One question that I am asked quite frequently is “what does it take to create a great picture”.?
The answer is not intuitively obvious, and if we are to believe the camera and cell phone manufacturers, all it takes is the latest camera or smart phone. If it was only that easy…
To some extent, they are right. One needs a camera to take a picture, so without one, it is challenging to make a strong image. Not only do we need a camera, but we also need to know how to use it. In general, the user also has to understand how light impacts what they are trying to photograph. With a more complex camera, one also has to understand the relationship between shutter speed, the aperture setting and the sensitivity to light (ISO setting).
That is only the first step because many people have cameras and have at least a rudimentary understanding on how to use it. The second main requirement is to know how to look at a subject and then be able to compose the picture. This means taking the picture in such a way that our subject is arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. We also have to concern ourselves to ensure that we eliminate or at least reduce distractions in the shot as well as understanding how areas with no specific content (known as “negative space”) impact the final image.
The third and most important part is the ability to craft an image that has an emotional impact on the viewer. Subject matter, the position one shoots the image from, the subject matter, etc. are all elements the photographer needs to concern themselves with to get an image that will capture and hold the viewer’s attention.
The final part to remember is that the image that comes out of the camera is rarely as good as it can be. Great photographers throughout history have always fine tuned their images using “post processing”. In the old days this happened in the “wet darkroom” when prints were made. In the digital world, we use post-processing software to fine tune our images. The best known tool for this work is Photoshop. That being said there are many other tools out there one can use instead.
