COMPOSITION - Multiple focal points

You can have more than one subject or focal point in your composition, and even better if they all visually relate or can lead the viewer into finding their own meaning. 

The image of the Cormorants (1) and surfers has three focal points; the birds, surfers and the industrial backdrop all in the one frame, and they are all related by inference. The cormorants use the sea for their survival, the surfers (Humans) use the sea for pleasure, whilst also using the industrial port for their survival. The industrial port operates via seaborne transportation. Therefore all three are tied to the ocean.

So your role as an image maker is to use your insight to create stories, which is different than presenting an image of just the birds, or just the people. It all depends on why you are making the image. This image can still work as individual portraits (2 & 3), or as a story with all the elements in one frame.

You may not be aware of the inferences in a scene in front of you, often the ‘meaning’ can come later. At the time you simply ‘like’ the scene. But if it’s the latter, then it does sort of imply that there is something else at work. Meaning, you followed your instincts and were led to this location, and out of all the possible permutations you chose to make this one image because you liked it, only to find out the reasons why later. That gets you thinking. 

The cattle mustering shot has two focal points, and in this amazing light they would both work as independent images. But together it has a greater dynamic appeal.

The more you keep in your mind that every scene can potentially have a story, then it becomes second nature and you see it every time. But if it is not there, move on. If you had taken individual images of either of the above scenarios, they would still work as compositions, but as a single composition they have greater depth in terms of what they imply.

All photography and text © Jon Davison 2022.

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