Definition
Leading lines are a compositional tool that can be used to lead the viewer either to the main subject or a focal point in an image, or along a path through and image. Leading lines have several uses:
They can guide the viewer to what you want them to see and be used to connect different features in an image.
They can lead a viewer through an image and along a path you want them to take, this can give a picture depth when running from front to back of an image.
Leading lines can be found both in nature and in a man-made environment, from streams, rivers, tree trunks and shorelines in the natural world to paths, roads, railways, walls and fences in a manufactured setting.
In order to use leading lines to their best advantage you can use a wider lens with a narrow aperture and also shoot at an angle, this will help give depth, leading lines should also be interesting in their own right helping hold the viewers’ attention.
LEADING LINES & FOCAL POINTS
Edits
Review
With my new found understanding of the rule of thirds I moved on to leading lines and focal points, and what an amazing job they do of leading you through a picture, helping me grasp the idea that a picture can tell a story by “leading” you through an image and connecting points, it was an interesting shoot and I found shooting from a lower angle gave me more pleasing results, it feels odd that an empty tram platform strikes me as a good picture without a tram! Oh and I’m not entirely convinced the park bench leading to an orange has the same visual appeal but its slightly odd and I like it 😊