Better Photo Tips - Making Vs. Taking

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.