Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking

<h1>Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking</h1>Author: <a title="Tedric Garrison" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/tedric-garrison/56809.htm">Tedric Garrison</a> In Oct. 1978, the cover of National Geographic showed a self portrait of a gorilla using a camera. I’m serious, you can look it up if you would like. The cover shot was a self portrait, taken by a gorilla, and by the standards of the day it was actually pretty good! Each year 100 million Americans also take some pretty good photos. OK, admittedly not all of them are that good . . . but with auto focus and extremely high mega pixels it is fairly safe to say that more people are taking better pictures than ever before. So the obvious question is where does that leave us “serious” photographers? For those of us who know that “pretty good” is not good enough; we must push ourselves further; we must create with more artistic flair and emotional impact. The desire to move beyond the basics is what separates us from . . . the gorillas of the world. Technologically advanced cameras are now so readily available than anyone can pick one up at their local Wal-Mart just as easily as getting groceries. Having a great camera, does not make a great photographer. Learning how to create a great photo is not as simple as one might think. There may be thousands; if not hundreds of thousands, of books and magazines that will teach you the craft of photography. But learning just the craft is like running a race with only one shoe. Photography is both an art and a craft. The craft is fairly well known; shutter speeds, f-stops, filters and the like, are an extremely important key to any photographer’s success. Of course; the craft of photography is only half the story, it’s the easy half that even a big ape could learn (yet not everyone does). The other half, the one that even those who are looking do not always find, is the art of photography. There is a common misunderstanding that leads people to believe that “art is that which is pleasing to the eye.” While this may be true in part, it is also incomplete. An art critic of the New York Times once said, “The function of art is to clarify, intensify, or otherwise enlarge our experience of life.” Visit any National Park, go to a scenic lookout point and just sit back and observe. Many people will drive up, jump out, shoot their picture, and zoom off again. This person is taking a picture. Simply put; he will take what is before him and discount all the creative possibilities, because he has what he wants. On the other hand, wait a little longer and you will see someone who leaves his car slowly. He cautiously approaches the scene with silent reverence. His eyes will explore like a small child in a toy store. He may stoop down low, or strain his neck to see further than his body normally allows. This person is making a photograph. His mind is open to the creative possibilities. If you want to make better photos, as opposed to just taking more pictures there are some basic steps you want to remember. 1. Photograph what you like best. Photography is like a love affair, it is not to be taken lightly. You do not share your heart with every person you meet; likewise do not waist your passion on areas of little interest. I, for one would never be good at aerial photography; mostly because of a fear of heights. 2. Prepare yourself. Learn all that you can. Books and magazines are only part of the resources you have available. Internet web sites, pod casts, art galleries, photography shows all enable you to expand your own vision. It is very hard for someone to think outside the box who has never even tried to open the lid. Give your mind something to be creative with. 3. Become one with your subject. When the opportunity arrives; let your eyes dance across the subject, take in the highlights and shadows. The art of seeing photographically means to go beyond the surface. Take a moment; look at it from all possible angles. Whether your subject is living or not, treat it like your best friend. This is where passion comes from. 4. Think your shots through. What emotions are you feeling when you look through your viewfinder or onto that digital screen? If you can put your feelings into words, the next step is to put those words onto film (or digital media). Have an objective in mind when you go to shoot your photos and you will make fantastic creative images, not just take average snapshots. 5. Multiply the possibilities. The right subject at the right time is what great photography is all about. Shoot your subject several times from several different angles. If this is a once in a lifetime opportunity; don’t leave anything to chance, take multiple exposures as well. Remember, your camera always wants to average the light. If you want better than average results push your equipment as well as your mind. 6. Take notes. A pencil is the cheapest piece of photographic equipment you can carry. If an image is a success or a failure it means nothing, unless you can do it again. Don’t change too many things at one time, least you end up still having no idea what made the image work. Document your efforts and don’t be afraid to learn from your failures as well as your success. Making a photo is like drawing water from a well. If the well is dry, it doesn’t matter how many times the bucket goes up or down. Your job is to keep those creative juices flowing. As you fill the well, with knowledge and experience, more inspiration will come to the surface. What gives you style or makes your work unique, is what you bring to the surface. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it.About the Author: Award winning writer / photographer Tedric Garrison has 30 years experience in photography. As a Graphic Art Major, he has a unique perspective on the Elements of Design and how they relate to photography. His photo eBook; <a href="http://www.betterphototips.com/creativeedge.htm"> Finding Your Creative Edge in Photography</a>, proves creativity CAN be taught. Tedric shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: <a href="http://www.betterphototips.com">Better Photo Tips.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/better-photo-tips-making-vs-taking-520511.html" title="Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking">Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking</a>

In Oct. 1978, the cover of National Geographic showed a self portrait of a gorilla using a camera. I’m serious, you can look it up if you would like. The cover shot was a self portrait, taken by a gorilla, and by the standards of the day it was actually pretty good!

