Tech Wednesday – Designing a photograph

I’ve been working the last couple of days on a series of programs I will be presenting about six times before the end of the year. The major program, which is also the title of my next Kelby Training class is, “Learning to See Photographically”. This is the class I’ve been preparing to do for many, many years. Virtually everything I’ve learned has gone into developing this program. As I was working on the presentation, and reviewing images to share as part of the class I found something that fits in perfectly, but is short enough to share with you right here. Years ago the GAPW had a series of plastic cards made that were called the John Shaw’s Pocket Field Guide. It was a gift to all the folks attending our workshops and was filled with useful information for working in the field. John and I planned what material to include and it was a big hit. No card was more important that the one titled, “Designing Your Photograph…” This 11 step card really got down to the nuts and bolts of making a good image. Here is the list:

1. A good photograph is a synthesis of many decisions that work together in unison.
2. Composition is the art of imposing order and structure on the random natural world.
3. The starting point is to choose a subject, simplify, simplify, simplify.
4. Look around the viewfinder and carefully identify and eliminate any elements that
are not supporting your intended subject.
1. Ask the question, “What is this a photograph of?”
2. Think of the elements in your photograph as graphic elements thus; Photo-Graphics.
3. Use foreground objects carefully positioning to give a sense of depth.
4. Be aware of and use to full advantage C or S curves that appear in the scene.
5. Study the composition and determine if the Horizontal or Vertical format best
handles the subject.
1. Take advantage of Aerial perspective to show depth.
2. Avoid white skies and keep your horizon level…..

Today this list is just as meaningful in making a great image as it was 20 years ago. I hope I get to see many of you that read the blog at some of those programs this year. Just putting the program together has made me a lot more excited about our craft.

Be blessed,

the pilgrim

*Photo Note: D2x with the 80-200 lens.