Leading lines are a compositional technique in photography where lines, either natural or human-made, lead the viewers eyes through a photograph to the subject or the heart of the image. They are used to direct the focus of the photo, create balance, and tell a story with the image. Leading lines can be very noticeable or quite subtle, and they can be used across all kinds of photography, from portraits to landscape shots.

There are different types of leading lines in photography, including horizontal lines, vertical lines, diagonal lines, converging lines, and curved lines. Horizontal lines are common in nature and landscape photography, while vertical lines are often used in architectural photography. Diagonal lines can add a sense of movement and dynamism to an image, while converging lines can create a sense of depth and perspective. Curved lines can add a sense of grace and fluidity to an image.

Leading lines can be anything that looks like a line and is capable of guiding the viewers eye, such as rivers, logs, marks on a road, pointed rocks on a beach, lines in the sand, or the walls of a house. The natural lighting on the lines can impact their strength and mood, and varying shadows can give images a different feel.

To use leading lines effectively, photographers must first grasp the various types of leading lines and how they should be used. They can add interest to the overall image and create a natural path for the viewer to follow. Leading lines are a versatile compositional tool that can be used to add dynamism, improve the viewers appreciation of an image, and create a 3D effect. By properly putting leading lines in the frame, photographers can bring attention to important parts of a photograph and steer viewers away from the sections they dont want them to see.