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The concept of leading lines is commonly used in artistic photography and painting as well as navigation. In photography, the concept can be explained by imagining yourself standing between a pair of railway tracks as you lift your gaze and view them extend into the distance. In that image, the tracks are guiding your vision to the horizon. More generally, the tracks form a path that leads your vision to another object or focal point in the image.

Drawing specific attention to a particular area or point of focus is the key purpose of leading marks. Any object that has a clear, definite line or path will serve the purpose of a lead mark. Examples include a river or stream, tennis net, laneway, bridge, phone cable, fence, guardrail, staircase, shoreline or long beach. All these objects can guide viewer vision. Lead marks are used in conjunction with a device known as a rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds is so-named because it divides an image into three sections vertically and three sections horizontally. This imaginary three-by-three grid divides an image into nine square-shaped cells. The grid pattern is achieved by imagining two vertical plus two horizontal lines dividing the image into the nine cells.

The four lines intersect with each other in the image at four separate points. Artistic technique dictates that the ideal points to position a subject is at any one of these four points of intersection. Those locations will best enable lead marks to be used to draw attention to the subject.

When using this artistic device, it is advisable not to overly compose the image. Lead marks are most effective when they remain discrete and subtle rather than intrusive or obvious. Their positive contribution can be made without lead marks being the dominant feature in a composition. Image qualities such as contrast, colour, depth of field, placement are all important as well.

Straight or curved, lead lines define space and add to artistic composition. They typically begin at the bottom of the image and extend into its centre or heart, bringing the eyes of the viewer with them.

When used for navigation, lead marks are constructed in a variety of colours, sizes and shapes. However, they are always prominent and easily distinguished, during either the day or night. Mariners use lead marks like a pilot or guides; the marks enable mariners to chart a course to steer their boat or ship. The marks are located especially at the entrance of harbors and river or lake estuaries where navigational is difficult.

In conclusion, when used correctly, leading lines can be a powerful tool that helps a photographer create a more meaningful image. They draw the eyes of a viewer eye through a photograph to a target focal point. They can be straight or curved, mostly intentional but sometimes unintentional. They effectively define space and add to the visual narrative and artistic composition of an image.

Parker Michaels is a new media consultant and freelance photographer. For more information on leading lines, visit www.photo-junkie.com.