Minor technicalities aside, a technical emphasis on the techniques used to produce a good, technically well balanced photograph is not always necessary but usually beneficial.
Did you get that?
Have you ever noticed something about a photograph that draws you to the main focal point? Sometimes the method used by a photo artist is obvious and at others times, very subtle. With the image above, the leading lines, planters and trees, are the main focal point. Their overwhelming presence makes a bold statement.
More subtle uses of leading lines can work to draw attention to a specific area of an image without being obvious. Notice in the image below how the visual paths from the lower corners lead to the main focal point in the left center.
For a dramatic use of a leading line, the old city shot below borders on extreme and the line from the left almost but not quite dominates the image. This is an example where the line is critical to the strength of the other elements.
For an even more dramatic use of leading lines, this high contrast, monochrome works well in drawing the line of vision along a very strong leading line.
The following images all use some type of leading line(s) to either pull the visual attention to a main element or to emphasize a specific flow or element of the scene. See if you can identify the lines and how they enhance the visual experience. I’ve presented all of these in monochrome to allow the structural elements to stand without any colorful distractions.
An interesting collection of images, Mark, and a nice challenge to find all of the leading lines. I have found framing lines and lines as the actual subject in a couple of the shots but not what I would deem to be a leading line. My definition is that a leading line must direct the viewer to the subject. This is what makes photography and looking at images so much fun – we can all have a different interpretation of the same image.
I agree with your view. Evryone have a focal point in the images they take.
Really nice series of images, Mark. Nice illustration of how lines and other elements lend themselves as guides for the eye.
I agree with Mark (above), everyone has their own interpretation of images, which is one of the things that makes photography so interesting. Nice post, man.
Mark, this is a really nice series. I’m sucker for compositions with a focus on leading lines. The 4th picture has a killer feel to it. Well done!
Wonderful post Mark and i agree with Mark Summerfield’s comments as well. Excellent set of images but that first one is my favorite.
Awesome, awesome work here, Mark! Great way to illustrate a point by sharing some top drawer photos!
Love the photos esp the fifth one!