What makes a Good Photograph?
This site is about macro photography, it's true. In this "what makes a good photograph" section I'm going to write about some general aspects of photography appreciation that apply to all photography, not just macro photography. Don't worry, I'll get to the specifics soon....and thanks for your indulgence!
I believe
that everyone at an intuitive level knows when they are looking at a
successful photo. And why not? Anyone living in this media-saturated
age has consumed thousands upon thousands of pictures in his or her
lifetime, and draws from within them an enormous catalog of
photographic
images.
Despite our visual sophistication, though, not everyone has experience
verbalizing what makes a good photograph.
As
photographers, we also need to understand "why" some photographs hit
the mark and why others don't, in addition to the "what".
We enjoy photography because well-crafted, artistic photography touches
us at a deep, emotional level.
Photographs can tell stories, make us smile, and
compel us to linger.
Creating
photographs that "sing" is thrilling beyond measure. Talk to any
photographer,
and they'll tell you about one special image they made
that made them say "wow, I can do this!" It happened to me, and I've
been hooked ever since!
But that's not "News" to you, is it?
Here's the message: Whatever the reason you love photography, whether
it's because of a passion to communicate, or if you enjoy being
outdoors, or if pretty pictures alone light your spark, it is a given
that analyzing what makes a good photograph will help you the next time
you're out making pictures..
Our purpose here is to dive in to the art
of photography appreciation, and get comfortable using expressions that
define what we're seeing beyond just what we like and don't like.
We'll
use these terms as we're viewing photos. We'll look at successes, at
flops, and at pictures that fall in the middle (the most intriguing
cases, in my opinion). Some of the terms we study will resurface later
in this website, when we start to wrestle with macro photography in all
it's wonderfulness.
We'll
touch on color theory, which explains why we react to certain colors in
certain ways, and how colors add dimension and interest into artistic
photography.
By developing your critical eye, you will
become a better, and more visually sophisticated photographer. You'll
know what goes in to making a good photograph. Take that to the bank!
Okay, here's where to go next to explore what makes a good photograph:
- What technical requirements do we place on an acceptable photograph? Visit Photography Techniques and Technical Considerations.
- What are some basic guidelines for composing our photographs within the limits of the frame? See Photography Composition.
- Since the dawn of time, how have artists
divided up the frame of their pictures into a pleasing composition?
Find out at The
Rule of Thirds page.
So, "Let's Get Close-Up" to the matter at hand, shall we? And
may the
"wow" moments pour down on you like rain!
What do you think? What makes a good photograph? Share photos here!
We all have our own opinion on what makes a good photograph. Share your photos here, tell us what you think, and we'll learn from each other!
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Peter the horned tomato worm
My idea of what makes a a good photograph is seeing the image pop out as if looking at the object itself...if that makes any sense.
This little guy ...
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