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Making a WOW Photo
Dec 26, 2013 13:29:56 #
dsmeltz wrote:
"
knowing how to visualize." What does that mean?
The camera is in front of the subject but that is where the Photographer must be. The Photographer has many obstacles while the viewer has few. The goal is to place the viewer in front of the subject.
Dec 26, 2013 13:34:29 #
CHOLLY wrote:
:hunf: br br At the risk of sounding disrespectf... (show quote)
That is sort of like saying writing is about the letters of the alphabet. It is not, it is about the ideas and feelings that are coveyed using letters.
Dec 26, 2013 13:38:00 #
CHOLLY wrote:
:hunf: br br At the risk of sounding disrespectf... (show quote)
From a technical POV you are correct Cholly but a great image is not about the light.
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Dec 26, 2013 13:41:42 #
dsmeltz wrote:
That is sort of like saying writing is about the letters of the alphabet. It is not, it is about the ideas and feelings that are coveyed using letters.
Well said
Dec 26, 2013 13:44:56 #
BrettOssman wrote:
One thing I'm trying to learn is to see a WOW photograph, before I even shoot it. Not as easy as it may sound, at least in my case.
Thought I'd start a discussion on this topic. There are no right or wrong answers here, IMHO. This is totally subjective.
When you are out shooting, what do you look for to create a WOW photo vs. a snapshot or commonplace photo?
Let's start here and see where this goes.
Thought I'd start a discussion on this topic. There are no right or wrong answers here, IMHO. This is totally subjective.
When you are out shooting, what do you look for to create a WOW photo vs. a snapshot or commonplace photo?
Let's start here and see where this goes.
This is a good topic for discussion. Thanks for starting.
As a novice with no natural talent, I have not had a WOW! photo. But, I do think about it and go looking for it. Right now my goal is a lower case wow.
I think there is a difference between an 'unexpected/surprise' wow and one you set out to accomplish. The first happens because you are in the right place, at the right time and you instinctively pick up the camera, move to the right spot and shoot, quickly changing a setting or 2 if need be. That comes from experience, skill and knowledge. IMO. Even then, only a few will get a true screaming WOW!
The second comes when you have an idea of what you are looking for and then attempt to find it. Once found...oh yeah...now is the hard part. Good composition, good lighting, correct settings, rule of thirds, angles, lines, space, framing, etc, etc. Then skill and a good 'eye'. IMO this takes a lot of practice, deletes, do overs, learning from past mistakes and heeding the wise advice of those who truly know.
I have some goals regarding my little wow photos.
I want to get a nicely composed, clear, sharp BIF that includes some of the surroundings. Something suitable for framing and hanging on my wall.
I want something similar, but of a colorful insect (not flying LOL)
And finally a beautiful outdoor landscape.
I try to use my camera at least once a day, to become used to its settings.
I practice capturing BIFs outside my home.
I go to where I am likely to find the BIF in lovely settings, in early am or late afternoon. I am 'trying' to learn to be patient, be aware of what is going on around me, be prepared, then wait for it.
And I must have fun...otherwise it is a chore and work. I want to feel the joy of the moment and I want to capture that in my photo.
I have given myself one year to accomplish a 'one capital' Wow.
Probably To Much Information, but thanks for the thread. Ready to learn from all the really good photographers here.
Dec 26, 2013 13:45:58 #
silver wrote:
Being in the right place at the right time, knowing your equipment, knowing how to visualize.
Hit the nail squarely on the head. Won't always give you a WOW but sure increases the possibility.
Dec 26, 2013 13:48:35 #
tramsey wrote:
A very ironic thing has just happened in regards to a WOW photo. A very good example of one has just been posted by greogoryd45 at
http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2013/12/26/1388075963703-cm0_edited_1.jpg
It is well worth a look
http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2013/12/26/1388075963703-cm0_edited_1.jpg
It is well worth a look
Action shots are big targets for me in wildlife.
Very nice.
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Dec 26, 2013 13:50:44 #
BrettOssman wrote:
What would make light "incredible" to you, or is it a gut feeling?
I know a textbook response would be dawn and dusk, the golden hours. I don't think ONLY the golden hours give awesome light, although it may increase your chances.
Of course you can make great light too, with flashes and/or post. Just need to know what will make it great.
I know a textbook response would be dawn and dusk, the golden hours. I don't think ONLY the golden hours give awesome light, although it may increase your chances.
Of course you can make great light too, with flashes and/or post. Just need to know what will make it great.
It's a bit like the Juris who has responding to a question about porn: "You know it when you see it." I know that's a cheap answer....
I do believe "incredible light" can be artificial..., i.e. created by the photographer.
For portrait photography, I think of Karsh; for landscapes, many...but AA comes to mind. "Moonrise Over Hernanez, New Mexico" is a "WOW" image....
Dec 26, 2013 13:55:29 #
dsmeltz wrote:
That is sort of like saying writing is about the letters of the alphabet. It is not, it is about the ideas and feelings that are coveyed using letters.
IMO, not a great analogy... Now if you had said, camera, lens, paper, frame, mat...., I would agree.
The analogy between light and photography to writing would be theme/story/ideas.....
Tools and essential elements are not the same thing.
JMHO.
Dec 26, 2013 13:56:53 #
How about take your time and investigate and think about the scene/subject? If you rush to get photos and move on, chances are you'll miss something, or think of ideas later (too late).
This can be VERY tough to do when you are with other folks that want to keep moving. :roll:
This can be VERY tough to do when you are with other folks that want to keep moving. :roll:
Dec 26, 2013 13:58:06 #
BrettOssman wrote:
How about take your time and investigate and think about the scene/subject? If you rush to get photos and move on, chances are you'll miss something, or think of things later (too late).
Definitely. This is why I don't really believe it's about luck-- unless you call preparation/opportunity, "luck"....
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Dec 26, 2013 13:58:38 #
dsmeltz wrote:
That is sort of like saying writing is about the letters of the alphabet. It is not, it is about the ideas and feelings that are coveyed using letters.
Too simplistic.
IF you don't understand context, syntax, grammar, or sentence construction, all the feelings in the world won't communicate ANY ideas at all.
Photography is both art AND science.
But in order to be fully expressive in your art, you MUST understand the science.
That, good sir, is a concept that is NOT so hard to understand or comprehend. ;)
Dec 26, 2013 13:59:59 #
One day I will learn this thing of WOW.
It will probably be something I've never heard.
It will probably be something I've never heard.
Dec 26, 2013 13:59:59 #
CHOLLY wrote:
Too simplistic.
IF you don't understand context, syntax, grammar, or sentence construction, all the feelings in the world won't communicate ANY ideas at all.
Photography is both art AND science.
But in order to be fully expressive in your art, you MUST understand the science.
That, good sir, is a concept that is NOT so hard to understand or comprehend. ;)
IF you don't understand context, syntax, grammar, or sentence construction, all the feelings in the world won't communicate ANY ideas at all.
Photography is both art AND science.
But in order to be fully expressive in your art, you MUST understand the science.
That, good sir, is a concept that is NOT so hard to understand or comprehend. ;)
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Dec 26, 2013 14:02:30 #
I have seen the original negative "Moonrise Over Hernanez, New Mexico" The light was actually quite flat and the image low contrast. Mr. Adams was a darkroom master and took the risk of dipping the top of the only negative he had into potassium cyanide to increase the contrast.
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