Putting the subject first

So far in this course I have been developing the technical aspects of creating photographs in respect of composition, lighting and colour etc. I have so far, paid more attention to the graphic content rather than the subject matter. 

For the first part of the final chapter of The Art of Photography course, I am looking at putting the subject first. A large part of photography is directed towards the subject such as for example a news photograph. A news photograph is more about informing us about the subject rather than the technical aspects of the photograph. 

To demonstrate this point, I have looked through images I have collected from magazines, newspapers during the course and identified two photographs that contrast subject and treatment. In one, the subject should be of little importance, the technical aspects should be paramount. In the second, subject is all important. 

Photographer: Terry RIchardson 
Model: Ginta Lapina 

In this first photograph the subject is not the most important aspect. Even though it's a photograph of a very attractive women, the emphasis is on colour.  The red of the background, her red lips and the red lip stick all work together to highlight the product which is being advertised. The lighting produces a warm and subtle feel. 

Photo - NYDailyNews - REUTERS

The second photograph is a typical news photograph taken following the typhoon in the Philippines in early November 2013. 

The subject of this photograph is of paramount importance, showing events as they happen. The photograph is informing the viewer the terrible conditions suffered during and after the typhoon.

People carrying whatever they can salvage from their shatter homes.  The photograph is not technically very good, however it tells a very powerful story. 

The first photograph you could ay is 10% subject and 90% photographic treatment. In the second photograph the values are reversed.