How do you balance portrait and background emphasis in composition?

[TrekRover]

Back in March 2022, I was exploring the stone columns in the Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt. I had a sudden inspiration/vision in my mind to utilize the light and shadows for a portrait. However, since this was my first time doing portrait, I struggled with composing the subject and background and light and shadows.

In my mind, I wanted to emphasize the scale and details of the stone pillars, but at the same time have the light shine on the subject to highlight them.

Any thoughts and suggestions on how I could have approached the composition better?

Pic 1Pic 2Pic 3Pic 4Pic 5

[tonygale · Accepted solution]

What a great location! Fun stuff. I have certainly had similar challenges with locations!

I would consider cropping at the edge just before the sky, and if it was possible, a bit more space on the right with more shadow so the highlight isn't so close to the edge. 

[tonygale · Accepted solution]

What a great location! Fun stuff. I have certainly had similar challenges with locations!

I would consider cropping at the edge just before the sky, and if it was possible, a bit more space on the right with more shadow so the highlight isn't so close to the edge. 

[DJYoshi · Accepted solution]

beautiful location!

Pic 2 and Pic 4 are my fave.  Maybe just a recrop is all you need.