What is a "subject" in photography? Learn the difference between a model and a subject, and tips to bring out their charm

When you pick up a camera, what do you want to photograph? Landscapes, people, food, pets... there are so many fascinating things around us. In the world of photography, all of these things that are photographed are called "subjects." In this article, we will explain in detail the meaning of a subject and the key points for taking attractive photos.

What is a subject?

The term "subject" refers to anything that is photographed with a camera. It can be anything that you point your camera at, such as cityscapes, natural scenery, people, animals, plants, food, or architecture.

When taking a photograph, choosing which subject to focus on and how to frame it are one way of expressing the photographer's thoughts and emotions. For example, even when photographing the same flower, there are various ways of expressing it, such as emphasizing the texture of the petals or blending it with the surrounding environment. Depending on the subject you choose and the way you take the photograph, you can create a photograph with a completely different impression.

Differences between terms that are easily confused and similar

If you're just starting out in photography, there are a lot of similar terms that can be confusing, so let's clarify the differences between some of the most commonly confused terms.

Differences from "models"

"Subject" and "model" are terms that are often confused. Model is a term that mainly refers to the subject in portrait photography, and is a more specific concept than subject. Models are generally required to be able to produce facial expressions and postures in front of the camera, and together with the photographer they create a work that matches their expression and intentions. On the other hand, subject is a broader concept that includes any subject to be photographed, not just people. In other words, a model can be said to be one element included in a subject.

Difference from "depth of field"

Another term that is easily misunderstood is "depth of field." Although "subject" and "field" look similar, their meanings are very different. While "subject" refers to the actual object being photographed, " depth of field" is a term that describes the range that can be seen in focus. For example, opening the aperture of the lens will result in a shallower depth of field and greater blurring. Even with similar expressions like this, be aware of the difference in meaning.

How do you bring out the best in your subject?

Now that we have sorted out the meaning of the subject, here are some tips on how to bring out its appeal to the fullest. First, decide on the main subject from among the subjects, and organize the composition while observing it carefully.

Find an attractive composition

The way a photo looks can change dramatically depending on the composition. The rule of thirds is one of the most commonly used methods, and it can be said to be a basic composition method that even beginners can easily put into practice. By dividing the screen into thirds vertically and horizontally and placing the distinctive parts of the subject at the intersections, you can create a balanced and stable photo. It is also important to use white space effectively. By leaving a moderate amount of space around the subject, the viewer can see through it and it creates depth, resulting in a more attractive photo.

There are many other composition methods as well. The most common ones are introduced in detail in this article, so please check it out.

Try changing the angle or position

Even with the same subject, photos can have completely different impressions depending on the angle and position from which you shoot. A low position (shooting from a low position) can make the subject look large and powerful, and is effective in emphasizing the power of children, pets, and buildings. On the other hand, a high position (shooting from a high position) can express the overall relationship from a bird's-eye view, making it easy to use for landscapes and snapshots.

Also, try shooting from the side or back, as well as from the front. By changing the distance from the subject, you can express various relationships, such as intimacy or tension. This will also change the direction of the light, which will give a different impression.

Consider the direction of light and lighting

When using natural light, pay attention to changes in light intensity and mood depending on the time of day. For example, the soft light of the so-called golden hour in the morning and evening gently envelops the subject, creating a warm atmosphere.

Also, while front lighting can faithfully depict the subject's colors and details, back lighting can emphasize contours and create a more dramatic expression. When using artificial light, adjusting the light intensity and direction allows you to control shadows and colors, enabling more creative expression.

Use bokeh

Background blur has the effect of highlighting the subject. Adjust the F-number (aperture value) to control the strength of the blur. For example, opening the aperture (reducing the F-number) will increase the background blur and make the subject stand out more. This is particularly effective when shooting portraits or flowers.

