What exactly, is a leading line in photography?
Leading Lines refers to a "rule" in photography composition where the viewer of your photos attention is drawn to lines that lead to the main subject of the image. The viewer’s eyes are naturally drawn along vertical lines, parallel lines, diagonal lines and even strong horizontal lines.
In other words, the line leads the viewer of an image to the main subject or to another specific part of the frame. What do you think would be a good leading line?
Railroad tracks or a road? Of course! But, what about a path? A path through the woods that is irregular and not straight. Or a stream as it heads through the forest.
These are all great leading lines as long as they lead you to the main subject or other destination. If they lead you to a vanishing point in the image, then it becomes a "path", not a leading line.
This next image is a great example of a leading line. The line is the bench that spans from bottom right all the way to the subject-the person reading the book. Even though the person is small, he is still the main subject. And, the line of the bench leads you directly to him.
Why are leading lines impactful and important to composition?
Just as the rules of thirds, patterns, or not cropping at the joints of your subject are rules or techniques in composition, so are leading lines. In order to create a more visually appealing, dramatic, artistic image, one needs to incorporate these rules into the frame. Often we look at an image and are just wowed by it's beauty, or we are impacted in a way that we cannot understand. Usually, it is due to these rules, along with others, being utilized in the photograph. Most people can tell a difference between a great photograph and a good one. The great ones use these rules.
Leading lines help draw the viewer's eye to the main subject and focus the attention there. They are also used to create depth and symmetry.
Below is another example of leading lines-do you know what they are? What about the subject?
If you guessed that the subject was the girl, and the train was the leading line, then you were right. The entire train leads you from left to right toward the subject.
When you first glance at this image, you could have looked directly at the subject, too. She is placed in a great spot front and center. But, the train adds a visually appealing way to direct you to her if your eye wanders.
What is the subject of the next image? If you guessed the coffee-you are right! Do you see any leading lines in this image?
There is a line-the one that goes from the bottom left to top right-the edge of the table. But, it does not lead anywhere-it leaves the frame, thus, it is not a leading line. It does not "lead" the viewer anywhere.
Your image can have many "lines" but if it does not lead you to the subject or another important part of the image, then it is not a leading line.
Here is another example of having "lines" in an image, but not really leading you anywhere. The subjects are in a great place along the imaginary intersecting lines in the bottom right corner-in other words-in a great rule of thirds place.
But, the train leads you away-out of the frame, and is really just part of the background. As is the track. They do not "lead" you to the subjects.
So, just remember-if you want to use a leading line, make sure it "leads" your viewer to your subject or the main part of the image. Make sure it does not "vanish"-and lead out of your frame or go nowhere.
With spring finally here in the midwest, go outside and look for leading lines! You will be amazed at what you will find. Roads, paths, rows in farmers fields, curbs, and tree lines are just some of the possibilities. Just be sure they lead you to your main subject and utilize other rules of composition in your image to make your image the best it can be.
All these images were taken locally-at Lyons Farm in Yorkville, IL, and near Settlers Park in Plainfield, IL. If you are looking for two great locations for a walk or a photography session, visit and see what you think.
And, we would love to see some of your images that include leading lines! Send them on over along with a description of the image and your "why" for creating it to studio@songsoflifephotography.com and use the words "leading lines" in the subject area!
We cannot wait to see what you can create!
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