Basic Principles of Photography

 Basic Principles of Photography 

adapted from On Looking at Photographs by Bill Jay and David Hurn

1. A subject is selected because it evokes a head or heart reaction in the photographer.
2. The image is revealed with maximum clarity for the fullest expression of the subject matter.
3. The viewfinder frame is carefully inspected in order to produce the most satisfying arrangement of shapes, from the correct angle and distance.
4. The exposure is made, and the image frozen in time, at exactly the right moment.

          The result is a good photograph.

I wish I could say that photography was as easy as those four steps. The reality is, there are many things to consider when make a photograph. However don't over think it! Photography is a skillset and like any skillset it takes hard work, dedication, practice and patiences!

Let's take a closer look at the above four steps and carefully extract words from them.

1. You've selected a subject because it "Evokes" a head or heart "reaction" in you.

2. You've elected certain settings on the camera so as to reveal your subject with "Maximum" clarity and for the "Fullest" expression.

3. You've "Carefully" inspected your composition to achieve a "satisfying and correct" composition. 

4. You press the shutter release at "Exactly" the "Right" moment.