Lead room

In photography, filmography and other visual arts, lead room, or sometimes nose room, is the space in front, and in the direction of, moving or stationary subjects.^[1][2] Well-composed shots leave space in the direction the subject is facing or moving.^[1] When the human eye scans a photograph for the first time it will expect to see a bit in front of the subject.^[3]

Image of a racing car with lead room

A portrait painting with more empty space on the side that the sitter is facing

For example, moving objects such as cars require lead room.^[4] If extra space is allowed in front of a moving car, the viewer can see that it has someplace to go; without this visual padding, the car's progress will seem impeded.^[4]

See also

• Headroom (photographic framing)
• Rule of thirds