Leading Lines
Video: Leading Lines
Challenge level
DIFFICULT
MODERATE
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Main subject and supporting elements you might need
Good for scenes such as landscapes with rivers, roads, fences, and seashores that the eye can follow along the scene.
Leading Lines
When you are a visitor at a tourist destination, signs point the way so you can find the place you’re after. Just as these signs give you the directions to places of interest, leading lines in a photograph send you to the most important parts of an image.
What is a Leading Line?
A leading line is an artistic composition rule that takes you on a journey directed by the photographer. It could be along train tracks, a road, or an avenue of trees, but it’s a line that takes the viewer to a predetermined destination—it directs the viewer’s eyes to the main subject of the photo. Whenever you look at a photograph, your eyes are naturally drawn to any lines within it. You instinctively follow these lines to see where they go. The composition technique called ‘vanishing point’ is an example of how lines can lead your eyes to the back of the photo to show the depth of an image, but the use of leading lines takes this concept a step further. Whereas the objective of using a vanishing point is to take the eyes to the horizon, the leading lines method directs them to a person or place of interest in the image.
Why Are Leading Lines Effective?
Viewers love being taken for a ride along a leading line. Regardless of whether it’s straight, curved, or jagged, your eyes latch onto the start of a line and observe it through to its conclusion. Lines tell you to look through the photo in a specific order by making you follow various elements in the image.
Types of Leading Lines
Depending on their direction and shape, leading lines have different effects upon the viewer’s mind. It helps them explore the whole scene in an orderly manner, adding emotional connections along the way. Here are some of the feelings that different types of lines can generate.
Vertical Lines: If you want to add an element of strength to an image, use vertical lines. You’ll find examples of this in architectural photography, where the sides of a skyscraper lead the eyes to the logo of the business at the top of the building. Or imagine a portrait of a banker in a pinstripe suit—all those vertical lines suggest stability and authority.
Diagonal Lines: If you want to add energy and movement into a photograph, try diagonal lines. Direct these lines to converge upon the main subject to show depth and to highlight the urgency in the image.
Curved Lines: A curved approach creates a gentle atmosphere that feels more natural than other types of lines. Because it slowly meanders towards the subject, curved lines are useful for suggesting a calm, relaxed attitude. They are most often found in outdoor locations such as national parks. Some standard uses of curved lines are a boardwalk along the side of a lake, a winding path in a field, and a bendy pathway between tall trees.
When to Use Leading Lines
Landscape photography is given a boost when leading lines are used because the world of nature is full of leading lines connecting to interesting subjects. Leading lines are one of the most powerful composition tools for landscapes, as it makes the viewer scan the photograph all the way from the foreground to the background.
When you find a good feature for a landscape photo, scout around for objects or items that point towards this main subject. A large mountain range in the distance might look interesting while you are on location, but a photo of it may not have the same appeal unless you add some extra elements to the image. For example, you might be able to find a series of pine trees that you can have between the camera and the mountains, and the triangular tips of the trees could look as though they are pointing up to the snowy peaks. Or find a river that curves towards the mountain. Make sure it is flowing from one of the lower corners of the image before leading the eyes to the background.
The best leading lines for landscape photos come from the corners of the image. One of the Wise Camera app’s strengths is that its leading lines option has guidelines from the lower edges. As a bonus, those lines lead you to a position that is roughly at the intersecting points on the rule of thirds. If you place directional cues along with the red guidelines and position your subject at the head of the arrows, you will create a sensational image that is well-balanced and stylish. And the viewer will have no choice but to see exactly what you have directed them to look at.
Portrait pictures also benefit from the use of leading lines. Imagine placing your subject at the end of a path through a meadow, between a line of trees in a forest, or at the top of a series of steps. Lines leading into the distance show perspective, depth and add an extra dimension of interest for your eyes to follow. Placing your subject at the end of these lines points the viewer in their direction. When taking portrait photos, find a location that has leading lines and then position your subject to take advantage of these directional indicators.
Creating a Story with Leading Lines
Any memorable photo is based on an emotional connection with the image. And emotions come from empathy with the story being told. This is strengthened by the leading lines that give a stronger focus to the main subject.
Here’s an example of how to create a story with the Wise Camera app. Let’s say that you are in the city with your girlfriend and she is going to attempt a new trick on her skateboard. You want to show excitement, so find an area suitable for skateboarding that has diagonal lines. Rails and steps are perfect for these types of lines—and for a skateboard trick! Set up your iPhone and tap the screen with your fingertip to choose a good position for her on the app. Have her located at the ends of the arrows, then get down low to get the right perspective, so the angle of the steps (or the handrails) flow along with the red guidelines on the app, pointing towards your girlfriend. As she does the trick, fire away, and you’ll have a photo for Instagram that you’ll both be proud of!
To add emotion or energy to any story, incorporate the type of leading line that enhances the feelings you want to generate. But remember to keep the lines as a subtle, additional element. They are there to draw the eyes to the main subject; don’t make the lines the main focus of the shot. Add impact to a photo with lines, but don’t allow them to be a distraction.
There are no restrictions on the type of objects you can use as leading lines in your shot, as long as it adds to the scene and doesn’t detract from it. You wouldn’t want a row of rubbish bins in a landscape photo because it doesn’t fit the context of the beautiful scenery behind it, but in street photography, it could be an appropriate part of an image of an industrial area.
