3E PPT

Elements in a Scene

• Elements in an image:
  • Foreground
  • Middle ground
  • Background
  • Subject
  • Props
• Placement of elements should work together to:
  • Bring attention to the subject.
  • Show the subject’s relationship with the environment.
• Example: Foliage in the foreground frames the bride and groom, directing the eye.

High Camera Angles

• Horizontal lines intersecting the head can create a busy, distracting background.
• Using a higher camera angle can eliminate distracting horizons.

Framing Your Subject with the Environment

• Placing the subject in the darkest part of the background makes them stand out.
• Downlight provides separation, especially on the hair.
• Large formations can frame the subject within the composition.
• Natural formations on canyon walls can guide the eye to the subject.

Use Patterns in Your Composition

• Repeating lines can create a compositional pattern.
• Placing the couple further away gives the feeling of observing without intruding.
• This creates a feeling of intimacy.

Props

• Props should add value to the image, helping the viewer understand more about the subject.
• Props should complement the image and fit into the color scheme.

Using Props to Create a Space

• Props can create a specific environment or feeling, such as a little girl’s bedroom.
• Location choice can be influenced by factors like window light.

Physical and Environmental Aspects

• Clients often want images that portray personal concepts or elements.
• Understand the client’s desires and use techniques to achieve their vision.
• Clients may want to emphasize or de-emphasize certain physical aspects.

Height

• Adjust camera angle to address height differences.
• Have taller subjects sit down to bring faces closer together.

Body Size

• Photograph subjects concerned about body size from slightly higher angles.
• Use poses that lean the subject into the camera.
• Use controlled lighting to highlight the face.
• Use props to block the body and accentuate the face.

Hair

• For subjects concerned about thinning hair:
  • Use studio lighting without a hair light.
  • Use subtractive lighting outdoors to block overhead light.
  • Add kicker lights to enhance hair detail.
  • Use color gels to enhance hair color.

Scars, Blemishes, or Other Imperfections

• Use flat lighting to minimize detail of imperfections.
• Use lighting patterns to place scars in shadow.
• Offer post-production editing to reduce or remove imperfections.

Capturing Emotion

• Use color, lighting, and posing to define and evoke emotion.
• Capture emotions from love to loss, success to grief.

Environmental Portraits

• Create portraits on location, outdoors, or in the client’s home.
• Select appropriate environments to complement the subject.
• Design the portrait to include the environment as part of the composition without overpowering the subject.

Emphasizing Significant Moments

• Capture moments like purchasing a new home, winning an award, or starting a new job.
• Use techniques to tell these stories, such as subtly highlighting an award in the background.