Leading Lines Photography Technique
"Leading lines" refers to a photography technique that involves using a "line"--such as a road or power lines--to draw the viewer's eye to certain parts of the photo. It's a simple but effective technique that gives the photographer some control over how the artwork is perceived in the eyes of the beholder, and there are several aspects of such photos that separate them from other types of pictures.
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Definition
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The purpose of leading lines is to grab the viewer's eye and direct it to either a specific part of the painting or cause the reader to progress through certain parts of the painting in a meaningful order. Leading lines act as a "visual narrative," telling story through the lens of the photographer.
Examples
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Roads are good options for leading lines. A winding road can draw your eyes from a truck stalled on the side of the road all the way up into the mountains in the distance, telling the story of a man, already down on his luck, who has a long way yet to go. An archway can draw a person's eyes from the top of the structure down to a detail below, such as a couple enjoying a cup of coffee or a bustling city street.
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How-To
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Look for how you can utilize lines when you settle on a subject. If you see a strange, gnarled tree, look around for some leading lines you could take advantage of--for example, you could use cornrows or an old fence. Or, start with the lines themselves before settling on a subject. Go stand on a pier or on a path that winds through the forest and see where it naturally takes your eyes.
Warnings
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The biggest mistake you can make when using leading lines is being too obvious. A leading line should be subtle, such as a shoreline you don't even notice in a photograph of a lighthouse, rather than forced, such as a fencepost in a photo where it doesn't really belong. Also, be wary of including leading lines that distract from your subject accidentally. For example, you may not notice that after taking a photo of a man leaning against a wall, there is actually a railing off to the side that is drawing the viewer's eyes to a random potted plant.
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References
- Photo Credit Lucas Allen/Lifesize/Getty Images
