“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” – Irving Penn
This week, Patti would like us to challenge ourselves by showing pictures which follow a few proven methods a photographer can use to draw the viewer’s eyes to the subject. Several of her suggestions include getting in closer to the subject, using leading line, negative space, selective focus, simplifying the background or changing the position of the subject within the image.
The first photograph is an example of seeing the subject up close. My hope is that close up enough interesting details stand out on these tulips and you feel like you can reach out and touch them.
“In a world saturated with images, messages and noise, what’s not there can be just as powerful as what is.” – Skillshare Blog
Negative space is the intentional use of empty space around the subject. It creates breathing room around the subject and the viewer’s eyes tend to focus more the details within the subject.
“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” — Ansel Adams
Traveling north on the George Washington Bridge early one hazy morning. The leading lines on the bridge take you on a visual journey to the subjects in this picture. The lines on the highway plus the main cables and suspender ropes on the bridge lead the eyes to the center part of the bridge and the New York skyline which is further in the background.
“Selective focus is used to tell stronger stories by focusing on small parts of a larger story.” — Mark Wallace
American White Pelicans is one of North America’s largest flying birds. They measure about 4 to 5 feet in length with a massive wingspan reaching 8 to 9.5 feet, and they typically weigh between 11 and 20 pounds. These pelicans a prevalent in southern Florida on the Gulf Coast. I used selective focus when taking this image. A larger aperture size on the one taking off (f/3) and smaller one on the two in the background (f/12).
“If it’s necessary, it’s in there. If it’s not necessary, it’s not there. So, strip it down, simplify it. Just go… for the core.” – Platon
Showing a foreground and simplifying much of the background puts the focus on the overall photograph of the moon and trees below.
“Composition is about placing things the way you expect. If we want to have an impact we have to create something in an unexpected or inconsistent way…” — Lucio Vardanega
Placing the subject in an unexpected location in the composition is a good way to attract the viewer’s attention and draw their eyes straight to the subject.
Hope you have enjoyed seeing these examples of using different methods to take the viewer’s eyes straight to the subject. Be sure to view Patti’s interesting post to learn even more!
In closing remember to stay safe and enjoy life!
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey
Beautiful shots. Great composition.
Hi Sylvia. A wonderful gallery and great explanations. I especially love your first 2 images.