It might sound simple, but one of the most critical elements is identifying the subject within your frame. Without a clear subject, your viewer’s eye has nowhere to settle, leaving your photo feeling chaotic and unfinished.
Coming to you from Gareth Evans with Park Cameras, this insightful video emphasizes the importance of subject identification. Evans argues that knowing your subject is the foundation upon which every other aspect of your photo is built. This applies across all genres of photography, from portraiture to landscape to street photography. In portraits, the subject is often obvious—a person. But in landscapes or street scenes, the subject might not be as clear, which can make the image feel disjointed. Evans suggests that the subject should act as an anchor, guiding the viewer’s eye and helping to structure the composition.
Evans also discusses how the lack of a defined subject can lead to confusion, especially in beautiful yet broad scenes like landscapes. You may have taken a stunning photo of a cityscape or a natural vista, only to find it lacks impact when you review it later. The missing element is often a focal point—a specific building, a unique play of light, or even a person—that draws the eye and provides context for the surrounding elements. Without this, your image might feel flat or overwhelming, despite the beauty of the scene.
The video highlights the need for intentionality in photography. Evans advises slowing down, especially when the subject isn’t immediately apparent. Take the time to assess the scene and identify what catches your eye. Is it the way the light hits a particular object? Or maybe it’s a vibrant color that stands out in an otherwise muted setting? Once you’ve pinpointed the subject, you can then build your composition around it, using techniques like the rule of thirds, symmetry, or leading lines to enhance the subject's prominence.
In practice, this might mean repositioning yourself to get the best angle or adjusting your camera settings to emphasize the subject. If the sky is your subject, for instance, you might lower your perspective to include more of it in the frame. If a specific part of the landscape is your focus, you might think about how to expose it properly or whether to silhouette it against the light. Each decision stems from your initial identification of the subject, which ultimately shapes how your photo is perceived. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Evans.
