1. Photographic Compositions
Mergers

2. Mergers Mergers are when two objects overlap one another.
Photographers try to avoid mergers most of the time.
Look at how the giraffe’s necks merge together.

3. Mergers
The photography composition below illustrates an extreme merger where the two horses heads overlap. The result looks like a strange beast!

4. Mergers
If the overlap is slight, it can actually be distracting.
Which photo is an example of merging? The one on the left or the right?
The photo on the left is an example of merging. Why is a tree growing out of this man’s head?

5. Mergers
Try to adjust your camera angle to separate all the objects in the frame, or wait for them to move into a better position.

6. Mergers
Mergers can also be created when a subject and the background have similar colors like the red ball and the red background in this picture.
This is known as a Tone Merger.

7. Mergers
If you detect a merger, move to your left, right, or get higher or lower.
More often than not, it will eliminate the distraction in the background or foreground.

8. Mergers
What are some of the things that were done to the photo on the right to eliminate the tone merger in the photo on the left?
Using a low angle.
Changing the prop.
Moving the Frisbee far enough away from the face to avoid another near merger.

9. Mergers
It seems simple, but moving your models into the right position is another way to avoid mergers.
By moving the man to the left the merger is removed resulting in a better photo.
The man’s leg is merging with the bush in this photo.

10. Mergers & Cropping
Mergers can also happen with the edge of the picture frame.
If just a little bit of your subject is cut off at the edge of the frame, we call that an accidental merger.
It is distracting because we immediately want to see the missing bit.
If you want to cut part of your subject out of the frame, make it look deliberate, and cut a lot out.
A merger with the edge of the flower slightly cut off looks accidental and can be distracting.
Try to photograph the entire flower. Or crop it more to make it look like cutting off the image was done on purpose.

11. Mergers The busy background on the left camouflages the seagull.
Just change your point of view slightly and your seagull stands with visual prominence against the blue sky creating a much better photographic composition.

12. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The building is growing out of the guys head making look like a Lego hat.

13. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The tree branches are coming out of the girl.

14. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The Capital Building is sitting on top of the man’s head.

15. Examples of Mergers in Photography
Notice how the poles emerge from behind the woman’s head.

16. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The post & yellow sticker is in the center of the woman’s head.

17. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The palm trees look makes this woman look like Shrek.

18. Examples of Mergers in Photography
Does this woman have a blowhole?

19. Examples of Mergers in Photography
The umbrella looks like it is coming out of this man’s head.

20. Your Assignment…
Take 3 sets of pairs of photos each that demonstrate merging and a correction of the merger.
Take Full Shots, Middle Shots or Close Up Shots
Upload 6 photos
DO NOT disturb any classroom activities
Finish and crop the images in Photoshop as needed.
Manipulate the brightness, contrast, colors, levels, etc.
Create compositions that use unique thought and creativity.
SAVE AS: Merger 1,2,3
and Merger Correction 1,2,3