Leading Lines

Human eye always have an ability to draw along patterns. By effectively framing the lines and placing lines in your composition, the way the image is perceived by the audience can be affected. This can let the viewer navigate through the image, towards the subject. There are many different types of line - straight, diagonal, curvy, zigzag, radial etc - and each can be used to enhance our photo's composition. Lines can also be used to enhance the balance of the image and to draw attention to the off balanced subject.

Horizontal lines add to the layering of the photographs and adds to the depth of the image. Horizontal lines play a vital role when images of horizons and landscape is taken. This helps to place the subjects and theme in place and to depict the depth of the image. Horizons should generally not be placed in the middle of your frame. This leaves an image unsettled compositionally. A much more effective technique is to place them in the upper or lower third of your frame.

Vertical lines can be used effectively by swapping the way your camera is held. This lengthens the vertical subject further which can emphasize it’s height. It’s important to attempt to keep your vertical lines as much in parallel with the sides of your image.  Placing a line directly in the middle of a shot will effectively cut your image in half. This can be used with dramatic impact but also can leave your image looking segmented.

Diagonal lines generally work well to draw the eye of an image’s viewer through the photograph. They create points of interest as they intersect with other lines and often give images depth by suggesting perspective.