Create Better Photos: Leading Lines

Have you ever wondered why some photos look mysteriously better than others?  Anyone can create a better picture.  All it takes is insider information and practice.  Here is the second installment of my series called “7 Elements of Composition.”  In this series, I’ll show you how to start taking better pictures right away.

To enhance the engagement of the viewer, the second most important tool in composition is the capturing and placement of lines. Actual or implied lines will lead the eyes of the viewer throughout the image.

Take a look at this picture of a mountain road.  Do your eyes begin at the bottom, and then travel up the road?  Do you wonder what’s around that curve?  By using these familiar converging lines, you as the viewer are now engaged with the image by moving your eyes.

As you look below at the variety of lines, notice how your eyes move throughout each image.

  • Where does your attention begin and end?
  • Do your eyes move in a straight line, circle or curve?
  • Is your attention drawn
    from outside the frame into it, or
    from one area into another, or
    from inside the image to outside its frame?

Wasn’t that fun?  Now it’s time to think about your pictures.

Lines to guide the viewer into the frame are often convergent lines of sidewalks, hall ways, rows of street lights or trees, edges of buildings, trails, rail road tracks or even edges of shadows. Others can be patterns in nature or architecture.

Lines to keep the viewer inside your picture can be circles, spirals, or a light area into a dark area. Strong straight or diagonal lines can also be used when they end at a smaller, interesting subject.

Lines can take the viewer from inside your picture to outside the frame when the line starts at a bold, interesting subject and then extends to the edge.

Let’s build on what you’ve learned about the Rule of Thirds.  When using a subject place it in the center of your image if the entire work is symmetrical, or using the Rule of Thirds place it on the intersection of two lines once you’d divide your image into 9 imaginary sections.  Look at the images above again. In which images do you see symmetry and the Rule of Thirds applied?

OK, it’s now time to grab your camera and head out the door!  You are more aware of leading lines, so begin to use them in your composition.

The element of Leading Lines does not stand alone.  How to best use it depends on the other six composition elements.  Are you ready to learn more?  

Check back for my next blog!

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2022-portrait-half-inch I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

It’s Nice to be Honored

It was nice to be honored with an article in the Yorba Linda Hills Magazine.  Just received my copy so I’d like to share it with you!

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here
Donna Edman Photography

To schedule a session or chat about your Portrait experience, call me! 
(714) 746-2418

Together, we can capture YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!

May Day is Here!

May Day is celebrated each year on May 1st.

Since the 1800s, in America the tradition is to leave a paper basket or cone with spring flowers and sweets on each other’s doorsteps.  This tradition is especially popular with children or sweethearts.  The custom is to knock on the door, yell “May Basket!” and then run.

Who can you bless with a May Basket?

A very special gift is a bouquet of flowers from your own garden.
For additional pretty basket ideas and other fun handmade gifts to share, check this out.

I invite you to gather a few flowers and sweets, and then place them in a paper basket or cone, or a woven basket, and share it with your neighbor.

What better way is there to show you care on this May Day!

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I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session or commission a fine art photograph,
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can capture the beauty of YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!

Brighten Your Day ~ The Color Purple

Do you know that colors can evoke emotions?

Purple is half-blue, half-red, and our understanding of purple lies somewhere in between the serenity of blue and the passion of red.  Purple both calms and stimulates our bodies, putting us in the right place for introspection and focused insight.

It fosters creativity by awakening our senses while promoting the quiet necessary to make intuitive, insightful observations. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace.

How about that.  Now ya know!

As we begin this new year, find some purple! Spend time in introspection.  Be intentional to create an inward-outward balance.  May you experience awareness and peace.

For more colorful Fine Art Images
for your living and working spaces,
check out my galleries here:

Fine Art Galleries

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session or commission a fine art photograph,
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can make YOUR LIFE beautiful, One Image at a Time!