Each year 100 million Americans also take some pretty good photos. OK, admittedly not all of them are that good . . . but with auto focus and extremely high mega pixels it is fairly safe to say that more people are taking better pictures than ever before. So the obvious question is where does that leave us “serious” photographers?

For those of us who know that “pretty good” is not good enough; we must push ourselves further; we must create with more artistic flair and emotional impact. The desire to move beyond the basics is what separates us from . . . the gorillas of the world. Technologically advanced cameras are now so readily available than anyone can pick one up at their local Wal-Mart just as easily as getting groceries.

Having a great camera, does not make a great photographer. Learning how to create a great photo is not as simple as one might think. There may be thousands; if not hundreds of thousands, of books and magazines that will teach you the craft of photography. But learning just the craft is like running a race with only one shoe. Photography is both an art and a craft.

The craft is fairly well known; shutter speeds, f-stops, filters and the like, are an extremely important key to any photographer’s success. Of course; the craft of photography is only half the story, it’s the easy half that even a big ape could learn (yet not everyone does).

The other half, the one that even those who are looking do not always find, is the art of photography. There is a common misunderstanding that leads people to believe that “art is that which is pleasing to the eye.” While this may be true in part, it is also incomplete. An art critic of the New York Times once said, “The function of art is to clarify, intensify, or otherwise enlarge our experience of life.”

Visit any National Park, go to a scenic lookout point and just sit back and observe. Many people will drive up, jump out, shoot their picture, and zoom off again. This person is taking a picture. Simply put; he will take what is before him and discount all the creative possibilities, because he has what he wants.

On the other hand, wait a little longer and you will see someone who leaves his car slowly. He cautiously approaches the scene with silent reverence. His eyes will explore like a small child in a toy store. He may stoop down low, or strain his neck to see further than his body normally allows. This person is making a photograph. His mind is open to the creative possibilities.

If you want to make better photos, as opposed to just taking more pictures there are some basic steps you want to remember.

1. Photograph what you like best. Photography is like a love affair, it is not to be taken lightly. You do not share your heart with every person you meet; likewise do not waist your passion on areas of little interest. I, for one would never be good at aerial photography; mostly because of a fear of heights.

2. Prepare yourself. Learn all that you can. Books and magazines are only part of the resources you have available. Internet web sites, pod casts, art galleries, photography shows all enable you to expand your own vision. It is very hard for someone to think outside the box who has never even tried to open the lid. Give your mind something to be creative with.

3. Become one with your subject. When the opportunity arrives; let your eyes dance across the subject, take in the highlights and shadows. The art of seeing photographically means to go beyond the surface. Take a moment; look at it from all possible angles. Whether your subject is living or not, treat it like your best friend. This is where passion comes from.

4. Think your shots through. What emotions are you feeling when you look through your viewfinder or onto that digital screen? If you can put your feelings into words, the next step is to put those words onto film (or digital media). Have an objective in mind when you go to shoot your photos and you will make fantastic creative images, not just take average snapshots.

5. Multiply the possibilities. The right subject at the right time is what great photography is all about. Shoot your subject several times from several different angles. If this is a once in a lifetime opportunity; don’t leave anything to chance, take multiple exposures as well. Remember, your camera always wants to average the light. If you want better than average results push your equipment as well as your mind.

6. Take notes. A pencil is the cheapest piece of photographic equipment you can carry. If an image is a success or a failure it means nothing, unless you can do it again. Don’t change too many things at one time, least you end up still having no idea what made the image work. Document your efforts and don’t be afraid to learn from your failures as well as your success.

Making a photo is like drawing water from a well. If the well is dry, it doesn’t matter how many times the bucket goes up or down. Your job is to keep those creative juices flowing. As you fill the well, with knowledge and experience, more inspiration will come to the surface. What gives you style or makes your work unique, is what you bring to the surface. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

Award winning writer / photographer Tedric Garrison has 30 years experience in photography. As a Graphic Art Major, he has a unique perspective on the Elements of Design and how they relate to photography. His photo eBook; Finding Your Creative Edge in Photography, proves creativity CAN be taught. Tedric shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: Better Photo Tips.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/better-photo-tips-making-vs-taking-520511.html

Article Tags: Photo, Inspiration, Photography, Art, Photos, Pictures, Creative, Craft, Photograph

Ask / Related Q&A

Latest Photography Articles
More from Tedric Garrison

Camera: - A Best Gift To Store Precious Moments

By: bettye3tc | 06/11/2009
Camera is the best solution to look back in our past. All the cheering, happy, tough and all sorts of moments are captured in our cameras. From the childhood to the old age we can have all our records saved through it. But at times when we are at beeches or similar places then unfortunately we don’t capture those moments due to the fear of the damage of camera.

