GES Photography Foundations

Name: Anika Gatzke

Composition Basics: Leading Lines

The WHY: Leading Lines direct the viewers eye into or through the photo quickly or slowly depending upon the line. Please be aware that leading lines can be created by having the subject(s) arranged in such a way as to create an "invisible" connect-the-dots sort of effect to create a joined line, such as a row of apples. The HOW: For each of the following compositional themes you will take 10-20 shots of whatever subject you think appropriate. The WHAT: Copy and paste your 2 BEST photos for each compositional theme below and tell me briefly why you think it works for that particular theme.

What to HAND IN: You will hand in a copy of this worksheet and a contact sheet made in PS6 of ALL the photos taken for this assignment, (there should be at least 50). ASSESSMENT

Project: Leading Lines

Well composed imagery using compositional guidelines Lighting and exposure (variety of tones or values and contrast) Great focus and clarity of subject Original interpretation of the theme "Leading Lines" Followed project parameters and criteria

4 Excellent
Self Teacher

3 Proficient
Self Teacher

2 Adequate
Self Teacher

1 Limited
Self Teacher

4 - outstanding, always above expectations 3 - good, usually above expectations 2 - satisfactory, meets expectations 1 - in progress, sometimes meets expectations

Hansen2014-04-16

Vertical Leading Lines: Create a sense of strength and stability. The vertical line's direction is the force of gravity, or something escaping it, and can also have a sense of speed or movement. The border of the whiteboards draws attention to the shammy. The trees point towards the sun, drawing the observer's eyes upward.

Horizontal Leading Lines: Our frame of vision is horizontal, and our eyes scan most easily from side to side. The horizon is a fundamental reference line - the most familiar of any in a photograph - where sky meets earth. Horizontal lines generally express stability, weight, calm and restfulness.

The horizontal crack in the pavement leads the viewer's eye towards the leaf.

The horizon in the painting draws attention to both the moon and the coyote.

Hansen2014-04-16

Diagonal Leading Lines: Of all lines, diagonals introduce the most dynamism into a picture. They are highly active, with an even stronger expression of direction and speed than verticals. The diagonal has an unstable position and looks in the process of falling.

The diagonal lines along with the position of the subject create the expression of movement.

The diagonal lines of the fence point inward to the hanging earring.

Curved Leading Lines: Curved lines usually appear smooth, gentle, flowing, graceful and elegant: leading the eye slowly. Curves are inherently attractive to most people, particularly when they undulate (like an S-curve). The curve can be very subtle "C" shape or curve back on itself like an "S".

The curving direction of the bridge causes the viewer's eyes to follow to the end of it.

The animal tracks and the curve of the river wall draw the viewer's eyes around the picture, into the holes in the ice, and around the corner of the river.

Hansen2014-04-16

Eye Lines: So strong is our attraction to images of the human face that we pay instant attention to any face that appears clearly in a photograph. In particular, if the person in the photograph is looking at something, our eyes naturally follow in that direction. It is simple, normal curiosity, to see where the eyes are looking, and it creates a strong direction in the image. .

The only two subjects in focus draw the viewer's eyes horizontally to the other subject, an implied leading line.

The viewer's eyes are drawn to follow the direction of the subjects', a line from her to the laptop.

Hansen2014-04-16