NEW Basic Assignment #2: Leading lines

This assignment is about another basic compositional method, the use of leading lines. It is another method to create interesting compositions and frequently used to "guide" the viewer through an image. Don't always use leading lines, rules like these are there to be broken, but when you understand them it's also easier to understand when to break (or not use) them. The point of this task is to look for a pre-defined composition in the environment around you. Here is a reference that describes the principle, but just googling "leading lines" will give you many, many more.

You will shoot a picture clearly demonstrating the use of leading lines to enhance the composition. No studio shots/no interfering with the subjects. You must not change the natural layout of the scene. Only cropping in one direction is allowed.

General Assignment Rules The general rules for the assignments are as follows : - clean slate, all “old” assignments will be locked (over time as the new ones are created) - no mining, shots must be specifically taken for the assignment (we trust you ) - only one assignment at the time. Once started you can only take the next assignment after having passed. - one dimension crop and minor straightening allowed (to allow different aspect ratios, but don’t crop in both directions) - max 2 pics per post/try - you can do the assignments in any order, and repeated as many times as you want - at least one moderators or admin will comment on every post and determine fail/pass. This might include general C&C as well. - all members of Dyxum can also leave comments on the shots posted - id of members that passed will be kept in a "pass post" - specifically good pictures or good examples of assignment passes will be kept in a new "assignment gallery" - instructions for specific assignments will generally stay as is (and we'll have to write new ones for new assignments). - shots posted for the assignments are eligible for selection in the weekly exhibitions

Edited by pegelli - 16 January 2010 at 20:57

Saw some abandoned cars in a field behind my dad's house. I noticed the stream.



Next picture, I was trying to get a decent picture of my favorite guitar. Tried to use the cable as a leading line.

I must agree with brettania on all 3 shots.

For outback and easypete the "line"is more a total bar with major disturbances and discontinuities. They draw you into the picture but that's about all. We would like to see much clearer examples.

easypete's second shot has the problem that his chosen leading line (the cord) is much weaker in the composition vs. the other line formed by the strings of the guitar taking you right out of the picture again. Probably if you wouldn't have mentioned the cord I probably would not even have noticed it.

Hope this analysis helps a bit and looking forward to your next try.

I agree (and appreciate) the comments earlier. I guess I was too subtle for leading lines.

Alright... so I went to my favorite location (a cemetery... don't psychoanalyze me... my uncle's doing that already)...

I liked the name on this memorial, so I used rule of thirds, small DOF, and leading lines to draw attention to it.

Well l've travelled 220ks today (over to Mt Gambier - the blue lake) racking my brain for this assignment, so l'm hoping these are a BIT better.

l'm not sure if l can post two but l had to have a backup

1. Lookout.




2. Tower.

Agree with Cam on both passes. Good example of leading lines which are truly "leading" the viewer through the image to the main attention point.

As a general comment I think the first B&W can use a midtone/shadow lift. Make sure you keep a bit of true black but in general it's a boit too drab/dark for my taste now.

outback88 wrote: Cam & Pieter, thank you for your valuable time - very much appreciated, l know how busy you both are, Pieter l see what you mean, but l wasn't sure how much PP l could apply, l only did one crop, it is very flat, here is the original with some PP.

Nice pic, better in B&W like you did first IMO.