Friday, April 1, 2011

Leading Lines - A Photography Technique.

A photography term you may have heard before is "Leading Lines".  Its a basic rule for photography composition and one I use very frequently.  Whether you are taking landscapes or portraits it is extremely important to understand and utilize this technique.

What does "Leading Lines" mean?
Put simply leading lines are literally lines in the photograph that draw your eyes to the subject.  Lines can be formed by anything from tree branches and mountains to architecture.  The options are limitless.  These lines pleasingly make your subject the center of attention of the photo. 

How do I utilize "Leading Lines" in my photo?
First, you have to pick your subject.  WHAT exactly are you trying to photograph?  Once you have a subject picked out then take in what is surrounding the subject.  Utilize the scenery and position yourself and your camera in a way so that the surroundings point at your subject.

Still unsure?  Here are some examples of photos and leading lines! 









And a portrait example:



PS.  Please don't use my photos without my permission.  Thanks!
at 11:04 AM

8 comments:

  1. MelApril 1, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Thanks for adding the arrows, sometime I have a hard time noticing the less obvious lines (like clouds, who knew!).

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  2. ConnieApril 1, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Thanks for the great tip! I'm always trying to take better photos and all these tips I read really help.

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  3. Gale WallApril 1, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Love the last shot. Thanks for the visual explanation with the arrows. That is how I learn the best.

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  4. RachelApril 1, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Great explanation. I love all your purple leading lines! What a great way to show all the lines. I think my favorite one is the one with the logs on the hill pointing up at the barn...did you climb down there and put them that way? ;)

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  5. MarieElizabethApril 2, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Really nice explanation. I've not used that term, but I it does make a lot of sense. Off to try and take some nice shots for this month.

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  6. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I also thank you for drawing in the lines with the arrows. That was very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 22, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I wasn't sure where to post this....
    You should do a contest on flowers, or macros, or super macros or something like that. You know what they say "April showers bring May flowers".

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Personally, I think you've taken this a step too far.

    ReplyDelete

I love and appreciate all comments! If you have a question please ask away and I will certainly reply.

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