• In relation to Photography, a theme refers to a central subject or concept that the photographer focuses on or conveys through their images. 

• This is generally a key topic, thought or feeling 

• Unlike a sequential narrative, a theme could be explored in one image or multiple. It could be explored in images that go in a sequential order or images that can be displayed in any order.

• Theme provides meaning and structure to a series, even when the order doesn't

• Photographers can use theme to create specific emotions, ideas and messages to make their series more impactful and memorable

• A theme will affect all of the AIMMEE elements

Photos shown here are taken by Kyle Thompson on the theme of life and death. Both images use the same prop, white fabric but the use of colour, light, background and the way the fabric has been draped help it to show a strong contrast that displays the theme. 

The first image shows the subject, Kyle, posing mid-dance, with the fabric used to create wings behind him. The background is an open field, with the lighting golden and highlighting the shape of his body in the early morning, showing freedom and fresh greenery surrounding him, showing new life.

In the second, the subject, Kyle, is posed hunched over and lifeless, with the background showing a dark, misty mountain that is overcast and out of focus. The main colours are dark blues and greens, blending in to greys. The fabric has been used to wrap his head and then spirals around the image, creating feelings of fear, chaos, mystery and anguish.

Nikky Toole (2023) "Skater" URL

• What subject positioning and facial expression does Nikki Toole use in her Skater portraits, and what emotion or state does this communicate?

• Nikki Toole asks her subjects, "to recall that mental zone they enter while skating and to stay in that moment while [she] photographs them.” How does this technique help Nikki Toole convey the theme of introspection in her Skater series?

• How does the use of black-and-white photography influence the viewer’s perception of the skaters and the themes of the series?

When creating a theme-based series, decide early which Make and Method elements will communicate your theme. Keep some elements consistent for cohesion, and vary others for diversity and visual interest.