There are a number of composition rules used by artists and photographers. You’ve likely heard of the Rule of Thirds since it’s been used for centuries, even by the old Masters of painting.

Remember that these are rules and not laws. They can be bent or even broken. If you want to add more impact to your photographs you should think about these rules, and today we’re talking about Leading Lines.

Just like it sounds, Leading Lines guide the eye of the viewer into the picture. They lead toward the subject, toward the focal point of your image. They draw the viewer in. A road, a fence line, the limbs of a tree, the petals of a flower, the sections of a hot air balloon, are all available for you to use.

Whether you use straight or curved lines will mostly be dictated by where you’re shooting. Either is effective, but they differ a bit. Straight, and especially diagonal lines, evoke power and dynamic flow. They ’speed’ the viewer to the focal point.

Curved lines are more subtle, meandering a bit before they arrive at their final destination. Curving leading lines slowly guide the eye into the picture. They’re more peaceful and subdued than their bolder and straighter counterparts.

The next time you’re out shooting take a number of photos specifically using Leading Lines. See if these images ’speak’ to you more so than others. If so, add this technique to your photographic bag of tricks.