Recipe for success
I’ve stated in more than one photo workshop that making a compelling image is a combination of many things but in my mind there are four main ingredients that keep it pretty simple: Subject, Composition, Light and Color.
They don’t have to be in equal proportions but each of these appeal to basic human nature. We are drawn to interesting things that we have a connection to. We react positively to color and light and we present it in a way the viewer will understand with composition. Kind of like a great Italian meal with simple fresh ingredients. No need to over season but please don’t present a perfect meal on a sloppy plate.
Photo instruction often focuses on more technical aspects of the art but I’m of the school that almost every camera and even your phone is capable of capturing a pretty good image so how deep you want to dive into the technical aspects is entirely up to you. I’ve seen kids who have absolutely no background in photography what so ever take amazing images because somehow they inherently know these basic ingredients.
I offer this image from a night ago as an example. The subject is really common but one that many can identify with or congers up positive imagery (the sailboat and sunset). Now add some color, interesting lighting and compose it simply without too many distractions and you have a pretty good image. Remember this simple recipe and you’ll be on your way to creating better images.
Remember keep it simple, less is more. Don’t over season your food.
