By Parker Michaels
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.
Anything with a definite track can serve that purpose. A country lane, path, fence, road, bridge, telegraph/telephone cable, roadside guardrails, a lake shore, long beach, staircase, tennis net, or coastline all can function to direct vision. When employing lead marks, photographers usually also adopt the so-called rule of thirds.
Anything with a definite track can serve that purpose. A country lane, path, fence, road, bridge, telegraph/telephone cable, roadside guardrails, a lake shore, long beach, staircase, tennis net, or coastline all can function to direct vision. When employing lead marks, photographers usually also adopt the so-called 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.
Lead marks can give depth to an image and create relationships within an image. Moreover, multiple lead marks can also help to create immense tension and inject a sense of complexity and turmoil to an image. The device can be fun to play with and experiment.
When using this artistic device, it is advisable not to overly compose the image. Lead marks are most effective when they remain discrete and subtle rather than intrusive or obvious. Their positive contribution can be made without lead marks being the dominant feature in a composition. Image qualities such as contrast, colour, depth of field, placement are all important as well.
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
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 p
Lead marks can give depth to an image and create relationships within an image. Moreover, multiple lead marks can also help to create immense tension and inject a sense of complexity and turmoil to an image. The device can be fun to play with and experiment.
When using this artistic device, it is advisable not to overly compose the image. Lead marks are most effective when they remain discrete and subtle rather than intrusive or obvious. Their positive contribution can be made without lead marks being the dominant feature in a composition. Image qualities such as contrast, colour, depth of field, placement are all important as well.
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
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 p
When using this artistic device, it is advisable not to overly compose the image. Lead marks are most effective when they remain discrete and subtle rather than intrusive or obvious. Their positive contribution can be made without lead marks being the dominant feature in a composition. Image qualities such as contrast, colour, depth of field, placement are all important as well.
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
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:
Lead lines may be straight or they may be curved. The important point is that they define space well, that is, in a way that adds to the artistic narrative of a composition. The lead marks usually, but not necessarily, start toward the bottom of an image and then stealthily work their way toward the main subject.
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.