Sept 21 Newsletter - Leading Lines
Sep 04, 2021
As a photographer one of the things we want to do is grab our viewer and bring them into the story. There are several ways to do this, brilliant color, subject placement, and leading lines among others. Today let’s discuss leading lines. These will help the viewer find their way to what you are trying to convey.
Lines help to convey a sense of depth, movement and rhythm. Contingent upon their direction of flow, lines can also provide or imply mood. Whether they’re horizontal, vertical, diagonal, converging or S-shaped, each suggests a different atmosphere. Here are some of the reasons lines are such compelling story tellers.
Horizontal lines bring to mind thoughts of tranquility. When people sleep, it’s in a horizontal position. The idea of setting something down implies laying it out horizontally. Whether on a grand scale or close up, search for lines that communicate serenity. Here the undulating horizontal line helps frame the depth of the photo through the structure and on up to the colorful fall trees.
Vertical lines symbolize power, strength and fortitude. When people stand tall, it represents pride. Animals raise themselves in a vertical stance to ward off predators. Photo subjects with vertical lines evoke the same meanings. Trees, mountains and skyscrapers are great subjects to portray this dominance.
Diagonal lines evoke speed, movement and action.
Curved lines show grace and beauty. The flow of the curve can be long and sweeping or short and rapid. The greater the sweep, the more serene and peaceful the representation.
In this last photo, the curved line doesn't necessarily lead you to a place as much as it frames the subject. (Framing is a subject for another newsletter)
Converging lines command the viewer’s attention to fixate upon a single focal point. They create a strong sense of depth in a two-dimensional photograph. Whenever parallel lines recede to the horizon, the illusion of convergence is the result. Railroad tracks and roads, each shot from a low angle, are classic examples.
So if you are stuck when trying to compose a good photograph, look for some lines. Sometimes they will lead you to a pay off. Sometimes they will lead you to end that is not obvious, then you can finish the story with your imagination. In any event they will “lead” you in the right direction.
We hope that you will take some time to look for leading lines in your photography and maybe at Don Peterson Photography.