Module 3E: Composing Elements in a Scene
E. 
Composing Elements in a Scene
Elements in an image include foreground, middle ground and background as well as the subject and any props. The placement of the elements should work together to bring attention to the subject and the subject’s relationship with the environment.
In the image of the bride above, foliage in the foreground provides a framing element to direct the eye to the bride.
In the image below, the leading line of the water and the diagonal lines of the sun’s rays decide the best placement of the bride and groom. Placing them at the intersection of these two lines created a strong point of interest.
It is good practice to place the subject against a background that is free of distractions, especially around the head and face.
Horizontal lines that intersect the head can create a busy background and unwanted distractions, as seen in this next image.
To get a cleaner composition, a higher camera angle was used to get rid of a distracting horizon.
In this image below, taken inside a canyon, the subject is placed at the darkest part of the background so that she stands out.
She was also placed under a bit of downlight which provides very nice separation on her hair.
The large formation on the right frames her within the composition. The natural formations on the canyon wall all work together to lead the eye to her.
In a similar compositional pattern of repeating lines, the couple is placed further away from the camera.
This gives the feeling that the viewer is observing them without intruding on them. This gives the image more of a feeling of intimacy.
Utilizing Props
Props can be used to help tell the subject’s story or add a nice touch of interest to an image. Use of props can be appropriate and tasteful if you follow a few guidelines. Props should add value to the image. Props help the viewer understand more about the subject and who the subject is and how he or she thinks or feels. The image below lets the viewer know music and his guitar are part of who he is.
Props should complement the image. Props become part of the composition so the placement of the props and the color values of the props should fit into the color scheme of the image. The letter jacket and tennis racquet are within the color scheme of the jacket she is wearing.
