Lesson from the Scene: Focus on the Subject by George Hsia

 
By George Hsia, www.georgehsia.com
 
Figure 1
 
Very basic to photography is the subject and what to do with it in the image.  And yes, there are times when photographers forget to include a subject.
 
 
Subject – is the main focus of attention in a photo.  In a good image not only should the subject be in focus, but the composition must draw the viewer to the subject.
 
Concrete subject is what the photograph is about? This is what you see in the image.
Abstract subject is how you interpret what you see in the image. Does the image imply anything?
 
 
Shapes – In a photograph, shapes are definite forms created by objects, figures, and shadows. They are rendered in colors or shades of gray.
 
The natural environment is often cluttered with many objects.  The ability to focus on particular shapes helps the viewer more easily and clearly focus on the subject
 
Things to consider:
 
  • Can you find different shapes in the image?
  • Look for circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and organic forms.
  • Think about how the shapes in the image create balance and structure.
 
But what does one do with all these shapes and subjects?  That’s where composition enters the conversation
 
 
Composition – The arranging of shapes, lines, angles, colors to create an image.  A blending of “positive space” and “negative space” to communicate a story, a scene or even an emotion
 
The composition is to arrange the photo in such a way as to bring focus to the subject and also communicate the message in the image.
 
The purpose of composition is to arrange the photo in such a way as to bring focus to the subject and also communicate the message in the image.
 
 
Great photos are not all science, but also art mixed in with the right balance.  Good shooting.