
Living in the countryside means that fences appear quite a lot in my photography. Today I've deliberately used them to demonstrate the concept of leading lines. Every time you view a photograph your eye subconsciously is drawn along lines until it reaches the focal point of the photograph. These lines are called leading lines and they are just one of the tools that define a good photographic composition.
Leading Lines
They can be fence posts, footpaths, roads, ploughed fields, shadows, stairs. Furthermore they can be rays of sunshine curves, walls or even abstract lines like limbs if we're taking a portrait. They can be straight, curved or wavy.
It doesn't really matter so long as they don't lead the eye away from the focal point. The lines can define the relationship between the background and foreground. They give the viewer a sense of distance and perspective.
A Visual Journey
Pair your leading line with the rule of thirds and your image becomes a very strong composition!
Take this photograph for example. Can you see how the multiple lines converge and lead you into the image. Do you see how the lines eventually lead your eye to rest on my focal point?
Let's do it in slow motion...
I've only scratched the surface when it comes to leading lines with composition. You can see more examples of leading lines at the Learn Composition by Example Group on Flickr.
Zondra Art
Interesting shot, I like it!
Greetings and have a nice weekend.
Mom of M&Ms
great tutorial on leading lines… well done
Kala
Fantastic example of leading lines. And the selective focus is fabulous as are the tones.
Liz
I have been noticing lines around me as well. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Ida
Very interesting and informative post. I loved the little grassy patch of moss in your photo and yes I was drawn to it exactly as you described.