Making The Subject Stand Out

Photo © Gary M. Pinkston 1998

      To which of these five people is your eye almost immediately drawn? Is it the only one standing while all the others are seated? Is it the one whose white shirt is the brightest object in the scene? Is it the one who appears active while all the others appear passive? Is it the one towards whom the eyes and attention of the others are directed? Is it the one whose face is most fully revealed by the camera? The answer, of course, is yes to all because these are all elements of composition one can use to establish a focal point for the photograph.