Remember, a line cannot exist alone; it always brings a companion along. Do remember that one line does nothing; it is only in relation to another that it creates a volume.
Henri Matisse
When we look at a photo our eye is naturally drawn along any lines within it. By thinking about how and where you place any lines in your composition, you can influence the way people view the image, pulling us into the picture, towards the subject, leading us on a journey through the scene.
I have shared some βleading linesβ images in a previous post, back in 2022, for a Friendly Friday Challenge. But those images were in colour. The geometry of a leading lines shot can be emphasised by the increased contrast that a monochrome edit provides. So below is a further selection of shots, this time converted using Nik Silver Efex Pro.
Iβd love to see what you come up with for this challenge! Do please remember to tag your post Monochrome Madness so it is easy to find in the reader. And check out Leanneβs Monochrome Madness page to learn more about this fun challenge. Maybe youβd like to host a theme from time to time? If so, do contact Leanne via her page.
All images are, as usual, converted from colour originals using Nik Silver Efex Pro.
A monument to guards of honour at the Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, North Korea, where the bodies of the former Great Leaders lie in state
Kim Il Sung Stadium, Pyongyang, North Korea (photographed from the top of the Arch of Triumph)
The path to Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate of SensΕ-ji, a temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, is lined with small shops
The avenue leading to the ruins of the temple of Wat Phou, in southern Laos
The square in front of San Stefano, Bologna, Italy
The road from La Paz to Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The lower (road) level of the High Level Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, north east England
A wet day on Laguna Todos los Santos, Chile
A classic ‘leading lines’ shot, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
In the Grand Mosque, Salalah, Oman
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, England
Modern architecture in Leipzig, Germany
41 Comments
restlessjo
Nice to have curves in the mix (Bologna), Sarah. Fine examples. I think Leanne said we do it without thinking sometimes, which suits me very well. Now I need to go and see Brian’s.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Jo π And yes, I do this instinctively for the most part although sometimes I’m more conscious of it. Roads are an obvious candidate as are railway tracks for instance.
margaret21
Here’s mine Sarah. I really think I have a sea shot somewhere to complement yours, but I can’t find it. Ah well …. https://margaret21.com/2024/11/14/a-line-is-a-visual-trail-of-energy/
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you for joining in Margaret – I’m off to check out your post now!
Amy
Excellent selections from your world travels, Sarah! Wonderful various leading lines.
Georgina
Yes, an amazing collection of lines. I am not sure I have ever thought about lines in photos but did start with lines in an art class. An incredible variety and wonderful way to reflect on different places.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Amy and Georgina, I’m so pleased you both liked these shots π
Leanne Cole
Classic to the unexpected Sarah, I knew we would get some great ones from around the world, though the unexpected one was the lines behind the boat, I would not of thought of that, it is wonderful. I’ve been surprised by most people doing this one. You picked well.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Leanne π I often check out the wake of a boat as you can get some interesting shots from there. I had quite a few to choose from for this post!
thehungrytravellers.blog
The first three are enthralling. The rest wonβt open!
Sarah Wilkie
That’s very odd – judging by various comments other people have been able to see them! How’s the wifi where you are?
thehungrytravellers.blog
Itβs fine. Thereβs definitely some evil minded gremlin somewhere taking perverse pleasure in driving a wedge between Toon and Hungry β¦
Sarah Wilkie
We won’t let it!
Jane Lurie
Love this set, Sarah. Such fine images and you have a great eye for leading lines. It’s clear that this technique comes to you innately – you have such a great eye- and it really makes the images sing. SO good in black and white. π
bushboy
Wonderful Sarah. My favourites are the road, the Newcastle Bridge and the wake of the boat
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Brian π I always enjoy hearing which are your favourites, as you know!
Image Earth Travel
You’re right Sarah – lines are everywhere in our world, you just need to look.
Love all your monochrome photos but the iconic Taj Mahal brought back lots of memories from when I visited in 1985.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Nilla π I think that anyone who has seen the Taj will never forget the experience!
Image Earth Travel
Totally agree – it’s remarkable!
Marie
The lines are so distinctive without the distraction of colour….
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Marie, I was hoping that would be the case π
Teresa
These images are beautiful in black and white. All perfect.
Here is mine https://wanderingteresa.com/leading-lines-at-the-mona/
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Teresa, both for the kind comment and for joining in π
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PR
I am happy to say that Iβve been to 3 of those places! Hope to see some others too π. Perfect leading lines..
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you PR π I’m glad you’ve been able to visit some of these places and I hope you get to more in the future!
EgΓdio
Excellent theme for this week, Sarah. I loved these photos. The leading lines held my attention perfectly.
Rose
Beautiful images, the black and white definitely enhances the lines. For me, thereβs always been βsomethingβ about the Taj Mahal, it is so incredibly magnificent.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose, I’m so pleased you liked these edits π I totally agree about the Taj Mahal!
Heyjude
Lots of fabulous leading lines here Sarah, and beautifully edited too. I’m a little concerned at you standing in the middle of roads though… π€ o maybe you just have an ultra clean windscreen in your car!
Sarah Wilkie
Haha Jude π€£ If you’re referring to the La Paz road photo, Chris was driving and I took the photo through the windscreen. It was pretty clean because we’d just collected the hire car that morning and I can always tidy up the odd spot in Photoshop!
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Sofia Alves
Lovely photos, Sarah with great examples. Monochrome suits your photography, am I right thinking you usually go for colour?
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Sofia π I always shoot in colour but I enjoy experimenting with B&W edits afterwards if I think it suits the image.
Anne Sandler
Great examples of leading lines Sarah. I like your images that are not of the typical road, etc.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne π I did try to introduce some variety, to give people different ideas.
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margaret21
Some great ‘leading lines’ shots here Sarah. Your Newcastle bridge shot is twinned with one of Brian’s I think! But they’re all a real lesson into how effective a Leading Line is to the photographer.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Margaret π I haven’t seen Brian’s post (if he included a pingback it hasn’t worked as unfortunately is often the case with my blog) so I’ll definitely have a look at that.
margaret21
Here’s Brian’s Sarah. His shot is not as similar as I remembered, but not too unalike either: https://bushboy.blog/2024/11/13/lines-into-the-distance/. Mine’s being publshed tomorrow.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, that will save me hunting it out π