Meet our writers

Technology February 2015

Fritz on Photography

The Effects of a Figure and a Color

By Fritz Penning

Thus we enter a discussion about enhancing a photo that by itself it may not be interesting. As an example we are attracted to the human figure no matter how big or how small and it doesn’t matter where it is.  Similarly we look at places where there is a difference in color, especially when the color is red.

Interest in an ordinary photograph can be generated by incorporating what might be considered an attention-getting element. The size of such an element, in general, is relatively small in comparison to the overall scene because when the attractor is large it becomes the center of interest. Thus we enter a discussion about enhancing a photo that by itself it may not be interesting. As an example we are attracted to the human figure no matter how big or how small and it doesn’t matter where it is.  Similarly we look at places where there is a difference in color, especially when the color is red.

Curiosity is piqued when we look at something that is not ordinary or seemingly out of place. We can illustrate that with a photo of a dirt road in hilly terrain. The photo is a pleasant scene with nice compositional elements; a strong diagonal, interesting texture, repeated patterns and it is well-exposed with good lighting. But it is empty and a scene often repeated.

When there is a figure, as shown by the cyclist, we are immediately drawn to the figure. The eye does not wander and we follow the road.

For a photo that has an element with a distinct difference in color, as we see with the red bush, our eyes go away from the road, and we pay attention to an element that is different. We may start wondering why the difference.

Putting both the cyclist and the red bush in the photo divides our attention between the two elements. If we were to name each of the photographs. The “empty” one would have a bland title. The one with the cyclist would have a name calling attention to the cyclist. The red bush would demand a name about the bush. With both the cyclist and red bush many names could be attached. 

Find and use interesting attractors, but don’t clutter.

 

Meet Fritz