DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

An inspirational message for photographers: what really makes a great photo?

Jul 3, 2017 by Dunja Djudjic 3 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

The debate whether the gear matters or not is probably never ending. And while I generally always place the idea above gear, I still believe gear matters in many other aspects. But what does a veteran photographer has to say about this? What really makes a good photo?

Photographer Jesse James Allen has created a wonderful tribute to his mentor, photographer Charlie Howse. He inspired him and showed him not how to take, but how to create photos. In Allen’s video, Mr. Howse shares his knowledge, thoughts and a message for all the photographers out there. He talks about what makes good photos and if the gear has the influence, and if you’re looking for some wise words and inspiration, take a look.

As Mr. Howse explains, a good photo should help you remember what was going on, how you were feeling and what you were seeing before you clicked the shutter. It helps you remember why you made the click at all and decided to capture the moment. It all comes down to the message, which is what he talks about later throughout the video.

He admits that he used to think that a great image needs to be technically perfect. However, with time he got to realize that the artistic aspect is more important. According to Mr. Howse, a great photograph is the one that allows the viewer to “recognize it” or create his own story about it. As I understand it, it draws and keeps your attention and makes you think about it, at least for a few moments.

Mr. Howse claims what I also believe – a good photographer can take a point-and-shoot camera and take better images than someone with an expensive body and lens. This is because they know how to approach the subject and position it within the scene. They know “how to make an image rather than take a picture.” Of course, this photo may be less sharp or be technically imperfect, but in terms of the story and message, it can be superior to the photo taken even with the best gear in the world.

According to Mr. Howse, anyone can pick up a camera or a smartphone and take a photo. But to be really good at it requires more than the gear. This is why he relies on a large format camera. He observes it as a chance to master the skill of photography and take it to the next level. He embraces it as a tool that will expand his competency and pose a challenge for him.

The photographer also points out that communication with the person you’re photographing is an important part of making an image. Only then you can call it a portrait, and it won’t be just a snapshot. Again, you need to create a context and allow your viewer to see the story in your photos.

At the end, he gives a piece of advice for new generations of photographers: you should learn how to look at the scene and see what kind of message and story you can tell from it. And as long as you put the message at the first place, you’ll be able to tell the story with any camera you have around.

Personally, I agree with the idea behind this video and Mr. Howse’s message. It may be because I’m not really obsessed by gear and I generally don’t pay attention to the technical aspect. I am more attracted to the photos that make me think and feel something, no matter what the photographer used to capture them. And I’m curious to hear what you think. What, in your opinion, makes a great photo?

[CHARLIE via SLR Lounge]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Photographers rock! These are 10 great musicians who are also great photographers Life and work of Diane Arbus, one of the most inspirational and controversial American photographers They love camera, and camera loves them: these 10 great actors are also great photographers Nine more great musicians who are also great photographers

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: Photography, portrait photography

About Dunja Djudjic

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

« How to prevent the lens creep with a simple rubber band
A visual approach to the Inverse Square Law and how it affects photographers »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Sony teases upcoming ZV-E1 full-frame vlogging camera coming on March 29
  • The Xencelabs Pen Display 24 is silent, glare-free retouching tablet
  • Fall in love with astrophotography with these 10 space objects
  • Hipstamatic app relaunches as a social network, but only for iOS
  • Instagram now has ads even in search results. Sigh

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy