jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I once read that as a recommendation for great images. It could have been on this forum. Really is good advice. This shot of my beer at a local establishment was taken with my cell phone. Positioned to take advantage of the evening sunset coming through a window.

Any thoughts on the traditional discussion of what is more important? Equipment, Composition, or Lighting

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

For me as a land and seascape photographer it has to be

1) Light
2) Composition
3) Subject

That doesn't mean that the subject is unimportant. It just means that the light and composition is what will turn it from ordinary into something with that little bit extra.
Just MHO though. Different strokes for different folks.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I think you have to start by saying your equipment is a given as you must work with what you have. Secondly, to me comes subject as without a good subject you have nothing. Thirdly comes composition, for me a bad composition with good light is still not good. And fourth, comes the light and if the light is not good I usually pass on the subject altogether. Just my set of rules which I might add, I break regularly.
I might add that I like your subject, lighting and composition which you did with the equipment at hand and very well, I might add.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Gary, you seem to be saying....
1) Subject
2) Composition
3) Light.

And this is the order that I used to approach it in too.
For quite a long time.
For some types of photography it can still be valid.

But if you read your lines closely you then say " and if the light is not good I usually pass on the subject altogether"

Surely that has to mean that you really have Light at #1, doesn't it?


And to the OP.
From memory I believe you probably did read it on here.
I think someone may have quoted Galen Rowell saying "Find the light, and then photograph what is in it"

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If you told me you had taken that with a 5D Mk III and L glass, I would have believed you. Great shot.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

Point well taken but if you don't have a good subject what does it matter if you have good light. I usually go looking for the subject and then try to place myself in a position to get the best light or go looking when the light is in general good such as early morning or evening. Of course it all has to come together for a great image to be captured so which ever way you find it really doesn't matter as long as you get what you want. I have seen some pictures with less than ideal light that were still beautiful due solely to the subject and the composition. So I would consider all parts of the image to be of equal value but play different rolls in the final product.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Gary, I do agree with you on the most part.
But I want to address a couple of things.
With the right light and the right composition, a good photographer can make a steel bucket look like a work of art - or even a capsicum!
In the hands of a lesser photographer they are just a bucket and a pepper.
I have also seen many photographers take absolutely boring shots of stunning scenes.
So the subject is not really important.


The second bold bit.
Solely due to subject and composition?
I would venture that maybe the light was very good but maybe the photographer didn't recognise how good the light was for the particular subject.
So many people think that you want gorgeous weather for good photography.
So many photographers think that only the golden hour is worthwhile.
Both are partially right - which actually makes them wrong.

I have seen many brilliant photos taken in so called "less than ideal light"
It is about the light, but the light has to be recognised.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I guess what we agree on is without all three things, light, subject and composition a photo can be good but it takes a combination of all three for it to be great. The photographer has to make that decision on his own terms. I see your point that the light comes first but I also see without a strong subject an image with perfect light is most likely just another average image but with all three, no matter which comes first the image can be great but not necessarily so, as it is the photographer that make the decision on how to use all three to make a spectacular image.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Good Discussion. I just read one of those Nikon vs. Canon posts. Although equipment is important, there are so many other factors in getting a good image.

Wayn0 Loc: Iowa

The word "Photography" comes from the Greek words for "drawing" and "light". That should answer that.

I remember reading somewhere the words of a great landscape photographer who said, and I paraphrase:

"Amateurs concern themselves with equipment. Professionals concern themselves with technique. Masters wait for the light."

Lighting is paramount. Period.