Are Some Photographs Better With Or Without People In Them?

This is the image I envisioned.  However, in order to achieve it, I had to composite the two images below.  Why?  Read on.
 (click to enlarge)
X-T1, 55-200mm lens @ 74.1mm; 1/500th sec. @ f/10; ISO 640

 In the past, I used to go to great lengths eliminating people from some of the scenes I wanted to photograph.  I would maneuver myself in such a position so that anyone in the area was not visible in the image.  I would also wait great lengths of time waiting for people who may also be looking at what I was photographing, to leave, just so I could make my photograph with no one in it.  Of course, I'm not talking about street photography or sports photography or the like, but landscapes and other similar types of photography where one is trying to capture the natural beauty of an area, or something historic.  An example is the above photograph.

The image above is of an historic steam locomotive that was brought out of retirement to make a couple of excursions last summer.  My thought was to capture it in a fashion, if possible, that would not date the image.  No cars, no modern amenities, no people dressed in modern clothing, etc.  I have always tried to accomplish that with some of my photography.

Now, I don't mind people.  I think, in some cases, people give perspective and a bit of humanistic touch to an image.  People can turn a sterile image into one with life and greater interest.

In this post are two images that can serve as an example.  The top image is the one I initially visualized when I set up my tripod waiting for this historic steam locomotive to come through this small village.  The second one is how the scene actually looked when the locomotive steamed through.  At first, I thought to myself, "How am I going to create a photograph without people who may be within the confines of my frame?"  That is when I devised the plan to make two images. The first with the locomotive rolling through.  The second, an exact duplicate, after everyone left.  I would then composite the two into the image I envisioned.  It worked well.

This image was made as the locomotive was steaming past. (click to enlarge)

However, the more I looked at the image with people, the more I liked it.  That image has an element in it (the people) that allows the viewer of the image to think differently and come away with a different story.  In this case, I think the people give the image a bit of life, some excitement as the viewer can imaging the people waiting anxiously for the locomotive and context.

Image made after everyone left the area (click to enlarge)

So, what do you think?  Are photographs in general better with or without people within the frame?  I think it depends but as time passes, I do like the perspective people give my images.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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