Leading lines naturally guide the viewer’s eyes toward to subject of the picture. Photographers generally prefer slanted lines because the diagonals stand out from the horizontal and vertical edges of the frame and add another dimension to the photo.
Silverware, spatulas, and whisks all work really well as leading lines to draw attention toward the food. Certain ingredients also naturally act as leading lines, such as celery, dry spaghetti, and ice cream cones. The lines may also be implied, such as a trail of crumbs from a cookie or little crystals of salt spreading away from a seasoned chicken breast.
Here are a few of my shots that include leading lines. I love how well the knife in the Nutella turned out with the cookie!
Now it’s your turn to practice leading lines! Feel free to post any questions, comments, or tips in the comments section below!
Ah ha! That’s why you usually see utensils nearby. Good to know!
The secret is out! Utensils aren’t just for eating anymore. :]
OOOH I had NO idea what a leading line what when you commented on my IG picture last week, but now I know!! Seriously..I am loving these photography posts! Such unique tips I had NO idea about!
See? You’re already pro at this! You’re using techniques without even realizing it! That’s the goal: to start using these tricks in your photos without stopping to think about each one. I wonder if you’ll stumble across next week’s tip too… :]
This is absolutely amazing. I had no idea. Already I can see between just this and the rule of thirds had to take much better photos, and not just of food. Thanks! 🙂
My pleasure! These were the techniques I learned back in my high school photography class, and I’ve used them for all kinds of photos: vacations, sports, food, and more! :]
Definitely a very informative post! Love it! And that scoop of FroYo is making me go nuts. In a good way! Yum!!!
Pineapple ginger seems like a flavor combination you’d like… And I’ll bet it’d taste amazing in one of your waffle ice cream sandwiches!
I love this series! My husband told me about the rule of thirds and sometimes I consider that when I take photos. I’m liking your photography series! I think I will subscribe to keep up with it.
Thank you! Your husband sounds like a smart photographer. :] I still have 6 more sets of tips to come, so hopefully you enjoy the helpful hints in the upcoming weeks!
Ohhhhhhhhhhh… I have struggled with the awkward placementof the utensil and feeling like it looked strange but wasn’t sure why… Thank you for enlightening me!
You’re welcome! It’s hard to get them in the right place. Two inches to the right and the main dish hides the fork, but two inches to the left and they’re practically out of the frame! It also helps to use two or three overlapping utensils so you can fan out their handles to fill up more space. (Shh, don’t spill my secret! ;])
That was very intersting and helpful .. thank you for sharing this tip
My pleasure! It’s one of those little used techniques that we often forget about.