Basically all the above can be infused into three major steps, which I find very useful and quite appropriately defines my photography. I call it the '3-step method':
1. Know your subject
2. Concentrate (focus your attention) on your subject (in order words,
compose your image)
3. Simplify
Do not over-push an image. You will get your strongest photographs with the
honest approach.
Step 1: Study your subject. A great photo always has strong subject matter,
one with line, form, shape, mass. Look photographically and see the details.
Examine and identify what intrigues you personally. Decipher the message you
want to pass on. Given the chance, take time to observe.
Step 2: Composition is a means of leading a viewer through your photograph
and holding him there until he or she sees the message. For this, there are
methods of composing to achieve maximum strength in your imagery. One can
identify them as elements, and here I thought it worthwhile listing them
out:
· Light
· Colour
· Contrast and Tone
· Line
· Form
· Pattern
· Balance
· Movement
· Positive/Negative Space
· Camera Position
· Focal Length
· Depth of Field
· Shutter Speed
Discussing them one by one by one is beyond the scope of this article, but
it is important to say that elements of composition must always be
considered in combination. The essence of photography (indeed of all art) is
in the relationships that are created. The relationships within an image
become the essence of a fine photograph. When a photograph includes a bunch
of things, but posing no compelling relationships between them, it simply
fails. All too often, a photograph fails because it is strictly an ‘object’
photograph; an isolated object of visual interest. Yet the object exhibits
no interesting relationship to anything else in the photograph. The
remainder of the image is strictly background. With rare exceptions, such
photographs are mere documentation of objects but, lacking internal
relationships, they fail artistically. Photographers look for relationships;
snap shooters look for things.
Step 3: Simplify. Do not let the eye wander around RANDOMLY! Even a complex
composition needs to be simplified by the process of eliminating all
unnecessary items but being sure to retain all that is important
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