leading lines

How to use leading lines to create dynamic photographs

Aug 21, 2023 by Alex Baker Add Comment

Photography is all about capturing moments and telling stories through images. One powerful technique that can greatly enhance your photos is using compositional rules, such as triangles and leading lines. Leading lines are linear elements within a photograph that guide the viewer’s eye through the frame, either pointing towards the subject or creating a path for the eye to follow.

In this video, landscape photographer Mike Smith delves into the art of using leading lines to make your photographs more engaging and dynamic.

All about leading lines in photography

Aug 10, 2023 by Daniela Bowker Add Comment

When it comes to composition, photographers have a huge collection of tools and techniques to use to create strong, interesting photographs. The rule of thirds is a well-known technique, so is symmetry or negative space. Another compositional technique that photographers use to help guide their viewer’s eyes and tell their stories is leading lines.

You might think that leading lines are most common in landscape photography, but you can use them in any genre. Here, we are going to look at the different types of lines you can find in photos and how to use them to the best effect.

How to create dynamic landscape compositions without leading lines

Jul 16, 2022 by Alex Baker Add Comment

Are you a rule follower or a rule breaker? The rebel in me usually likes to bend the rules as much as possible, and the rules of photography and composition are no exception. It’s true that they exist for a reason, and often by following them, at least in the early phases of learning, we will get much better results.

However, following rules all the time when creating art can quickly get boring. In this video landscape photographer, Brendan van Son shows us some ideas for creating dynamic images without using leading lines.

The importance of leading lines in photography

Dec 29, 2020 by Nicholas Goodden Add Comment

Leading lines in photography are existing lines within the frame of a photograph which the photographer has deliberately aligned/arranged (prior to taking the photo) by adjusting their composition either shifting their body or camera. It should result in lines which “lead” to the subject, increasing the focus of the viewer, allowing for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

It is often paired with the rule of thirds although not necessarily.

Since I started photographing London (back around 2008), I have made a conscious effort to practice and master this as it greatly improves photographs, their impact, and the ease with which a viewer will appreciate your work, a certain user experience I guess.

I include some examples of my London photography so you can see for yourself the importance of leading lines in photography.