the secret

So what is the secret to creating an awesome photograph? Well, really, it is quite simple. There are two parts to this simple secret:

i) the primary key to photography is knowing how to see. Sounds simple, right? "I have two eyes, I see everything" you say. Well, yes, but knowing how to look. "The more I look, the more I see."

ii) the other part is knowing the technical aspects of photography. This goes back to knowing how to see.

Both of these points go hand in hand. This is the yin and yang of photography.

When I see an image I am already calculating in my head: composition, angles, light, shutter speed, depth of field, focus. I don't just see the current image, I see the final image. Oh, yes, there are fluke shots that happen. I've done it. But to make consistently good photos it requires knowing how to see. This is the secret.

how I see; what I see

The key to photography is to see everything. I look up, I look down. I see big, I see small. I'm always looking, always observing. I use my eyes.

A good photographer will look at light, shadow, pattern, texture, shape, colour, symmetry. This is how good photographs are made. Oh sure, there's always that lucky, once-in-a-lifetime shot. It can happen. I've done it. But the key is, can that photograph be repeated? Usually not. A knowledgeable photographer will know what film speed, f/stop and focal length was used.

There's an old adage in photography: always take notes!