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 , 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 is.