What are leading lines?

Lines can be straight, such as paths, roads and buildings, but they don’t have to be. They can be curves. They can zig-zag. A meandering river still provides a line from A to B. Fallen logs, shorelines, sand dunes, cliffs, fences, parked cars, a queue of people – almost anything can provide a line that the eye can follow. The use of leading lines can be incredibly powerful, turning a simple image into an enticing narrative.

They can be used horizontally, vertically or diagonally (or in combination), as long as they are moving the viewer’s eye within the frame. And because lines move the viewer’s eye, beware of ‘exits’, or lines that run out of the frame, as these can pull the viewer away, rather than keeping them engaged.

When you’re out with your camera, always be on the lookout for things that could be used as leading lines in your frame. If the lines start at ground level, you can get down and frame from there too, adding a bit of drama to the foreground.

Check out more on composition tips, things to try with landscapes and grids to use for food photography.