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

Without lead room

With lead room

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]