The technique of leading lines is used widely in artistic fields such as painting, graphic design and photography, as well as several outdoor sports such as hiking, orienteering and marine navigation. In photography, the technique can be easily demonstrated by thinking of a set of railway tracks running off to the horizon. The tracks pull viewers into or through the photo by directing their vision to the distant horizon. In this sense, lead marks direct the vision of viewers to another subject or focal point in the image.
Anything with a definite track can serve that purpose. A country lane, path, fence, road, bridge, telegraph/telephone cable, roadside guardrails, a lake shore, long beach, staircase, tennis net, or coastline all can function to direct vision. When employing lead marks, photographers usually also adopt the so-called rule of thirds.
This associated concept refers to an imaginary grid superimposed upon the image area by drawing two horizontal lines and two vertical lines so as to divide the image into nine equal-sized squares. The four lines intersect at four points within the image. Rigid technique suggests that the best focal point at which to position a subject is at one of these four intersection points. A lower level of emphasis can be achieved by positioning an object or feature along one of those four lines, rather than at a point of their intersection.
The four lines intersect with each other in the image at four separate points. Artistic technique dictates that the ideal points to position a subject is at any one of these four points of intersection. Those locations will best enable lead marks to be used to draw attention to the subject.
If lead marks are used, it is recommended that they be used with understatement and discretion so as not to over-compose an image. Lead marks are used best when they are not overbearing or intrusive. They need not necessarily be the dominant feature of a composition in order to be effective. Contrast, colour, depth of field, dynamic range, placement all remain important qualities of an image as well.
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
When used for navigation, lead marks are constructed in a variety of colours, sizes and shapes. However, they are always prominent and easily distinguished, during either the day or night. Mariners use lead marks like a pilot or guides; the marks enable mariners to chart a course to steer their boat or ship. The marks are located especially at the entrance of harbors and river or lake estuaries where navigational is difficult.
In summary, if used well, leading lines can be a strong tool to help a photographer create inject meaning and narrative into an image. One of the things that makes an image stand-out is the success with which it draws the attention of a viewer to its main subject.
Anything with a definite track can serve that purpose. A country lane, path, fence, road, bridge, telegraph/telephone cable, roadside guardrails, a lake shore, long beach, staircase, tennis net, or coastline all can function to direct vision. When employing lead marks, photographers usually also adopt the so-called rule of thirds.
This associated concept refers to an imaginary grid superimposed upon the image area by drawing two horizontal lines and two vertical lines so as to divide the image into nine equal-sized squares. The four lines intersect at four points within the image. Rigid technique suggests that the best focal point at which to position a subject is at one of these four intersection points. A lower level of emphasis can be achieved by positioning an object or feature along one of those four lines, rather than at a point of their intersection.
The four lines intersect with each other in the image at four separate points. Artistic technique dictates that the ideal points to position a subject is at any one of these four points of intersection. Those locations will best enable lead marks to be used to draw attention to the subject.
If lead marks are used, it is recommended that they be used with understatement and discretion so as not to over-compose an image. Lead marks are used best when they are not overbearing or intrusive. They need not necessarily be the dominant feature of a composition in order to be effective. Contrast, colour, depth of field, dynamic range, placement all remain important qualities of an image as well.
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
When used for navigation, lead marks are constructed in a variety of colours, sizes and shapes. However, they are always prominent and easily distinguished, during either the day or night. Mariners use lead marks like a pilot or guides; the marks enable mariners to chart a course to steer their boat or ship. The marks are located especially at the entrance of harbors and river or lake estuaries where navigational is difficult.
In summary, if used well, leading lines can be a strong tool to help a photographer create inject meaning and narrative into an image. One of the things that makes an image stand-out is the success with which it draws the attention of a viewer to its main subject.
About the Author:
Parker Michaels is a new media consultant and freelance photographer. For more information on leading lines, visit www.photo-junkie.com.
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