Three Ingredients to a Great Photo
Usually, as photographers, we have a good sense for distinguishing a good photo from a bad one. Sometimes, however, it is hard to identify the patterns of what a good photo makes. In this blog, I will share the three key ingredients of most great photos. We will go over the importance of having a clear subject, compelling composition and great conditions, along with practical tips to achieve these elements in your photos.
Include a Clear and Interesting Subject
An interesting and obvious subject or focal point is the first and arguably most important ingredient of a great photo. As an observer, I want to immediately understand what I am looking at. Therefore, your composition needs to include a strong subject that is easily identified within the first second of observation. It seems easy, but I often see photos where a clear subject is lacking. Either there is too much happening in the scene, so viewers do not know where to focus. Or, there is no clear subject at all. Depending on your photography style, a subject could be anything—a tree, a mountain, an animal, or, like in most of my photos, one or more people. The subject should ideally stand out from its surroundings either through the absence of concurring subjects or by having a striking appearance. It could be the tallest mountain in a range, the most visible animal in a herd, or the most eye-catching dressed person in a crowd.
The subject is clear and interesting: A couple enjoying the sunset, back to back.
A person holding an umbrella is interesting, but how about an umbrella holder on a bike?😉
2. Enhance the Subject with a Strong Composition.
A great subject is one aspect, but how do we capture it compellingly? This is where composition comes in. In essence, it means how we harmonise the elements in the photo enabling the subject to stand out within it. There are general composition guidelines for compelling shots, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines or framing. The rule of thirds indicates where to place the subject compellingly in the frame usually on the intersecting lines of a 3x3 grid. Leading lines guide the viewer into the photo and toward the subject. Framing is the use of foreground elements hiding specific parts of a scene to direct the viewer’s eye toward the subject. These are three of many other composition techniques you might or might not want to follow. The bottom line is that composition rules help you place elements in your photos intentionally and showcase a great subject.
Framing the subject with tree branches: A simple technique to guide the viewer's eye to the subject.
Leading lines toward the subject: The layers of the sea naturally guide the viewer's eye.
3. The Light enhances both Composition and Subject.
Photographers often complain about bad light, but there is no bad light, just light that suits different photography types better. I distinguish between diffused and direct light. Diffused light, like the sun behind clouds, hits the subject indirectly. Direct light, such as harsh midday sun or golden hour light, comes straight from the source. Golden hour light is seen as ideal for most photography, while the harsh midday sun creates uneven lighting. For my street photography, harsh and soft direct light is preferable as it adds contrast between lit and shadowed elements. To make your subject stand out, place it within a 180-degree angle in front of the light source. Good light can transform a photo with an interesting subject and good composition into a great photo. Therefore, good light is the final ingredient of the recipe for a good photo.
Golden hour light: Most photographers’ dream. (Tip: Place the subject in front of the light source)
No sun does not mean no light: Shop windows are great light sources too
Final thoughts: Photography is a creative pursuit with no definitive rules. The suggestions offered here are meant to inspire discussion and not dictate the only approach. Feel free to adopt or adapt them as you see fit.
Written By Pit Haupert
Instagram: pitsphotoblog
Threads: pitsphotoblog
