Title: Twofer

I’m often asked “What Makes a Great Photograph?” When I think about that question I instantly see the words depth, lines, movement, perspective, composition, lighting, unexpectedness and emotions. However, the person who is normally asking me the question doesn’t care to hear my one word answers… so this blog post is me answering that ”What Makes a Great Photograph?” question. 

What Makes a Great Photograph? 

1. Depth. Creating depth is a must! Using depth in your images bring a dynamic element to your images and brings a sense of reality to the viewer.

2. Lines. Everything revolves around lines and a grid. Find lines in your area to incorporate into your images to frame your subjects. These lines help guide the eyes right to where you want them to focus.

3. Movement. Movement helps emphasize the action that is taking place at that moment. Whether you choose to freeze a moment or show a motion blur your photo needs to this element.

4. Perspective. This one requires some thought - don’t just pick up the camera and start taking photos. Take the environment into consideration and think about a different way you can photograph the subject in it’s environment. Do you really want to take the same image that everyone else has taken over and over again?

5. Composition. Consider this one the Golden Rule - your photo needs it! Take the rule of thirds into consideration when composing. Get extremely familiar with composition because even “photos that break this rule” still follow this rule.

6. Lighting. This is how you get drama into your photos! Whether you are using natural lighting or bouncing your flash - do something unexpected.

7. Unexpectedness. A photo in the moment can rarely ever be recaptured, so keep an eye out for those special moments and learn how to anticipate them so that you are prepared for them. Candid moments capture real life. Sometimes as a photographer, we have to learn how to step back and let the real magic happen so that we can capture the true nature of those we are taking pictures of.

8. Emotions. Just like capturing the unexpected one needs to look for true moments that are timeless. Emotions are what make your photo less flat, they are what help to make the photo POP!

Hope these words can help you!