How to Use Contrast for Better Composition

© Ankit Gajjar  - All Rights Reserved

Picture taking is about telling a story, making the viewer experience the environment, the movement, the intensity, the emotion, etc.

The picture above shows the model waiting for a train at the station. But the movement of the train in the background and the models hair blowing in the wind enables the viewer experience the station environment. In this shot I did not feel the need to capture passengers, luggage, etc instead I felt this tight composition was enough to help the viewer experience the scene.

The moving train and the stillness of the model help separate the both items in the scene and emphasis the model. Additionally, the use of contrasting colors helps make the model stand out from the background (purple pants against the yellow warning strip, and the black shirt against the Aluminum train body).

Besides the contrast, the use of matching colors helps pull the eye to the model, at first glance the yellow warning strip stands out and the yellow handbag helps guide the eye to the model.

This shot was taken at 1/8s, f/5 and ISO 100.