Lines that lead to better photos

Something I thoroughly enjoy is helping people become better photographers, better Instagramers, and better family-moment documenters. So I’ve decided to start sharing tips and techniques to help you explore the amazing world of photography. 

Today’s Photo Tip: LEADING LINES

Leading lines guide your eye to the subject or the area you wish the viewer to pay the most attention to. Leading Lines also make your image more interesting. For example, the image below of the setting sun from Huntington Beach leads the viewer's eye directly to the sunset via the sun rays at the top and the foam water line on the sand. Leading lines also create visual interest in your image. You can see this by studying the work of photographer Ansel Adams and his images titled “Sand Dunes, Sunrise” and “Tetons and The Snake River.” Leading lines can be straight or curved; they both elicit the desired outcome. But my uncle, who was a staff photographer for the LA Times, used to say that “curved leading lines allow your eye to experience a journey through your image.” So next time you want to add interest to an image or draw attention to a particular area, look for roads, tree lines, railroad tracks, streams, and anything else that will help draw the viewer in so they can experience the beauty you want to share.