On the other hand, the trick to focusing is to start by deciding which part of the subject you want to emphasize the most. Decide the point you want to pay the most attention to, such as the eyes for a portrait, or the center or texture of the petals for a flower, and focus on that area. Depending on the lens you use, such as a large-diameter lens, the depth of field may be extremely shallow depending on the distance from the subject and the F-number. In that case, narrow the aperture a little (increase the F-number) to expand the range in focus.

For specific methods of focusing, please also refer to this article.

Utilizing Autofocus (AF)

AF is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of functions. A typical example is eye AF, which focuses on the eyes of people and animals, allowing you to take impressive portraits. In addition, for moving subjects such as sports or pets, you can use tracking AF to keep the focus on the subject at all times. By making active use of the AF function, you can take high-quality photos with ease.

Try changing the lens depending on the subject

Each camera lens has its own characteristics, and the optimal lens varies depending on the subject you want to shoot and the method of expression. It is a good idea to remember typical scenes, such as lenses suitable for landscape photography and lenses suitable for portrait photography. Here we will introduce the characteristics of typical lenses and the subjects each is suitable for.

Capture landscapes in detail with a wide-angle lens

As the name suggests, wide-angle lenses have a wide angle of view, allowing you to capture a wide area in a single image. Because of their wide angle of view, they are ideal for photographing magnificent natural landscapes and vast cityscapes. For example, when photographing mountains, you can capture the entire landscape in clear detail, from the rocks in the foreground to the mountains in the distance.

Another feature of wide-angle lenses is that they emphasize perspective. When photographing architecture, they can create a powerful expression with a unique sense of perspective. For example, if you take a photo looking up at skyscrapers, you can create an impressive spatial expression in which the buildings converge to a single point in the sky.

Capturing the impression of people with a standard lens

Standard lenses are characterized by an angle of view close to the human effective field of view, and when shooting portraits in particular, they are able to capture the subject's face and silhouette as is, producing a natural depiction close to the subject's visual impression. They also produce images that are less unnatural when used for everyday photography, such as street snapshots and event record photos. They can also be used in a variety of other scenes, such as landscape photography, making them highly versatile lenses.

A telephoto lens for close-up shots of distant subjects

Telephoto lenses are lenses that can capture distant subjects in a large size. They are useful for photographing subjects that are difficult to get close to, such as the expressions of athletes at athletic meets or sports events, or the behavior of wild birds and other wild animals. Telephoto lenses also have the effect of compressing the sense of distance in the background (compression effect), and they also produce a large amount of bokeh, so they are also effective for adding impact to the subject in portraits. However, telephoto lenses are prone to camera shake, so it is often necessary to use a tripod or set a fast shutter speed.

High-magnification zoom lens for a variety of scenes

A high-magnification zoom lens is a convenient lens that can cover a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. You can freely change the angle of view depending on the situation, from landscapes to snapshots to distant subjects. Another benefit is that you can quickly respond to sudden shutter opportunities without the hassle of changing lenses. Although it may not have the advantage of superior image quality compared to a prime lens, its mobility and practicality make it easy to use even for beginners.

Making the most of large bokeh with a prime lens

Prime lenses with fixed focal lengths tend to be large-aperture lenses with small maximum apertures, and are characterized by beautiful bokeh and excellent imaging power. Shooting with the aperture wide open will result in large, smooth, beautiful bokeh. Another advantage of lenses with small maximum apertures is that they can capture more light, making it easier to take brighter photos in dark places.

On the other hand, because the focal length is fixed, the photographer must move back and forth to decide the composition and adjust the focus. They are not as convenient as zoom lenses, but it may be easier to get a feel for the distance from the subject and how to focus.

Observe your subject carefully and take attractive photos

In this article, we've looked at the basic meaning of the subject, various techniques for bringing out its appeal, and even how to choose a lens that suits your purpose. There are a few points to keep in mind, but the most important thing is to carefully observe the subject and find its characteristics and appeal. Technical skills are important, but it's a good idea to start by photographing the subject from various angles and exploring what you want to express.