Want Better Photos? Here’s a tip!

Using leading lines to add a dynamic element to your compositions.

You’re out on a photo walk, trying to frame that perfect shot. The moment is perfect, and your surroundings are somehow even better, but for reasons you’re not totally aware of (yet), your images just don’t do the scene justice.

So how can you add a more dynamic element to your composition so the moment isn’t totally wasted? Leading lines of course!

What are leading lines? Let me break it down for you… I’ll get into pretty good detail here but you can also check out my recent YouTube video about leading lines here too.

The Basics

At the technique’s most basic, the use of leading lines boils down to finding natural elements and lines within the scene and positioning those lines and elements in a way that helps to carry the viewer’s attention through the frame or directs attention to the intended subject of the image

In the above image, you can clearly see how the natural lines created by the pathway and the fence to the right, create a guide that carries your eye through the image.

When I made this picture, I framed the image to intentionally have the path enter the frame at the lower right corner and flow diagonally up through the central portion of the frame.

Keeping the foliage on the left in a position to obstruct where the path is heading also added a touch of mystery to the image in an “I wonder whats around that next corner” kind of way. Had I taken two steps to the right at the time it would have revealed that the only thing around the corner was a little more path and a parking lot… Not very majestic.

Also, as a note, this could be a stronger image. Had I been walking with someone else that day they could have been the main subject and had the path and fence pointing to them as they were about to go around that corner. This would have made the “around the corner” mystery more of a supporting subject.

In this example, the small foreground branches carry the eye up toward the river, which redirects the eye up and to the right toward the bridge. This is another instance where the image could have been stronger if there were a person standing on or walking across the bridge. You get the idea.

In this last example, the lines of the road along with lines created by the tree tops create depth and draw your eye toward the center of the frame. This kind of image also takes advantage of the symmetry that is created by the road and its surrounding environment.

Wrapping up

There is no hard and fast rule about what you can use as a leading line. Just make sure that what you are using is prominent enough to do the job. Position your frame so that the lines you are using guide the eye across the frame, remember that diagonal lines help to create depth and visual interest. Oh yeah, and keep your horizon lines straight.

Now that you are a total pro with the use of leading lines to add context and interest to your photos, you can use your new skills to make some killer images of that spot on your photo walk.

Go on, what are you waiting for? That perfect light wont last forever. Go make some images and I’ll catch up with you next time! Thanks for reading!