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© Benjamin Pecka
April's Challenge:
- Share an old photograph of yours using leading lines as a composition element.
- Obtain a new photograph using leading lines as a compositional element.
Or,
Extra Credit:
- In addition to using leading lines, use a compositional element from a past challenge (framing, implied presence, or twilight).
A leading line is a composition element in photography that uses lines to bring added focus to a subject, or occasionally will lead you outside the image. A line can be anything, a sidewalk, roadway, path, railroad tracks, or even the lines of a leaf.
Knowing this technique will greatly enhance your images.
When composing a shot, take a moment and see if there is anything that can be used as a leading line. Items like paths, long shadows, natural features and such work very well. The line should begin at or near the bottom of the shot and work its way toward the top – preferably near the main subject. Diagonal lines are sharp and dynamic while curved lines are smooth and graceful.
Take a look at the above photograph. While it's not a terribly strong example of leading lines, the rail track leads your focus to the horse ornament, as do the ties, rock bed, and the viewable horizon. It's undeniable where your attention is drawn.
Here are some additional examples (fair use):
Another one of Spadina in all its yellow, leading-lined glory
