Fine Art Photography

WHAT MAKES A PICTURE GOOD

I’m often asked by students and photography friends: What makes a picture good? What separates the dynamic photograph from the ho-hum snapshots? There are a number of key ingredients that get a picture noticed and give it attention-getting power.

First is IMPACT, difficult to describe but so important in the content of a good photograph. You might say that if a picture arouses feelings and emotions of appreciation or excitement, even anger, sorrow or joy, then that photograph most assuredly will have impact.

How do you obtain impact in your shot? Begin by selecting subject matter that is either unusual or is treated in an unusual way. Use a special camera angle or perhaps a different lens. Place the subject in an unusual environment or try special filtration. Shoot on a day with fog or mist or a dramatic cloud formation.

Pay attention to good composition. Place all elements of your picture in the strongest way possible. Try to express on film what you see and feel when taking your shot. Fill the frame for added impact and watch the backgrounds for distracting objects. A good picture will hold the viewer’s attention and will keep him or her thinking about the image. It will also stir up imagination. A good photograph will often have a story to tell that will have meaning and substance.

How best to put meaning in you’re your shots is to photograph those subjects that capture your own interest. If your own feelings become a part of your photograph, you most certainly will produce a fine image, one that will have impact for others to enjoy.

Not only should a photograph say something worthwhile, but it should say it well. The picture should be well focused and properly exposed. Color saturation and contrast should be technically correct and your pictures should be presented in a neat, professional fashion.