Make Photos...Don't Take Snapshots
by 
We all know that a champion athlete has to
prepare himself mentally for the challenge of what he hopes will be a peak
performance.
In photography, this same theory applies. We have to prepare
ourselves emotionally, too. A large part of this process is
developing the state of mind that you are no longer going to take
snapshots; rather, from now on you will MAKE PHOTOGRAPHS!
How can you go about making this shift and acquiring this new attitude?
Here are some tips.
First, slow down. Don't rush into snapping your shutter.
Leave your camera in its case as you begin to study your subject.
Ask yourself how you can best portray the subject. Should you move
in tight or keep your distance? Is one camera angle better than
another? Perhaps late afternoon light will best enhance your image.
Maybe a different focal length lens will add greater impact.
Are you beginning to see what is happening? You are beginning to
go through a conscious, planned-out thought process to produce a
photograph that says everything about the subject. You see, you're
starting to make photographs, not take snapshots.
Let's go on further. How about utilizing all the
depth-of-field that is generally available to you? Did you know that
your normal 50mm lens will give you a depth-of-field of seven feet to
infinity? Next time you're shooting scenery, take advantage of this.
Rather than snap just the mountain in the distance, carefully study the
scene for foreground objects such as a pile of boulders that will give a
"foundation" to your image or some tree branches that act as a
perfect "frame." Or how about a stream or fence that
"lead" you into the scene?
Often you'll want to place the subject off-center to add a dynamic
dimension to your photograph. Consider the use of filters to enhance
a blue sky, add some color to a dramatic sunset or add a
"starburst" of excitement.
Once again, the planned-out, well-executed thought process is at
work... you are making a photograph, not taking a picture. See how
it works?
Remember, too, that you are an artist creating a beautiful image. "See" with your feelings, your inner eyes, and keep in mind that YOU are making the photograph, not the camera.