WIKI 3E

Composing Elements in a Scene

  • Elements in an image:
    • Foreground
    • Middle ground
    • Background
    • Subject
    • Props
  • Placement of elements should:
    • Bring attention to the subject.
    • Show the subject’s relationship with the environment.

Examples of Compositional Elements

  • Foreground: Foliage used as a framing element to direct the eye to the bride.
  • Leading Lines:
    • Water leading the eye.
    • Diagonal lines of sun rays influencing subject placement.
    • Placing the subject at the intersection of lines creates a strong point of interest.

Background Considerations

  • Avoid distractions in the background, especially around the head and face.
  • Horizontal lines intersecting the head can be distracting.
  • Use a higher camera angle to eliminate distracting horizons for a cleaner composition.
  • Place the subject against the darkest part of the background to make them stand out, especially in locations like canyons.
  • Downlight can provide separation, particularly on the hair.
  • Large formations can frame the subject within the composition.
  • Natural formations can lead the eye to the subject.

Compositional Patterns

  • Repeating lines can be used to create a sense of observation without intrusion, fostering intimacy.

Utilizing Props

  • Props should enhance the subject’s story and add interest.
  • Props should add value to the image by helping the viewer understand the subject.
    • Example: A musician with their guitar.
  • Props should complement the image, fitting into the composition and color scheme.
    • Example: Letter jacket and tennis racquet matching the subject’s jacket.
  • Props can create a specific feel or environment, even when the location is different.
    • Example: Using props to create the feel of a little girl’s bedroom in the den.

Addressing Physical and Environmental Aspects

  • Clients may want to emphasize or de-emphasize certain physical aspects.
  • Photographers must address these concerns during the session and in post-production.
Specific Physical Aspects and Solutions
  • Height:
    • Adjust camera angle.
    • Pose taller subjects sitting down to equalize face levels.
  • Body Size:
    • Shoot from slightly higher angles.
    • Use poses that lean the subject into the camera.
    • Use controlled lighting to focus on the face.
    • Use props for body blocking to accentuate the face.
  • Hair:
    • Avoid hair light for thinning hair in the studio.
    • Use subtractive lighting outdoors to block overhead light.
  • Scars and Blemishes:
    • Use flat lighting to minimize detail.
    • Use lighting patterns to cast shadows on imperfections.
    • Offer post-production editing to reduce or remove imperfections.
  • Long Hair:
    • Add hair light or kicker lights to enhance detail.
    • Use color gels to intensify color.
  • Body Curves:
    • Use directional lighting to sculpt the body.
    • Use a large light source to wrap light around the face and body for a sensual effect.
  • Muscle Definition:
    • Use a harder light source to accentuate muscle detail.
  • Emotion:
    • Use color, lighting, and posing to define emotions like love, loss, success, or grief.
    • Create psychological responses through imagery.

Environmental Portraits

  • Create portraits on location (outdoors or in the client’s home).
  • Select an environment that complements the subject.
  • Design compositions that integrate the environment without overpowering the subject.
Lens Choice
  • Telephoto Lens: Compresses the environment to scale the subject with the background.
  • Wide Angle Lenses: Can establish the scene but may create too much separation.
    *A medium telephoto lens provides a sense of location by including elements like mountain tops while compressing the scene.
Other Considerations
  • Clothing selections and props should complete the story.

Other Emphasis

  • Capture celebrations like purchasing a new home, winning an award, or starting a new job.
  • Use techniques to tell these stories effectively.
Examples
  • Academy Award: Place the award in the background with subtle lighting.
  • Wedding: Use selective focus to emphasize the ring during the first dance.