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Photography Composition And Leading Lines
Leading lines are used artistically by the image arts like photography, painting and graphic designers, as well as outdoor pursuits like orienteering and navigation. In a photographic context, the technique is demonstrated by imagining railway tracks extending into the distance. The tracks tend to pull the viewers through the image by guiding their vision into the distance toward the horizon. More generally, the tracks are a device that leads the vision of viewers to another point of focus in the image.
Drawing attention to a focal point is the key function of leading marks. Any object with a definite path or track can serve the function of lead marks. A long country lane, fence, bridge, phone cable, guardrails, staircase, tennis net, lake shoreline, long beach or coastline can all direct vision. When using lead marks, photographers sometimes also employ the rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds is used to refer to an imaginary grid pattern superimposed over an image area by two vertical and two horizontal lines that break the image into nine equal squares. These four lines intersect within the image at four points. Rules of technique dictate that the best point to position an object is at one of the four intersection points. Those locations will best draw the attention of a viewer. Positioning an object along one of the four dividing lines achieves only secondary emphasis.
The four lines intersect with each other in the image at four separate points. Artistic technique dictates that the ideal points to position a subject is at any one of these four points of intersection. Those locations will best enable lead marks to be used to draw attention to the subject.
If lead marks are used, it is recommended that they be used with understatement and discretion so as not to over-compose an image. Lead marks are used best when they are not overbearing or intrusive. They need not necessarily be the dominant feature of a composition in order to be effective. Contrast, colour, depth of field, dynamic range, placement all remain important qualities of an image as well.
Finally, in the context of marine navigation, leading marks are used by a vessel to fix its position and follow that indicated path as a safe passage through shallow or otherwise dangerous channel. The marks are purposefully positioned so that they align, one directly before the other in a straight line, when viewed from a certain angle. That line of angle marks the safe passage.
The leading marks themselves can take the form a variety of shapes or lights; the key requirement is that they stand prominent and are easily visible. They are often used to guide vessels through the entrance of harbors and estuaries where navigational hazards commonly prevail/exist. In the USA, lead marks and lead lead lights are referred to as range marks and range lights.
In summary, if used well, leading lines can be a strong tool to help a photographer create inject meaning and narrative into an image. One of the things that makes an image stand-out is the success with which it draws the attention of a viewer to its main subject.
Drawing attention to a focal point is the key function of leading marks. Any object with a definite path or track can serve the function of lead marks. A long country lane, fence, bridge, phone cable, guardrails, staircase, tennis net, lake shoreline, long beach or coastline can all direct vision. When using lead marks, photographers sometimes also employ the rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds is used to refer to an imaginary grid pattern superimposed over an image area by two vertical and two horizontal lines that break the image into nine equal squares. These four lines intersect within the image at four points. Rules of technique dictate that the best point to position an object is at one of the four intersection points. Those locations will best draw the attention of a viewer. Positioning an object along one of the four dividing lines achieves only secondary emphasis.
The four lines intersect with each other in the image at four separate points. Artistic technique dictates that the ideal points to position a subject is at any one of these four points of intersection. Those locations will best enable lead marks to be used to draw attention to the subject.
If lead marks are used, it is recommended that they be used with understatement and discretion so as not to over-compose an image. Lead marks are used best when they are not overbearing or intrusive. They need not necessarily be the dominant feature of a composition in order to be effective. Contrast, colour, depth of field, dynamic range, placement all remain important qualities of an image as well.
Finally, in the context of marine navigation, leading marks are used by a vessel to fix its position and follow that indicated path as a safe passage through shallow or otherwise dangerous channel. The marks are purposefully positioned so that they align, one directly before the other in a straight line, when viewed from a certain angle. That line of angle marks the safe passage.
The leading marks themselves can take the form a variety of shapes or lights; the key requirement is that they stand prominent and are easily visible. They are often used to guide vessels through the entrance of harbors and estuaries where navigational hazards commonly prevail/exist. In the USA, lead marks and lead lead lights are referred to as range marks and range lights.
In summary, if used well, leading lines can be a strong tool to help a photographer create inject meaning and narrative into an image. One of the things that makes an image stand-out is the success with which it draws the attention of a viewer to its main subject.
About the Author:
Parker Michaels is a new media consultant and freelance photographer. For more information on leading lines, visit www.photo-junkie.com.