Primary interest

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In composition, the main element in a photograph. Where a number of similar elements are present in the scene, one element can be chosen as primary interest by:

• differential focus
• causing more light to fall on it
• using lines and virtual lines to form an apex at the element
• positioning it in accordance with the rule of thirds or Golden Section
• ensuring that it has higher contrast with its background
• merging the shapes of competing interest while keeping negative space around the element

Human faces and written text tend to become the primary interest, even where no other visual cues are present.