When you look at a photo what do you get from the visual- is it a romantic interpretation? A raw and brutal display? Heart warming? Disturbing? Does it invits you to discover where it is or what it is? The location of the image plays an important role in this visual message. Here we will discuss how the place you decide to photograph can make an impact on your image. Most folks just worry about what they want a photo of and not pay attention to the setting that would make it more interesting or more dramatic. Of course, if you are just looking for a great scenic to photograph, well then I hope you are thinking about or looking for something that is visually interesting , exciting or unusual. But since most photographs are made up of a foreground, subject and background, location is a key piece of the ultimate composition. Paying attention to the selection is an easy way to vastly improve your work, and as per my L words- it doesn’t require any camera controls for you to operate.
First off, a pretty setting, a beautiful vista, mountain, skyline, ocean etc will always
Richard Restiano - Locations in Photography
delight the viewer of your work, along with paying attention to what we covered in part one light. These two elements together create outstanding photographs. However, just because it looks great to you as you see it, capturing that same effect is what will make you a great photographer.
To begin, set the camera to the function you are after- is it a portrait of a person, pet or couple? Just a beautiful scene of a garden or property? A view of a harbor, beach or lake? Use you scene dial on the camera- you know the one with the icons for a person (head with hat icon); a scene, (mountain icon); close up, (tulip icon); sports action, (runner icon). That’s all the camera control you need to know or do. Managing the elements of the scene is something only you can do. Not putting the subject dead center is the first thing to consider. Is it a horizontal image or a vertical- this is dictated by the subject of the photo. Should you position the shot from a low angle or a high position? Is this the best time of day to make this photo? What we are getting at here is that the subject doesn’t exist alone- it is part of the scene, (friends in front of a store); it relates to the scene, (you are showing this person as having something to do with the foreground or background) or it is the only element you see in the image? Location must be considered because it is part of the story that you are telling.
Location works as well when it is not a beautiful scene, instead you have chosen a gritty urban cityscape. Now the message to the viewer is influenced by the surrounding background and foregrounds. This can be used- such as fashion photographers do- to present a stunning model in brilliant colors against the drab concrete and grime of an abandoned building- here it is choice of location that drives the impact of the image. Think about what’s important- the subject, the location, both? Then compose the elements to that end. Whatever you do don’t take the shot for granted- how many photos have we seen of fabulous locations that are dull, boring and uninteresting. Combine part 1 and part 2 and your success rate will improve by 50%. Next L word is Look.
- Introduction
- Light
- Location [This Article]
- Look [Next Article in Series]
- Lens
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