{"id":246,"date":"2008-01-29T00:22:27","date_gmt":"2008-01-28T14:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital-photography-school.com\/where-is-your-subject-looking-and-why-does-it-matter\/"},"modified":"2021-04-30T07:28:50","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T21:28:50","slug":"where-is-your-subject-looking-and-why-does-it-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digital-photography-school.com\/where-is-your-subject-looking-and-why-does-it-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Where is Your Subject Looking and Why Does it Matter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/span>\"where<\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When posing a portrait subject, two important questions to ask yourself include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • 1. ‘where are they looking?’<\/li>
  • 2. ‘what impact does this have on the shot?’<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Where your subject is looking can have a real impact upon your image and how those looking at your image view it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In many instances your subjects eyes determines where the viewer of your image looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • two people looking at each other – draws your viewer into ‘relationship’<\/li>
    • a child holding out a plate with a chocolate cake but looking at the camera gives a feeling of invitation – the child becomes the focus<\/li>
    • a child holding out a plate of chocolate cake and looking at the cake can give a sense of ‘desire’ – the cake become the focus<\/li>
    • Looking outside the frame can leave the viewer wondering what they’re looking at?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      There’s no right or wrong but each option can have consequences (good and bad) on the shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Here are a couple of considerations to keep in mind when making a decision on how to pose your subject:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Looking Away from the Camera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      <\/span>\"where<\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      • If your subject is looking at something other than the camera viewers will naturally want to see what it is. You then have two choices – either to show them or not hide the object of their gaze.<\/li>
      • If the object is within the frame this will often create a focal point for your shots.<\/li>
      • If the subject looks outside the frame it can create either tension or intrigue. This can either spoil or make the shot!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Looking Directly At the Camera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>\"where<\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        • If your subject is looking directly at the camera it’s hard not to look at them – they become the focal point<\/li>
        • Sometimes when a subject looks directly at the camera it can create discomfort or tension for the viewer of the image – it can be a very strong and confronting pose. This is not necessarily bad – in fact it can really make the shot quite powerful – but it is something to be aware of.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          The direction that your subject looks when being photographed can have a profound impact upon an image so give it careful consideration. Many different poses can work and will alter the mood and focal point of the image considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The key is to know what you’re wanting to achieve and to experiment with different set ups to get those results.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          When posing a portrait subject, two important questions to ask yourself include: 1. ‘where are they looking?’ 2. ‘what impact does this have on the shot?’ Where your subject is looking can have a real impact upon your image and how those looking at your image view it. 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