Guest Article by: Suraj
Speaking about the machinations of photography is all well and good. But what is equally important is for a photographer to assimilate oneself into the artistic credibility of the images they capture. Certain important tricks and creative inputs aren’t taught in photography workshops or a photography school.
For instance, it is important to state that a picture appears to be exceedingly sharp. One might also need to give some information about the type of lens they used.
Photo Credit: Giant Humanitarian Robot
Sometimes it even pays greater dividends to utilize greater time in editing a particular photograph than scouting a more suitable angle to capture it. Photography workshops or a photography school only coach you on the technical know-how of a film, digital, DSLR, or an instant camera.
In order to get an idea about other creative terms and common vocabulary used among cameramen, some valuable points have been listed below:
- When a photographer asks what another person is shooting, they are actually making an effort to act courteous and strike a conversation. Not every time do professional photographers talk about work related matter alone?
- If a photographer claims that he/she employs natural light alone for their assignments, they really mean that the quality of their flash exposures are pretty abysmal.
- In the event a photographer states that they only perform a minuscule amount of post-processing, what they are really trying to convey is that they can’t quite understand Photoshop. Such photographers can play around with a few tools of Photoshop, but can’t really wrap their palms around the software in its entirety.
- One should be on their guard if another photographer complements their pictures. Most of the time, such photographers only wish to duplicate good pictures or learn the process behind how that picture was shot and rendered.
- In case a photographer makes tall claims such as portraying their feelings through their pictures, remember that most probably they must have seen something and just shot it.
- Another tall and very common claim usually made by photographers is their attempt at shooting a fleeting moment in time through their pictures. Again, this entire means is that once more they are just capturing things they see. It could also be a case of a photographer shooting at really high frame rates and banking on their luck to take a decent enough image.
- At times, a few photographers traverse the ostentatious route and assert that they only operate in a black-and-white spectrum. The actual reason behind them doing this is that the monochrome colors help conceal their poorly executed exposures, overtly burnt highlighted portions, clipped shadow regions, and other visible flaws.
- For those who are wondering how some photographers take better pictures of everyday, regular folk, the real reason behind this is that they can’t shoot a portrait no matter how hard they try. So their next best options are homeless or geriatric people, as such images almost always make a telling picture.
- One more well-hidden reality is about those photographers who say that they prefer other alternatives to Photoshop. The actual factor contributing to this decision is that they simply can’t bear the cost of purchasing Photoshop.
- And finally, the real explanation behind the increasing number of photographers shooting primes is that they have some misguided opinion that serious photography involves utilization of primes.
Photo Credit: Rickz
So now it’s evident why a lot of real photographic knowledge isn’t acquired in photography workshops or a photography school. The above tips go a long way in understanding the real art of photography and gaining an insight into the minds of others in the field. Mastering the art of using a simple instant camera or a high-tech DSLR would only account for something if one recollects the above mentioned points and picks other valuable lessons along the way.
Author Bio:
Suraj is a tech geek, always on the move to know something more about gadgets that re-innovate the world, gadget and gizmos crazy.
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13 comments
Most of this stuff is rubbish – sorry. And point 4. has just made me laugh.
Hmmm. While there is truth to your article, I feel you take yourself too seriously.
Hmmmmm, this isnt the most inspiring article ive read on this website….
Good one!
Although some of these points may be based on fact. There are many unfair generalizations here. Are we talking about ALL b&w work, ALL street photography, ALL prime shooters? I should think not. Many artists take pride in and are exceptional at producing excellent work “in camera”… Ps simply feels like a compromise or crutch. Although I may not agree with everything, this article made me think about my photography so I have to say, it has merit.
too boring.. @121clicks, guys avoid putting such dumb stuffs up!
Really good article Please share more things like this…..awesome liked it!
This is way too commercial photographers to rank them as this, not a word about for instance Bjørn Rørslett which is probably the biggest names in the “non commercial” photo industry. Many of the names above are photographers who wouldn’t touch a film camera and are totally into this because of the instant feedback on their images.
First of all; landscape photography isn’t and will never be a commercial thing.
I’m sorry this list doesn’t make any sense and smacks of bitterness on the part of the author.
Too deep thinking about photography, really something new read about photography. Love to read more articles about this. Keep on @121clicks please share these types of articles. 🙂
Crap list.
This article is weird. I dont agree with many of the 10 points made. I use natural light and I don’t do extensive pp in PS, I also work to convey my emotions as a narrative. I have photoshop and have a good mastery of it. I don’t like to use it as I believe a shot should be made in camera and a shot should represent the moment. Do my flash exposures suck?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepaulreid/8823596840/
No. But I prefer the natural graduated and often complex shades that come from natural light. It suits my style more:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepaulreid/11013153643/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepaulreid/11610283253/
If a person wants to compliment or talk about photography I and many of my photographer friends are happy to talk about any aspect of their work. We are not defensive or trying to hide any techniques used. It’s a photographers vision, individuality and creativity that produce striking photos, not a PS action.
Oh, and I only shoot primes. I like the way they reduce options. I can focus more on my narrative and light.
10. points but Zero knowledge.
Man no offence to the Author of this article, though I do not think any serious professional photographer, fine art or commercial, could take this seriously. If you do, then you should be checking yourself seriously.