Colorado Springs Digital Photo Club, Photo club, imageing society, international imaging society, peak digital imaging society, photography, computer art, digital arts, Bill Young, FigurativePhoto.com, composition, what to look for in a photograph.
image © Bill Young 2006
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPH
The most important thing to remember when reviewing this material is that the elements are listed in accordance to their importance.
Impact
• What you see first
• What creates your first impression - It could be a strong feeling ofpower
• What commands you to look - what holds your eye?
• The impact could be any of the elements listed below
Creativity
• Using your imagination
• Being very original or a fresh approach on subject matter
• Creative cropping
• Creative use of subject matter
• Content could be very abstract
• Invention, design, feeling and imagination lifts the photograph into the realm of art
Style
• Individuality: that character of the photograph that sets one work apart from the rest
• The way of seeing or approaching a subject
Composition
• Good placement of the subject matter
• Harmonious proportions
• Using dynamic symmetry to place most important objects in design
• Good rhythm is created by repetition, whether it’s color, spaces, moods, or divisions of the photograph
Print Presentation
• Does the presentation enhance the photograph?
• Good cropping can add to the composition
• Good color for the matting or mount can help
• Daring to be different
• Using something dynamic or being very traditional
• Initial impression can be obtained by using creative mounting
Color Balance
• A good technique for the photograph. A good selection of color for the subject matter or objects.
Using a very interpretative color (maybe not normal at all)
• Creative use of color - example: complementary colors, dark against light, strong against weak
Center of Interest
• Dominance of objects or subject matter
• A group of subject and arrangement of objects so one center of interest prevails
• Subject matter holds the eye with no distractions
• Strength and definition gives the center of interest secondary points that are very important to the photograph, but you must always be able to come back to the center of interest
Lighting
• Good Dynamic lighting appropriate to the subject matter
• Strong mood can be created by the lighting
• Lighting is the art of reproducing the characteristics of the subjects or objects
Subject Matter
• An outstanding interpretation for the subject matter
• Good camera angle for subject matter is helpful
• Selection of a photogenic model or object is important
• Contrast here can be very creative in selection; example: old and young, warm and cool. All of these will complement your work
Print Quality
• Good strong contrast
• Using the middle tones
• Good color balance
• Expressions and artistic lighting
• The simplest statements are the strongest
• Good angle on the building
• Backgrounds in key to the subject matter
Technique
• Different technique for the subject matter
• Technique is the foundation of photography, but a knowledge of the art principles are very necessary
• Using creative and abstract can help
• Design brings abstract ideas into concrete form
Story Telling
• A good strong statement
• A complete story within the photograph
• First glance has a complete meaning
• Strong mood with the photograph, builds an emotional response challenging your imagination