August Theme Challenge – Human Element

Posted on by

For this month, August 2026, the theme challenge is including the “Human Element” in our images.

This month’s challenge is to consider including people in your frame which; shows scale, can provide a anchor point, and also add a sense of feeling or emotion to your images improving the overall story. By spending some time at a location observe and see the possibilities, noticing how people interact in their surroundings. Consider the decisive moment, when something is about to happen then capture the image when that special moment occurs. General suggestions; use the lens that best suits your overall composition, look for good light, consider a perspective for your image to be more interesting, and concentrate on capturing the decisive moment.

Show us what you found to photograph, get out and have some fun and include us in what you were able to capture this month, by sharing some of your images with us. Note: Apologies for the delay with the Monthly Theme Challenges, we’ve been still having computer issues delaying publishing.

A few tips and camera settings & suggestions for success

■ Decide on your subject and then choose a composition
■ Use a lens that suits your subject
■ Consider your depth of field, choose an appropriate aperture while considering the focal length to maximize your image sharpness
■ Work your composition considering where to place your human element
■ The angle and position (unique perspective) of your camera is important
■ Be Patient (keep trying)
■ Good light, clouds passing over the sun creates pockets of light
■ Use a fast enough shutter speed for a sharp image
■ Don’t be afraid of ISO

Camera Settings: You can start in Aperture Priority mode (Av for Canon or A for Nikon, Sony) with a smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) say f/5.6 to f/11 with a medium ISO of 200 to 800. Always Keep an eye on what the camera chooses for a shutter speed especially if you are taking your images handheld. If the shutter speed is slower say 1/100 then raise your ISO to obtain a faster shutter speed of at least 1/400 (at least 1/focal length). You could use various focal lengths depending on what you want to create, anything from 24mm to 400 mm, just be aware of your depth of field, keeping acceptable sharpness throughout the image, check you image to make sure your intended subject is sharp.

Here are some examples, but you are not limited in any way.

A popular location in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse & Village, shows the human element in various situations showing scale, interaction, and story. The bottom image in the gallery of the Bluenose II passing by Peggy’s Cove was just taken on July 28th, 2026. Many people came out to see these two Nova Scotia Icons at the same time, the Bluenose II and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. I dropped of my wife and friend at the lighthouse because; the parking lot was full at the Lighthouse, full at the information centre, as well as along the road out to and including highway 333 in both directions. I went back to Cranberry Cove to grab this image as the ship was passing by while waiting for the water to splash on the rocks.

In your local area, there can be various opportunities to capture scenes with the human element to create scale and story. Lobster fishing on Nova Scotia’s South Shore in Blandford, and at the Bayswater Beach Provincial Park.

When on vacation while visiting a popular location, try including people in your frame which can provide a more interesting result. Percé Rock, Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, Canada, see how large the rock is by comparing the people in the bottom left in the image. The second image of the look off at Yosemite National Park, California viewing El Capitan, Half Dome and the Bridal Veil Falls, shows scale and interest of the amazing view.

While visiting a town close to your local area try including people in your photographs to see how it can help with emotion and story. The Trot in Time Historical ride in Lunenburg, Local shops and Town Hall in Mahone Bay, The Gazebo at the Public Gardens in Halifax , and the Tancook Ferry departure in Chester, Nova Scotia Nova Scotia.

Additional Resources

As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out additional instructional resources, below are some YouTube video links to help with some tips, hints and ideas:
■ Why The Human Element Can Add Interest To Your Landscape Photos: by Dave Brosha (16min 32sec)
■ Adding A Human Element To Your iPhone Photos: by iPhone Photography School (9min 53sec)
■ Travel Photography & The Human Element: by Mike Browne (1hr 15min 12sec)

You’re encouraged to develop the ability to “tell a story or invoke an emotion“, as well as learn to plan and troubleshoot while creating images.

  • It’s important to not only create an image but to also include a “Title”, this process helps with; determining your subject or story, and composition.
  • Try writing a short paragraph about; how you came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled you to make the image, and describe any techniques how you overcame any obstacles.
  • Do some research and include any relevant information behind the subject of your image. This helps with planning and your approach for a story

An important part of improving your photography; practice, practice, practice one of the important aspects of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips that you may not be familiar with.

Share your images and stories experienced this month

Even though this website is not setup to directly upload your images, you can achieve something similar by commenting on the post; paste your social media or google drive link to your image in the comment, then type any additional message you’d like to share. Everyone who visits will be able to visit your link. Note comments are moderated so it will not show up right away. We do get notifications when any comment is posted, so it won’t take long to get approved and have your comment subsequently show up. By pasting your social media or google drive link in your comment, it gives everyone visiting the blog a chance to click the link to see your image for the challenge and also the ability to look at your other work by viewing your social media through your pasted link. We want sharing to be a positive experience and we hope you have fun with this month’s photo challenge.

Leave a comment