Lead-in lines are a very clever visual way that can be used to help the viewers’ eye through the scene and give your images a greater sense of depth.
For landscape photography, there is a range of scenic elements that can be used as lead-in lines including walls, fences, rivers, streams, paths, roads and much more.
Table of Contents
Here are the best advices to use this technique to improve your landscapes
If you are after travel photography tips, compositions, tutorials and much more then why not reading and downloading for FREE (no need to pass your email, no worries) this ultimate guide for travel photography. Over 70 pages that may change your way to make (not just take) photos when travelling.
FREE (no email required) Reference Guide to Travel Photography
Fine-tune your composition
Ideally, a lead-in line should run from the foreground towards a prominent focal point within the image, providing the viewer’s eye with a route to follow through the image.
This can help to convey a feeling of depth in a landscape photograph, giving it a more three-dimensional feel.
A line that runs directly from one corner of the image can be particularly effective and you’ll find that diagonal lines tend to be strongest.
Use subtle lead-in lines
Lead-in lines don’t have to dominate the image – often subtle lines can be more effective.
Implied lines, such as shadows, footprints on a sandy beach, a row of boulders and even cloud patterns can make very effective lead-ins.
Use curved lines
Lead-in lines don’t have to be straight.
Curving lines can be more effective as they slow the viewer’s progress through the image, allowing them to explore more of the detail in the scene.
Dry-stone walls, hedgerows, streams and other similar features in the landscape can sometimes provide the eye with several places to rest on its journey through the image.
Select the correct aperture
When composing an image with a lead-in line you’ll normally want to record the whole image in sharp focus from front to back.
Use an aperture between f/8 and f/15 to to have a full sharp image
Try a wide-angle lens
Lead-in lines can be accentuated with the use of a wide-angle lens, making use of perspective to help draw the viewers eye through the scene.
Strong lead-in lines photographed using a wide-angle lens at 16-17mm can create a particularly dramatic effect.
Shoot in vertical format
Lead-in lines can be used to even more dramatic effect when shooting in vertical format.
Distance will be emphasized, as the effect of perspective will be greater
If you think that this post has helped and you want to know much more about travel photography then you should read and download the FREE Ultimate Guide to Travel Photography (no emails required), a 70 pages PDF file.
Download the FREE Travel Photography guide
I do not like “pushing marketing” and that is why I do not ask email, name, phones, grandpa names etc in exchange.
However, if you want to be updated on new similar tutorials, free guides and spreadsheets and much more then you can always subscribe to the mailing list.
PS You can unsubscribe whenever you want
Stef,
Many thks for all the tips.
Your website is fabulous and useful.
Your pics are stunning.
Thks again for kind information for us visiting this beautiful city.
No worries Franky, I always like helping out 🙂
GREAT TIPS!!!
Thanks 🙂