Composition: Should We Incude People In Our Photos?
Feb 2, 2017 06:38:00 #
William Randolph Hearst once said: "Show me a magazine with a pretty girl, a baby, or a dog on the cover and I'll show you a magazine that sells". If the purpose of the photo contest is to showcase photos with general appeal, I think you cannot go wrong with his advice, except for photos.
Feb 2, 2017 06:38:54 #
alggomas
Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
There are a couple of reasons to include or not to include.
Are the people/person relevant to the scene?
Use people as dating evidence for the photographs.
Whether you do or do not is also down to personal preferences.
Are the people/person relevant to the scene?
Use people as dating evidence for the photographs.
Whether you do or do not is also down to personal preferences.
Feb 2, 2017 06:50:13 #
Feb 2, 2017 06:52:38 #
Having people in the picture, for the most part, adds to overall image. But sometimes you do and sometimes you don't. Depends on the situation.
Feb 2, 2017 06:54:56 #
Notre Dam, Paris. I thought this picture of people in 40's garb was better than the cathedral behind me.
Feb 2, 2017 07:14:32 #
I remember posting a pano shot here, some time ago, which was criticised for having people in it. I didn't understand it then, and I still don't. The shot in question was a mountain scene which contained some very small hikers. On a practical point, none of us have a divine right for people free vistas in front of us. If it is worth photographing, the chances are that others also like it, and may be there. Of course you could always photoshop them out, but then, is that a true image? Also a very valid point that is often made on this subject, is that the people give a reference to size. Also, the image is humanised. I would say though that I have seen some portraits that would be improved by leaving people out. In short, if the people are part of the scene, leave them in. If they block the scene, leave them out.
Feb 2, 2017 07:30:31 #
SharpShooter wrote:
In the Eiffel Tower shot I've included two people ... (show quote)
I like your reasoning and generally avoided photos devoid of people. But if they are in the photo they must be a part of the photo and have purpose. Your examples, to me, show purpose and the people look like a natural part of the photo and belong in them.
Thank you for sharing and I will look for opportunities as you have explained.
Feb 2, 2017 07:46:39 #
Yes, especially for weddings. 
People can add an emotional appeal, and they can also add humor, which is an emotion. Of course, on family trips you might have no choice but to include family members when you are shooting beautiful scenery. I find myself photographing very few people. I have more pictures of my dogs than of my family. :)
People can add an emotional appeal, and they can also add humor, which is an emotion. Of course, on family trips you might have no choice but to include family members when you are shooting beautiful scenery. I find myself photographing very few people. I have more pictures of my dogs than of my family. :)
Feb 2, 2017 07:49:01 #
sb wrote:
William Randolph Hearst once said: "Show me a magazine with a pretty girl, a baby, or a dog on the cover and I'll show you a magazine that sells". If the purpose of the photo contest is to showcase photos with general appeal, I think you cannot go wrong with his advice, except for photos.
He also said, "You furnish the pictures, and I'll furnish the war." That led to the Spanish-American War and the sales of lots of papers.
Feb 2, 2017 07:50:42 #
SharpShooter wrote:
On the heels of whether our fotos should have a su... (show quote)
Having people in your landscape pictures help to add perspective, also can often enhance the mood of and interest in the image.
Feb 2, 2017 08:15:28 #
Notice that except for the last shot people in the previous photographs attract the eye. Yes, I look at the Eiffel Tower but immediately my eyes are attracted to the couple in the foreground. Now, is it the tower or the people the center of interest?
People in the last photograph add to the picture and do not detract from the beautiful view.
People in the last photograph add to the picture and do not detract from the beautiful view.
Feb 2, 2017 08:18:16 #
No, I normally avoid have people in my photos. If they are not the subject, they are of no value.
Feb 2, 2017 08:20:47 #
Can provide scale and often times add depth and layering. I also like a bird, plane, or boat for those reasons.
Feb 2, 2017 08:28:36 #
SharpShooter wrote:
On the heels of whether our fotos should have a su... (show quote)
From my perspective there are two reasons to include people in my images.
1. they are family members and the image is destined for the family album or grandma's refrigerator door, or
2. They are of compositional value as scale indicators or as other compositional elements.
Dave
Feb 2, 2017 08:34:41 #
I don't particularly like people in my images, though one or two, unrecognizable figures to add a sense of scale are sometimes helpful to the composition, I don't want them drawing too much attention.
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