Which photo is better?

In this first picture the deer is looking, and positioned, “into the frame”. This simply means that there is more space in front of the animal than behind the animal:

But in this second photo the deer is still positioned into the frame, yet looking “out of frame”:

While this may seem like a trivial distinction, these two images are actually quite different. Photographs are mean to present to the world any number of emotions, and when an animal or human is both positioned and looking into the frame, we would often call this a harmonious scene.

When the animal is positioned into the frame yet looking OUT of frame, we would call this an “emotive” composition. Feelings and emotions such as loss, regret, loneliness, and doubt are often associated with photos like this second image. However with the first photo we have a sense of direction, calmness, purpose, and resolve.

Its amazing how one twist of the head can complete change the tone of your photos! When photographing humans and animals, try to get a series of images of the same photographic scene. By doing so you will be able to offer your viewer many images that have varied types of emotional impact.

So to answer the subject line question, “Which is photo is better?” The answer may simply be based on what mood you are personally feeling at the time that you read this.

As an interesting aside, I took these photos yesterday with my iPhone 7 Plus within my neighborhood, where I see at least 5 or 6 deer every single day. I can almost walk up to them . . . they don’t seem to care much about us humans :)

All the best in your photography!
Mark Hemmings
www.markhemmings.com