Insights That Have Influenced Your Photography

[neil poulsen]

What are insights that have had an influence in your photography? This could be how you see images, take photos, produce photos, display photos, etc. Also, why do they have meaning for you, how do you apply them?

Two that come to my mind are the following:

>> Expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights.

This is the basis of the zone system. When I heard this, I understood the zone system better.


>> I'd rather have two exposures that are correct verses two that are incorrect. (Paraphrased from Ansel Adams.)

In "bracketing" Ansel Adams (from my readings) would take two photos at the same exposure. In this way, I believe that he could later adjust the development to bring in the highlights where he wanted them. So, he would want want both sheets at the same exposure. Typical bracketing involves under and over exposing the negative. So, whichever is the "correct" exposure, two "incorrect" exposures remain.

Very neat I thought. This also helped me understand the zone system.

[C_Remington]

"I'd rather have two exposures that are correct verses two that are incorrect." ??? Huh?? What the hell does that mean?

Anywho...

1. Only show your best work.

2. Envision the final print before you trip the shutter.

[bigdog]

"I'd rather have two exposures that are correct verses two that are incorrect." ??? Huh?? What the hell does that mean?

I thought Neil explained it rather well.

For me, it was the realization of what "photograph the light" actually meant. I had only heard that for decades, and then my own internal "light bulb" finally came on ...

More recently, I have come to realize that I want to make pictures without having to travel like a tourist to get them. I end up taking the same photos of photogenic places that have already been taken. Working closer to home (or AT home) may still be making images that have already been made, but it's cheaper and less time consuming.

[IanG]

"I'd rather have two exposures that are correct verses two that are incorrect." ??? Huh?? What the hell does that mean?

Anywho...

1. Only show your best work.

2. Envision the final print before you trip the shutter.

Have to totally agree, that however means strict editing later and sometimes what you think are your best images may not be appropriate (I'm talking in terms of exhibitions & publications).

I'd add having a purpose when you shoot, a potential use for the images. You set yourself a goal / project discover or set the boundaries and shoot, it's amazing then how things come together compared to shooting at random.

Ian

[C_Remington]

I guess I still don't get it. Who would want to incorrect exposures????

[Jody_S]

If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. Much as I enjoy photography as a pastime, I take little enjoyment from doing a half-assed job when I know I can do better.

[John Kasaian]

If it's worth doing, is worth doing poorly.
You can't do the thing well if you haven't experienced doing the thing at all.

[vinny]

If the scene you are thinking of shooting is front lit, get back in the car.

[Alan Gales]

Never be afraid of making a mistake.

[Alan Gales]

Mistakes are what you learn from.