Mergers- the term for objects that intersect the subject

Make it your habit to run your eye around the head of your subject in the viewfinder before pressing that button. Check for objects that intersect the person, called mergers, especially those objects that run into or through the head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be aware of prominent horizontal lines cutting through heads. Windowsills, window grids, chair arms, counters and tables are common distracting lines through children’s heads indoors. Outdoors it could be a branch sticking out of an ear, or a deck railing running through a head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the strongest horizontal line outdoors is the horizon. Positioning your subject correctly in relation to this prominent line will greatly improve your image. Move yourself or your subject so that the horizon doesn’t cut through your subject’s head. It’s best if the horizon runs across the photo above the subject’s head, but it can work if the horizon runs through the shoulders.  Never allow the horizon to run through the head. You can easily change the whole look of the image by simply changing the camera angle. Stand on your tippy toes or squat down to move the horizon where you want it in relation to the subject. Or you might ask the subject to squat down or stand tall.

 

 

Also, avoid strong vertical lines bisecting people. These distracting vertical lines are present indoors and outdoors. Make sure white door frames aren’t visually cutting a person’s body in two, or a tree isn’t growing out of a head. Next time you’re looking at snapshots of your family, check the heads. Are you distracted (sometimes unconsciously) by the awkwardness of objects intersecting heads? What could you have done to avoid those mergers? Now you have more awareness and the tools to make better family photos going forward!