Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision

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Placing the human figure into the frame is more than a decision about composition. Where the placement of buildings and inanimate objects is entirely compositional, the human figure communicates volumes on its own, even before it is placed into the context of the frame. For this reason, it demands special attention as its own compositional element. Even in silhouette, without the aid of the expressive nature of the face, the human figure is so familiar to us that its positions and gestures speak loudly. Used to reinforce the communication of your image, the human figure can strongly add to your images. But used without consideration, it can work against the impact or information you intend your photograph to express.

“Placing the ...