Nowadays there are many people with cellphones or expensive camera equipment, and all this tech has one thing in common: it can take a GOOD photograph. But think about: “what makes for a good photograph, according to you.”?
Here I spend the time to discuss ‘what is a GOOD photograph?’ and hopefully I fulfill your answer.
A GOOD photograph most important is to communicate to the viewer…. Through communication, it must tell a story to the viewer through its composition, lighting and most importantly – the subject matter.
Four elements that will determine a GOOD photograph:
1.Lighting
2. Composition
3.Subject
4. Focus
Lighting is a very important element to determine a GOOD photograph. If your lighting is not good then immediately your photograph will be seen as not so good, and you as a photographer mustn’t fall into that category. You must always strive for a GOOD or GREAT photograph.
When you want to shoot your scene or a subject, always keep in mind what kind of lighting you want to accomplish. Are there good shadow and highlight details with a good range of shades in between.? No ‘blown’
highlights except for some desired spectacular highlights.
The way of lighting you as a photographer want to create is the way you see your subject or scene in your mind before you shoot your photo.
There are no rules when it comes to how you should compose your photographs. Before you want to photograph the scene or your subject you must know before-hand how your composition is going to be. What is your intention towards your composition.? The composition must always be intriguing towards your photograph.
The rule of thirds is a good way to equally balance out your photograph.
The rule of thirds is very simple. You divide the frame into 9 equal rectangles, 3 across and 3 down. To help you with your rule of thirds you can view this grid in your camera display.
The idea is to place the important elements of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect. Placing it off center using the rule of thirds will more often than not lead to a more attractive composition. A way to make your subject or scene more interesting is of leading lines.
Lines in a photograph is the most intriguing because lines in a photograph lead the viewer’s eyes towards the subject.
The Subject of a photograph determines how you compose your subject or scene.
Here are some elements you can use to determine your subject:
- Lines
- Positioning
- Contrast
- Find something you are interested in.
Lastly: ensure that your subject or scene is always in FOCUS.
In Photography, it’s practically referred to sharpness. An image that is completely sharp is said to be in-focus. An image that’s completely blurry is said to be unfocused.
You as the photographer must decide what must be in focus or out focus in your scene.
If you follow these guidelines and practice, you will be ensured GOOD Photographs!!
All the best!
