Leading Lines

There are a few different types that will create different looks in your photo!

Diagonal

Diagonal lines are great if you want to provide a sense of change or motion. Most of the time, they are visually followed from foreground to background or left to right, so place your subject at either end.

Implied Lines

An implied line is just that-one that is implied but not really there. They are created by other factors. For example, if you take a photo of a person who is looking toward the right or left, we may be drawn to where that person is looking if they are looking off to either side.

Horizontal

Usually horizontal lines are used to convey calmness and tranquility. You can find horizontal lines if you shoot landscapes and relaxing objects. In landscapes, the horizon leads you along the scene and creates a very peaceful atmosphere. It will also lead you to your subject!

Vertical

Vertical lines often imply power and authority. Think about the towering Redwoods in California and how majestic they are! Using a vertical line to show your subject at the end, will show strength and superiority. The lines will be very strong leading to the subject as they are usually front and center, but when you see your subject, those same characteristics will stick with you.

Do you see the leading lines in the above images?

When you are ready to compose your photo, examine the scene and look for those leading lines. Once you get into the habit of looking for them, you will find you can't stop seeing them! When you know what to look for, it will become second nature to use leading lines to create a great image and become a better photographer!

When you are ready to update your family's photos, give us a call, or send us an email. We would LOVE to be with you and add a few leading lines into your images!

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