I have been thinking about what makes a great image. I'm not taking about the rule of thirds or similar principles which are important to learn but not that relevant to a great image. Today's great images are different, new perspectives, often broader dynamic ranges, and above all images that get your attention. The first ingredient in any image is light.
Light is the most important element in photography, one that often defines the image regardless of composition. In great images light is used to add texture and drama to the image. The light varies across the image. For example, this image is entirely created by light.
Here is another example of how light adds impact, by using it selectively. Above the sun provides the light, below the light is added artificially.
In many ways, light is the defining characteristic of all great photos but another characteristic is spontaneity. Capturing something in a special way. Here is an example of capturing the moment.
The use of black and white is really playing with light, the pose and capture grab your attention. Another element of great pictures is texture and depth. This is subjective but you have to learn to see it, and the great photographers see texture all around us. Here is an example of texture and depth which draws the observer into the story of the image.
Great portraits often display texture and depth, tell stories in the faces of the image. Here is an example of this.
Another example of the portrait, but this time the face says something but the environment also adds depth to the story.
And while you can tell I love black and white, color can be just as powerful. Here is a simple image with power because of the pose. The pose is candid, not directed, I simply asked him to stop while I did a light check. I loved this image from the moment I saw it. And by the way, he liked it to.
So you have light, spontaneity, texture, and depth, but perspective is also important in great images. And I'm not speaking of composition although obviously that's the output. Think of it as the lens you look through, how you see a subject. It's not how to compose but more how you see, if that makes sense. The images above illustrate that point for me, but here are a few more examples of perspective. First a cabin with a window on the Grand Tetons.
Another example from a nude shoot in my studio. This image is created in your mind's eye long before it is shot and perspective was the controlling factor.
There are also some elements of the above photo that break rules. For example, the open use of the hands and arms. The image below is an example of a perspective that is much more common. Here I intentionally waited until someone walked down the stairs, and I loved the phone. As with most photographs, people at something special and I love to include people where possible.
One final image on perspective to illustrate my point, is a common subject in Northern California, namely grapes. Here is an image of vines without grapes, but mustard adds beauty, but perspective adds depth and interest.
I hope I have done something to illustrate the elements of great images. Your photographic gift is your ability to see, some use instinct, others use rules. Some see the image in their minds eye before the shutter is pressed, others take lots of pictures and examine their product. Great images can be captured using any technique so long as you take lots of pictures. Principles mean nothing without practice and experience, and practice and experience develop your ability to see, and in those rare people, unlocks that special gift of sight. So here is a challenge that I'm thinking about, one picture a day from within 20 feet of my house. That's right I can shoot indoors and outside but I'm limited to my yard. Wonder how that will work out?
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