What makes photos good

Is the subject side lit, or back lit? Is the light source hard or soft? Will I set up the picture so that it is low-key or high key? Depending on the answers to these questions the overall emotional feel and aesthetic of the image will change radically, thereby changing its meaning.

To give you an example, look at some classic pictures taken of jazz clubs in low light. Play around with light so that it supports the meaning you are trying to convey in the image.

Great Composition — As in great art, great photographs generally have a sense of compositional form and balance that is pleasing to the eye. A Sense of Timing — Take a look at the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the undisputed master of street photography, and you will notice that, as well as having complete mastery of composition, he was also a master of timing.

Great timing is essential in photography. Practice being patient, and remember to try to anticipate the best moment at which to engage the shutter button. A Clear Subject — Great photographs generally have a very clear idea of what the core subject of the photograph is.

If you find that when you frame an image the subject is unclear then try taking out any unnecessary elements. Sometimes simplifying the image is the best way to improve it. Try experimenting with these different elements to see what works for you. Good luck! About the Author: Matt Foden Photography mattfoden. Join over , photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current:.

Indeed, light is the most important in a photography. And, of course, your skillz of playing with the light. I tried to play with on a clear morning in the major train station from Bucharest. While capturing texture in an image, details are very important.

If a photographer captures the fine details, it makes the photograph more lifelike. Photographers also add patterns to a photograph to add to the composition. Patterns are a repetition of colors, shapes, and objects. Using a pattern is the key to having good composition in an image. Patterns also give add interest to a photo. One more element that photographers use while photographing is color. Believe it or not, the color wheel is something that photographers use as a guide to which colors go best together in a photograph.

Colors on the color wheel are often referred to as hues. Normally, colors opposite from each other on the color wheel typically go best together. Photographers also typically either use cool or warmer colors in a photo to give off a certain mood that they are trying to accomplish.

Some people say that an image with a sharp focus , a correct balance of light and that follows compositional rules is a good image. It might be true. Without interest, it also sounds beyond boring. This means your image gets lost in the tide. Stories created by using emotional or interesting content stand out. And for this to happen, there needs to be a relationship between you and the scene or subject.

The idea comes down to personal attribution. I know what I like, and what I think is a good photograph. You will have a completely different idea. I may look at the technical skills and the fleeting connection. But you may look at composition and flow. There is no formula for what makes a good image. Different people like different images.

Who the image is for and what it portrays can be the tipping point. His quote screams that you are too far away. You need to get closer, both physically and mentally. Create a connection with your subject, even if it is confrontational. Annie Leibovitz is a world-famous American portrait photographer. Her unique style always shines through her portrait photographs.

Leibovitz photographed several celebrities during her career. She took the iconic photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono just hours before the rockstar was shot. Her quote makes it obvious that a good photographer has to love their subject to create outstanding pictures.

His quote is about what he sees and captures. And about the interpretation from the viewer who glances at the final image. Viewers bring their own vision when understanding your image. Diane Arbus was an American photographer whose work was featured in recognized magazines.

She photographed subjects who stood on the fringe of society. She worked with strippers, dwarves, carnival performers and nudists. Diane photographed her models in their familiar settings: at home, in a park, on the street or at work. Her quote highlights how photography should happen without getting into the spotlight.

A good photographer stays almost invisible and manages to capture their subjects in a natural way. Salgado, a Brazilian documentary photographer , emphasises relationships. Not composition or other factors. Henri gives us a moment of truth. He states that we need to pass this specific number to start creating something good.