Sunday, April 18, 2010

I decided a morning that it would be nice to have a little photoshoot. So me and my girlfriend decided that it would be a good idea. Think about some great photos that you’ve seen in your life. What do they have in common?

First, I would say most good photographs have simplicity in common. Some kind focus is present. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. (I can’t think of any photo right now, but I remember seeing it). In this photo there isn’t much that you might get distracted by. Not even a nipple, which might be mightily distracting for the male counterpart of the population ;).

Second, all good photos have lighting that enhance or focus on the person or the subject. I myself prefer natural lighting, especially window lighting is marvelous in my opinion. Light coming sideways from the window will make the photo much more lifelike and 3d. If you take a look on all the old paintings from 17th century like Rembrandts paintings, you’ll see that lighting always comes sideways. (I love those paintings).

Third, an interesting photo tells a story. I would say that this is the most difficult part. This is also quite subjective. There was a photographer named Arnold Newman who took some quite compelling photos in my opinion, he managed to tell a story about the person he portrayed by just add some characteristic elements. One of the more famous ones is probably this picture of Stravinsky.

All in all, if you manage to follow these simple priniciples you’ll sooner or later end up with some great photos.