Part 4 of 6
LEADING THE VIEWER’S EYE
In this article, we will continue our second journey in the “Learning to See” series. During the fourth part of his hike, Chris Eyre-Walker revisited a location he had been to many times before but was able to capture photographs from entirely new perspectives. The shift in weather not only affected his mood, but also altered the way he viewed his surroundings.
How to lead the viewer's eye?
“Here again”
OM SYSTEM OM-5
M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm F1.4 PRO
N 50° 31’ 13”
E 6° 04’ 35”
Focal length: 20 mm
Shutter speed: 1/15 s
F-Stop F7.1
ISO 200
On this familiar path, battling freezing winds, I’m reminded that places like the High Fens are ever-changing due to weather’s constant influence. Yet, this very change is what draws me back repeatedly to this seemingly unwelcoming terrain. Whether it’s the moor grass standing tall, now replaced by a barren orange landscape, or the lush green wool grass with its fluffy white tips in spring, each season offers a unique spectacle. Despite the weather’s harshness, the creaky boardwalk beckons, defining the landscape in a way that compels me to capture its essence in photographs. Each visit is a new experience, shaped by the shifting seasons and weather patterns, fueling my desire to return and witness the evolving beauty of this place.
Lesson 4: see how it was done
What to avoid?
Challenge putting the horizon in the middle and shooting from your natural height. It might end up again as a snapshot instead of being an inviting view.
Direction
“Skillful magicians and photographers have one thing in common:
They know how to guide their viewers’ attention.”
- Less (plain) sky
more interesting landscape - Rule of Thirds
balances out the composition - Juxtaposing the 2 busiest elements
creates balance - Leading Lines
guides the eye - Foreground Detail
creates depth and interest - Repeating pattern
depth and scale
How did I see the photograph?
It’s the iconic shot, the one gracing the cover of the Venntrilogie Hike guide book. Despite capturing it countless times, each rendition is unique. The leading lines and repetition draw the eye, while angling the camera downwards adds depth to the otherwise flat composition. The wet planks reflecting the sky’s brightness create an enticing path, urging exploration beyond the horizon. It’s a classic hiking shot that epitomizes our region’s beauty.
Things to consider:
Direct your viewer’s eyes
Discover the magic of leading lines to guide your viewer’s gaze and enhance the depth of your compositions. On your next outdoor adventure, seek out roads, paths, or boardwalks that serve as compelling leading lines. These elements not only provide a sense of scale but also draw the eye into the heart of your photograph.
Look for lines and line-forming patterns
To enhance the visual appeal of your composition, make use of roads, paths, or other linear elements in your surroundings as leading lines. These not only add interest but also act as visual pathways, guiding the viewer’s gaze through the picture. The lines can draw attention to your subject or lead deeper into the scene.
Experiment with perspective
Change your shooting angle to experiment with the impact of leading lines. Lower your camera for a ground-level perspective or elevate it above your head to explore different vantage points. Notice how altering your viewpoint can transform how leading lines interact with the composition.
Use leading lines to add depth
Leading lines can emphasize depth in photographs. Find a position from which the leading lines appear to converge, adding to the sense of distance and depth, and creating three-dimensionality within your photograph.
Try leading your viewer to the unknown
In my photo, the end of the boardwalk is not visible as it curves behind the bushes on the far right of the scene. This creates an element of mystery, as the viewer is left wondering what lies beyond the bend.
No matter how tired I am, or if I even have a camera in my hands, my mind is constantly wandering in my surroundings, seeing different kinds of images everywhere.
Point of view
As some say, wet and cold are just feelings which you can affect or sometimes even control. Dull days often require a new point of view.
A change in the literal point of view can also dramatically affect your photos. A few steps to the side of the boardwalk and a 90-degree turn hid the path and showed the landscape differently.
In this case, the change did not make the shot better, but maybe a counterexample helps you understand my point.