Latest Information About Photo Accessories

By: bettye3tc | 06/11/2009
What actually do we refer to as photo accessories? They are the extra things that makes photo shooting experience a better one. Now days there are a lot of photography accessories on the market today of which only a few are useful while the rest are nothing but a waste of precious money.

Digital cameras

By: Laszlo Pap | 04/11/2009
DIGITAL CAMERA: THE FUTURE OF CAMERAS I tried more different type of them, from beginners to professionals. Canon, Nicon, are perfect. What is inside? Read it.

How to find the best digital camera

By: Laszlo Pap | 04/11/2009
The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle.

Disposable Cameras on Vacation

By: Ted Hardy | 04/11/2009
So you've probably all used a disposable camera at some point in your lives. They are pretty handy things for when you don't want to damage your camera. But have you ever used a disposable camera underwater? The opportunities to use these are fantastic and they excel in places where your digital camera really doesn't want to go.

Digital Photography Secrets -digital photography secret ebook

By: Samuel Phillips | 04/11/2009
Digital Photography Secrets reveals all the secrets of professional picture-taking to its essence. I highly recommend Digital Photography Secrets ! It is conveniently broken into clear sections such as Photographing People, Close-ups, Landscape, etc.

"Get More Vision" With DALSA at VISION 2009

By: Market Wire | 03/11/2009
DALSA Expands the Depth and Breadth of Its Machine Vision Offering; Showcases Eight New Camera Models, a New Frame Grabber, Image Processor and Software Tools

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Digital Camera Projector

By: Perry Stevens | 03/11/2009
There is a new wave of compact digital cameras that have just recently exploded onto the market. A compact camera that has the unique feature of a built in projector that allows you to display your pictures and movies anywhere you wish.

Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking

By: Tedric Garrison | 13/08/2008 | Photography
With today’s technology anyone can take a pretty good picture, but what happens if you want more? Making a photograph and taking a picture are two different mindsets. One is creative; one is just going through the motions. Which one are you?

Better Photo Tips - Photographic Standard

By: Tedric Garrison | 13/08/2008 | Photography
If you don’t know where you’re at, its hard to know where you’re going. Having a photographic standard is like having a road map. It is possible to get from here to there without one . . . but it’s a whole lot easier with one.

Better Photo Tips - a Picture Thinker

By: Tedric Garrison | 13/08/2008 | Photography
Learning to think creatively in photography has more to do with how we think than what we think. Becoming a picture thinker, releases you from your own limitations. As a man thinketh, so is he. Think as a Master Photographer, and then become one.

Better Photo Tips - Size Does Matter

By: Tedric Garrison | 03/07/2008 | Photography
At one time or another, most of us have seen a close-up of something that was made to make us think it was actually something else. Why did we not recognize the item for what it truly was? Simply put, you had nothing to compare it to. You had no point of reference.

Better Photo Tips - Writing a Photo Article

By: Tedric Garrison | 03/07/2008 | Photography
Web pages and articles have several things in common, the most obvious being that both do better when “Key Words” are included. This article covers the importance of Key Words in both the title and body of any article you are writing.

Better Photo Tips - Photo Filters and More

By: Tedric Garrison | 03/07/2008 | Photography
When it comes to taking your work to the next level, sometimes you need an edge. Often little things make the biggest difference. Like the frosting on the cake; this article covers little things that can dramatically improve your photography.

Better Photo Tips - New Photo Insights

By: Tedric Garrison | 03/07/2008 | Photography
We all have things we like to photograph the best. To stretch your imagination and creativity sometimes you NEED to shoot different things. Just because you shoot different things, doesn’t mean you have to shoot things different.

The Power of Opposition - Make Them Feel What You Felt

By: Tedric Garrison | 04/05/2008 | Photography
Flowers can be as small as a dime, or as big as a basketball. If you shoot a picture of a flower with a bee that looked almost twice the size of the flower, is that flower big or small? If you shoot a picture of a huge sunflower and had to look twice to notice there was a bee, would that flower be big or small? Without a point of reference, all you have is a pretty flower.