The Human Element in Photography Presented by: Tom Vranas

The human element is simply the addition of a human in the image, not photo-shopped but part of the composition. This can be any person, usually one or two but may contain more. The use of humans is not exclusive, animals may be used and may be exclusive. The theme of the image will dictate the photographer’s choice. For this program I will limit it to human beings. Definitions of the past differ from modern versions which tend to be more vague. Some photographers choose to include “human-made” as the human element without humans in the image. I feel this confuses the definition since now we have objects that run the gambit of mechanical to architecture. A few others use portraitures as an inclusion into the human element although truly human, not quite the same intent. What is the Human Element

Photographer’s Goal The goal is to get people to look at and understand our pictures. Although we use many techniques of color, focus and composition, the easiest way to draw attention is to have a person in the photo. Consider the images in magazines or the internet and if a person is in the image it becomes interesting. Emotion draws ones attention even closer. A long shot of a beach can give better perspective if a human is there. Many good/great landscape, architecture and general images can be enhanced with the addition of a human.

Nikon photography tips.

Robert Frank comments concerning the addition humans: “This is the case if you are trying to show scale in a picture – nothing conveys a sense of scale like a person”. “It directly engages the imagination, and invites the viewer to imagine themselves in the scene. This is why travel ads use people in their images”. "Photography must contain one thing, the humanity of the moment".

SCALE: We can easily determine the size, distance and vastness of a composition since the general size of a human is easily recognized. A photo of a train is impressive in itself but a person nearby tells the rest of story. IMAGINATION: Capturing the person/people in the image invokes ones interest as to just what may be going through their minds at that instant in time. What grabbed the photographer’s interest and why that particular composition. And yes the viewer can place themselves within the image and thus perceive a story. HUMANITY OF THE MOMENT: Here is where photojournalism coincides with general photography. Images taken at the moment of an event often show the emotions of the subjects.

By Robert Frank

Examples of the Human Element

Stanly Kubrick, Look Magazine

Williamsburg 2009

Mail delivery Havasu Indians, Grand Canyon, AZ

Family surviving the Great Depression

After Dark by Marie Vranas

After Dark by Marie Vranas

Valley of Fire in Nevada by Tom Vranas

Maybe….Maybe Not

The human element - Add scale & empathy to your landscape images Arts & Entertainment September 23, 2009 By: Bonnie Rose Kempenich You're on vacation. The scenery, the views, the expanse of nature is awe-inspiring. Instead of simply taking the picture of the gorgeous scenery, remember to add a human element to your photographs. Include something living, a person or thing. In the picture, above, I've included a photograph I took in California of the ocean and the sand. I made sure to wait till something alive was showing in my viewfinder, then I clicked. A person out walking their two dogs on the beach. Imagine this same photograph without the person and their dogs. Yes, it would still be a great picture, but not as jaw-dropping. The 'smallness' of the person and their dogs below... gives the person viewing the photograph, an idea of how large the area is, this long stretch of beach below. Remember to incorporate the human element in your photographs... to add scale and empathy. Especially when taking beautiful landscape shots. This one thing - can make all the difference photograph by Bonita Rose copyright 2009