Leading Lines refers to the technique where the viewers eyes are attracted towards the primary subject of the image via an easy path that the photographer has created through the use of composition.
For example, if the image above was shot at a different angle and not from a lower perspective the viewer’s eyes wouldn’t be caught by the handrail and therefor wouldn’t follow it into the centre of the image. There are all sorts ways to use of leading lines, they don’t have to be as simple as this one, you can shoot from all sorts of angles, highlighting all sorts of subjects. As you would have probably guessed, this technique is very common in landscape photography as it is a great way to showcase a intricate part of a landscape or draw the viewer’s attention to a subject that is already prominent.
In the image above you can see that the shutter speed has been put right down which has made the waterfall look really smooth and in my opinion much more appealing to the eye. All the while keeping the surroundings in focus which is a very difficult thing to do as there are many scenarios in which the tripod holding the camera could be moved.
To take a long exposure photograph you would need to stand your camera on a stationary tripod and keep the shutter on for a very long time. The stationary objects will stay in focus and the things that move will become blurry and smooth depending on how long you have the shutter on for.
Long exposure photography is something I’ve really wanted to try for a long time but haven’t had the chance this year and during previous years I was inexperienced and didn’t really know why I was doing even though the concept is rather simple. I think to have a great long exposure image you must have a great landscape/subject in front of you. If the subject isn’t very appealing then in my opinion the long exposure won’t be as effective.
ZAKARIAH 