Photocircle Digest: "Leading lines"

photocircle (72)in #blog • 6 years ago (edited)

If there is one thing that differentiate a great photograph with a standard one are the elements that act as the "leading lines" to the subject. These are the elements within the frame of the shot that guide the viewer's attention towards the focal point of the image.

As I mentioned in the previous article, one way to create an impact-full image is to simplify it. In this way, the viewer's attention will not be wandering around the image and get lost without getting the message that the photo is trying to convey.

Since our eyes are not really trained to focus in a single element among the many elements within the frame; unless their is only one object in the photo, our eyes will simply traverse on every elements of the photo.

In this case, the best approach is to discern the scene and recognize the outstanding element. If you decided to set it as the focal point of the image, the next goal is to recognize the other elements that will visually support the subject - these are elements meant to serve as the leading lines.

Take a look on the image below:

With all of the strong elements within this scene, if shot wrongly our attention would simply get lost trying to orient ourselves and discern which one could be the subject of this image. Obviously, it was shot in such a way that the viewer's eye is guided towards the nave where the altar is the centerpiece.

To make things clearer; with the same image below, I have drawn imaginary lines that represents the arrangement of the other elements that are acting as the leading lines.

Notice how every element that worked in unison to converged our attention towards the focal point?

Lucky for us, the designers of Cathedrals like this already figured it out for us. It's as if they already thought of setting-up leading lines for the 21st century humans' photography.

If it's easily done on man made structures, how about in a seemingly random set-up like the ones that the nature provide? If you closely observe the image below, it seems that mother nature has figure something out for us to use as the leading lines. It only requires a bit more of our creativity and diligent eyes.

Although the elements that we get are only suggestive, it's still a good way to grab the attention of the viewers. And to make it clearer, I also drawn some lines to emphasize what I'm trying to explain.

The branches, leaves, twigs, and even the shadows are drawing our attention towards the main subject - the boat. It may seemed simple looking at how this image was framed; but in reality, this scene could be more challenging than a simple click on the camera's trigger.

In addition, one of the reasons that made this image more impact-full is the way that the boat was positioned within the frame, did you notice anything? - The Rule of Thirds!

I actually wrote an article about which you can freely check through this link.

Again to make it clearer, I have drawn an imaginary equal parts for the image which show that the boat is positioned along the lines. These are the lines that are believed to be the interesting position for any given type of photography.

The good thing about photography is that there a lot of ways to make your composition better. Most of the time, the rules or guide could even be combined together and create a stronger image as a result. There are times that a single technique can not simply uplift a photo and would require another technique to support the composition.

Demo images: source

As a way to conclude this post, do you wonder how the talented Steem photography community utilize "leading lines" as a way to exemplify the composition of their shot? Below are some of the amazing photos that are curated by the Photocircle project.