Project 12, Month 5, Environment

For month 5 of Project 12, we're going to look at the environment (the world around you) and how to incorporate it as an element of composition.   The environment is always there no matter where you are.  Don't ignore it, use it to enhance the composition.  .

Things to consider:

• The environment is to the front, back, and sides of your main subject.
• The environment should complement the subject.  It should not be distracting.
• Eliminate clutter.  Keep the environment simple.
• Don't let the environment overwhelm the subject. Sometimes you will need to blur the background or foreground (using depth of field) to make the environment more simple. Or zoom in and "fill the frame" with your subject.
• The composition of many photos is improved by including a pertinent or interesting foreground element.  The element should complement the subject, not compete with it.  It may even "point" to the subject.
• On the other hand, you may use the environment to "shock" the viewer. Consider the different feelings created by a lion sitting majestically in a jungle compared to a lion sitting cramped in a small cage or sprawling comfortably in the middle of your bed. 
• Use the environment to naturally frame your subject.
• Don't let the environment do weird or awkward things to your subject.  For example, don't let a tree or pole grow out of the top of your subject's head.  (I actually saw this recently on a professional wedding photographer's web site. It took a while to realize the groom was supposed to be leaning against the light pole.  It appeared that the photographer was using the pole as a compositional element and had purposefully placed the broad-shouldered groom directly in front of a skinny light pole.  I don't know if she noticed that the pole appeared to be sticking right out of the top of his head.)
• Move it! If you can't move the subject, move you or the camera when necessary to eliminate unfortunate, distracting, or ugly elements.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Framing by Nate Kay from Photography Blogger; photographs representing natural framing - some very good, some not so much
2. Backgrounds and Foregrounds by Jim Zuckerman from MAC-ON-CAMPUS; short, illustrated articles
3. Watch the Background by Theresa A Husarick from Composition Refresher/Wild Things Photogrpahy

Another way to look at this theme is to consider the environment the subject of your photographs.  The elements of composition you include in your photos should enhance the story about the environment that you're trying to tell through your photographs

•  "Environmental Photography is essentially story telling with a camera rather than with pen and paper. In order to tell a complete story it is crucial to be able to photograph a wide range of subjects."  from Environmental Photography: Blending Art and Activism by Randy Beacham at Nature Photographers
• I have a soft spot for old buildings and am simultaneously drawn and repulsed by photographs for urban decay.  Evaluate the composition of these 35 Examples of Surprisingly Beautiful Urban Decay Photography from Blue Blots.  How do they make you feel?  Are they telling the story well?
• For other examples, look at Dean Riggott Photography portfolios for Farm Life and  Campus Life.