Photographers are storytellers with one aim in mind: to create the tale within a single image. To this end, the cameraman uses experience to consider every available tool for the shot. An invaluable tool for composition is the use of leading lines in photography. These bring structure to the picture, adding an extra dimension to the story.
Leading lines are a powerful compositional method that has been employed since at least the middle ages. Many classic paintings seen in museums display such a technique. By ushering the spectator around the scene, the story is played out in its entirety. Photographers are capable of achieving the same result by using a similar approach.
As in any good story, there must be a beginning, middle and an end. The beginning is often the standpoint of the observer; the middle is the way the paths draw interest from one area to another. The end is the focal point of the completed story. As an example, there is a picture of a child. The child is crying, with arm outstretched downward, pointing to the floor. On the floor is a dropped ice cream. The whole story can be seen, due to the arm acting as a continuation.
The lines do not need to be straight like arrows. Curves and arcs can evoke more emotions as they wander across the picture. A river or stream is a good example of this. A narrow channel of water starting in the lower left of a frame can twist through a valley towards a sparkling sea in the background, allowing the observer to wander through the picture. A procession during a street carnival will allow the viewer to follow the same route as the revelers.
It is not only inanimate objects which are useful for this task. An outstretched dog with eyes closed points its nose straight to a cozy fireplace, while a sleeping cat spiraling from tail to tucked-in head creates a swirling line of focus. Wild animals and birds such as giraffes and pelicans are equally adept at pointing the way.
Artificial guides are also a fine source of viewer persuasion. Anyone familiar with the image of the Eiffel Tower in France will know that the eye automatically follows the sweeping column all the way to the very top of the construction. Fashion photographers often take advantage of the lines within apparel or on the backdrop to emphasize and focus on the parts of the clothing that are considered important.
Leading lines do not always need to be visible. Unseen, they can lead to an air of expectancy. An invisible line drawn from a baseball pitcher's arm and through the ball will make onlookers pause in anticipation as they see the raised bat moments before the swing. The unblinking stare of a person will unfailingly draw onlookers' eyes to the subject upon which the gaze is fixed.
Using leading lines in photography must be carried out to perfection. Without the guiding paths to follow, the eye is allowed to wander aimlessly around the picture without any real thought as to what the story is about. Even worse, when the lines are used inappropriately, they can confuse and distract the viewer from the meaning that is being conveyed. There are times when leading lines can be used to great effect, but knowing when to employ them and when to omit them is the sign of a good photographer.
Leading lines are a powerful compositional method that has been employed since at least the middle ages. Many classic paintings seen in museums display such a technique. By ushering the spectator around the scene, the story is played out in its entirety. Photographers are capable of achieving the same result by using a similar approach.
As in any good story, there must be a beginning, middle and an end. The beginning is often the standpoint of the observer; the middle is the way the paths draw interest from one area to another. The end is the focal point of the completed story. As an example, there is a picture of a child. The child is crying, with arm outstretched downward, pointing to the floor. On the floor is a dropped ice cream. The whole story can be seen, due to the arm acting as a continuation.
The lines do not need to be straight like arrows. Curves and arcs can evoke more emotions as they wander across the picture. A river or stream is a good example of this. A narrow channel of water starting in the lower left of a frame can twist through a valley towards a sparkling sea in the background, allowing the observer to wander through the picture. A procession during a street carnival will allow the viewer to follow the same route as the revelers.
It is not only inanimate objects which are useful for this task. An outstretched dog with eyes closed points its nose straight to a cozy fireplace, while a sleeping cat spiraling from tail to tucked-in head creates a swirling line of focus. Wild animals and birds such as giraffes and pelicans are equally adept at pointing the way.
Artificial guides are also a fine source of viewer persuasion. Anyone familiar with the image of the Eiffel Tower in France will know that the eye automatically follows the sweeping column all the way to the very top of the construction. Fashion photographers often take advantage of the lines within apparel or on the backdrop to emphasize and focus on the parts of the clothing that are considered important.
Leading lines do not always need to be visible. Unseen, they can lead to an air of expectancy. An invisible line drawn from a baseball pitcher's arm and through the ball will make onlookers pause in anticipation as they see the raised bat moments before the swing. The unblinking stare of a person will unfailingly draw onlookers' eyes to the subject upon which the gaze is fixed.
Using leading lines in photography must be carried out to perfection. Without the guiding paths to follow, the eye is allowed to wander aimlessly around the picture without any real thought as to what the story is about. Even worse, when the lines are used inappropriately, they can confuse and distract the viewer from the meaning that is being conveyed. There are times when leading lines can be used to great effect, but knowing when to employ them and when to omit them is the sign of a good photographer.
About the Author:
Parker Michaels is a new media consultant and freelance photographer. For more information on leading lines in photography, visit www.photo-junkie.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment