There has been some great feedback to my original question. I am in the same
position as most on the list. The technical aspects of the picture, i.e.,
correct exposure, proper focus, dof correct, composition technically correct
(rule of thirds and other such observed), I have no problem with. These
things can be perfected simply through an understanding of the technical
aspects of photography and as many have said, practice, practice, practice.
Developing the "vision", the "eye", the way of "seeing", I find harder. Yes,
I have studied the work of the greats, and for the most part I understand
what makes those pictures "work". But unless I want to duplicate exactly
what they've shot, it doesn't help with developing a vision of my own. There
are several books on the market that show great landscape shots, and tell
exactly what equipment was used, the time of day, the season, the weather,
and even EXACTLY where to stand or place one's tripod. Ansel Adams was even
guilty of producing one of these. Providing you can read and have access to
the location and the equipment used, great photos are almost guranteed.
How does one develop a sense of "seeing" a great photo as one observes the
things around them. I think Doris and Matthew come close when they talk
about evoking a mood or emotion that transmits what you are trying to say to
the viewer. But what if you have nothing to say. How is it that two people
can look at a scene and one of them sees nothing worth saying anything
about, and the other sees an emotion that they then convey to the viewer
through a photograph. That is the "vision" that I'm talking about. How does
one develop that vision? Or is it something that one is either born with or
isn't, and it's not possible to "learn" to be a good photographer?
Regards,
John Austin
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