• Introduction
• Subject
• Composition
  • Perception
    • Gestalt
    • Grouping
    • Space
    • Depth
    • Constancy
  • Elements
    • Lines
    • Shapes
    • Forms
    • Value
    • Color
    • Texture
  • Relation
    • Isolation
    • Placement
    • Patterns
    • Balance
    • Dominance
    • Mergers
    • Framing
    • Layers
  • Scene
    • Lighting
    • People
    • Study
    • Q&A

Photo Composition for Better Photography

Notes from the Web

 

Isolation

 

 

Isolation is the process of simplifying the intent of a photo by eliminating extraneous elements (and clutter). This can mean

 

• Moving or zooming the camera in closer to the subject to create a tighter frame for the shot.
• Removing backgrounds that are distracting or confusing. This can be done by walking around the subject or choosing another camera angle that results in a less distracting background.
• By using depth-of-field to blur objects in the foreground or background. that distract the eye from the main subject.

 

 

 

Through isolation, the photographer directs attention to the subject. To quote one author:

 

"Less is more. As in most artistic endeavors, photography is most successful when a few elements are balanced harmoniously, and order is imposed from chaos."

 

"A small representation of a vast scene is often more effective than trying to capture the whole thing"

 

 

Cautions

 

• Tightening up too much on a shot can remove environmental or cultural details that help "tell the story". Sometimes framing the subject within their habitat is essential.