1. If someone is in the picture, they are involved in the situation you are talking about. I was in the picture from the beginning. Once the former professor was in the picture, no one ever again attempted to mess with Mitch Johnson.

2. If you are in the picture for something such as a job or a prize, you are likely to get it. The actress is in the picture for an Oscar. He told me that Annabella was back in the picture. She was the best one they could find for the job. Compare with put someone in the picture.