I’m Leading You to a Conclusion
To tell a good story with your photography, you need a hero. And leading lines does the job of identifying the main subject within this form of visual storytelling. When you compose your next photo, use leading lines to bring all the factors together to create a stunning image. Lines add depth and dynamic flow to a photo. Place leading lines in your next photograph to see how it is immediately transformed into a more engaging image.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What is the Rule of Thirds?The Rule of Thirds is a composition technique used in photography where the frame is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Positioning the subject along these lines or at their intersections moves the subject away from the center, creating a more balanced and engaging image.
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Why is the Rule of Thirds important in photography?It adds a simple but dynamic element to photo composition, moving the subject away from the center of the frame to create a well-balanced, harmonious image. This technique makes the photo more interesting and engaging by shifting the weight of the image and providing an unconscious appreciation for its balance.
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Can the Rule of Thirds be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Rule of Thirds is versatile and can be used for various types of photography including landscapes, portraits, street photography, wildlife, fashion photos, and more. It works well in both horizontal and vertical formats, making it applicable to a wide range of subjects and scenes.
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How does the Rule of Thirds benefit landscape photography specifically?For landscape shots, positioning the horizon one-third of the way from the top or bottom of the frame rather than in the center can make the photo more compelling. This technique allows the photographer to emphasize interesting textures in the foreground or dramatic skies, depending on the horizon's placement.
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What are hot spots in the Rule of Thirds and how are they used?Hot spots refer to the points where the grid lines intersect in the Rule of Thirds grid. Placing your subject at one of these intersecting points incorporates an extra key element into the photo's design. For example, in portraits, aligning the person’s head or an eye at a hot spot can significantly enhance the image's impact.
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How can the Rule of Thirds improve photos that seem lacking?Revisiting photos with the wisdom of hindsight and applying the Rule of Thirds can breathe new life into images that may not have received the attention they deserve. Using this composition technique can often reveal it as the missing piece in the composition puzzle, making the photo more appealing and well-composed.
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What is negative space in photography?Negative space refers to the area around the main subject of a photograph that is left empty or uncluttered. This compositional technique emphasizes the main subject by providing lots of room around it, directing the viewer's focus to the subject and adding a sense of calmness and contemplation to the image.
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How does negative space impact the viewer's perception of a photo?Negative space creates a dramatic effect that makes the viewer stop and consider the impact of the photo. It draws attention to the main subject, induces feelings of solitude and peacefulness, and provokes curiosity about the photographer's intent by breaking traditional photography rules.
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What is the difference between positive and negative space?Positive space in a photo is the area occupied by the subject, whereas negative space is the area around the subject. Using a lot of negative space can make the subject stand out more prominently, offering a clear contrast between the subject and its surroundings without making the image feel crowded or cluttered.
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Can negative space have color or texture?Yes, negative space doesn't have to be completely white or blank. It can include color or texture, such as a blue sky or a field of grass, as long as these elements do not distract from the main subject. The key is to maintain contrast and ensure that the background objects in the negative space do not draw attention away from the focal point.
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How can photographers effectively use negative space in their compositions?Photographers can use negative space by ensuring that the background occupies more space in the frame than the subject. Using the Wise Camera app, photographers can position their subject within a guided area, leaving ample space around it as indicated by the app's guidelines. This approach helps in isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention directly to it.
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What are some tips for creating negative space in photos taken with an iPhone?When using an iPhone, photographers can take advantage of its wide angle of view to leave extra space around the subject, emphasizing the negative space. If necessary, photos can be cropped afterward using the Wise Photos app to adjust the composition and create a more impactful negative space image.
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What is the Left to Right composition rule in photography?The Left to Right composition rule involves positioning the subject on the left side of the frame, making them look or move towards the right. This technique leverages the natural way viewers scan an image, particularly in cultures accustomed to reading from left to right, creating a dynamic and engaging visual flow.
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Why position the subject on the left side of the image?Positioning the subject on the left side of the image takes advantage of the natural reading and viewing habits of people in Western cultures, who tend to scan images starting from the left. This positioning guides viewers through the image in a comfortable and familiar pattern, enhancing the photo's impact.
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How does the Left to Right rule enhance storytelling in photographs?By having the subject look or move towards the right, photographers can introduce a sense of direction, movement, and mystery to their images. This technique encourages viewers to ponder what has captured the subject's attention or where they are heading, adding a storytelling aspect to the photograph.
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Can the Left to Right rule be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Left to Right rule can be applied across various photography genres, including sports, street photography, portraits, and more. It is especially effective in scenes with moving subjects, such as racing cars, sailboats, airplanes, and people walking or running.
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How does cultural reading direction influence the effectiveness of this composition rule?Cultural reading direction significantly influences how viewers perceive an image. In cultures where reading occurs from right to left, such as those using Arabic and Hebrew scripts, the visual path through an image may be reversed. Photographers working in these cultures might place the main subject on the right side of the frame for a more natural viewing experience for their audience.
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How can photographers implement the Left to Right rule in their work?Photographers can implement the Left to Right rule by using tools like the Wise Camera app, which offers guidelines for positioning subjects. They should ensure the subject is placed on the left, looking or moving towards the right, and leave ample space on the right side of the frame for the subject to "move into." This composition approach makes photos more appealing and engaging to viewers, encouraging them to explore the entire image.