shared/references/composition-and-photography.md

# Composition and Photography

Compose for attention, meaning, and viewing context before specifying camera jargon

## Visual weight

Estimate weight from

- size
- luminance contrast
- saturation
- detail frequency
- isolation
- face or eye presence
- sharpness
- position
- directional force

Balance these weights around the optical field

Do not give equal weight to every important item

## Focal sequence

Define

1. first notice
2. second understanding
3. third supporting read

In a fast social ad, this sequence may occur in one to three seconds

In editorial work, the sequence can be slower and more exploratory

## Reading and movement

Use gaze direction, subject orientation, perspective, lighting, diagonals, and negative space to lead toward the next important element

Do not let strong lines or gaze exit the frame before the message is encountered unless the concept intentionally creates tension

## Camera relationship

Describe perceptual behavior first

Examples

- close and slightly low so the pack feels substantial
- compressed portrait framing that calms the background
- wide environmental view where the subject feels small against the setting

Use focal-length language only when it clarifies perspective and crop

Do not stack lens, aperture, shutter, ISO, sensor, and camera-brand terms unless each affects the desired result

## Depth

Use depth only when it serves separation, scale, realism, or storytelling

Avoid default blur

If product detail is important, keep the relevant geometry readable

Depth cues include

- occlusion
- relative scale
- overlap
- atmospheric contrast loss
- perspective convergence
- focus
- light falloff

## Lighting

Choose a motivated key source

Then verify

- contact shadow direction
- cast-shadow angle
- highlight orientation
- fill logic
- rim-light motivation
- reflections
- practical sources
- color temperature consistency

Do not use dramatic rim lighting or cyan-orange grading by default

## Product photography

Lock

- silhouette
- proportions
- label geometry
- logo orientation
- cap or lid geometry
- pack count
- color
- material finish

The scene should react to the product and the product should react to the scene

## Human photography

Check

- believable posture
- hand-object interaction
- gaze
- facial asymmetry appropriate to the moment
- skin texture not overprocessed
- clothing folds consistent with pose and gravity
- documentary imperfections when the brief calls for natural capture

Do not add imperfection as a fake authenticity filter; use it only when it matches the intended capture mode

## Perception checks

Run thumbnail, blur, grayscale, edge, and silhouette tests before approval