Taking better photographs. That is not as simple as those three words suggest. The first question is: What is a beautiful photograph? Is it also a good photograph? Or does the word beautiful refer only to an image’s emotional value, while the word good says more about its technical quality?
Actually, we should not talk about beautiful or good photographs, but about distinctive photographs. A distinctive photograph is one that stands out positively to a broad audience among a series of similar images. This may be because of the subject, unusual framing or a memorable moment, technical quality, atmosphere, or how recognizable it is to the target audience.
That last point requires some explanation. A photograph of an elderly Cuban woman sitting on the street in front of her colorful home beside a classic car will be distinctive to a European viewer. But if you take the same kind of photograph of your neighbor on your street, with your car parked outside, few people in the Netherlands will be truly enthusiastic about it. Conversely, a snapshot of a cow in a lush Dutch meadow will make a strong impression in Africa and end up in the trash in the Netherlands.
A beautiful, good, and distinctive photograph is therefore difficult to capture in a definition or standard formula. What matters is that you take photographs thoughtfully, even when the subject is exotic or beautiful. Mindlessly picking up a camera and pressing the shutter button rarely produces a “winner.” Think about which lens to use, how to set the exposure and focus, where to position yourself, when to take the photograph, what the relationship between the main subject and background should be, and even how you will publish the image.
This Handboek Beter Fotograferen addresses all these aspects, helping you take photographs with a greater understanding of both the technique and the context of the subject. The first goal is for you to be more satisfied with your own photographs, followed by convincing your audience that your images are beautiful, good, and distinctive.
The Author
Pieter Dhaeze is a graphic designer, photography educator, author, and publisher. He shares his practical knowledge and experience through educational articles in various national magazines and on websites. He also conducts courses and workshops in his studio or on location and, upon request, gives lectures at bookstores and companies.
Handboek Beter Fotograferen, 3rd Edition - Pieter Dhaeze
Pages: 320
Price: € 34,99
Publisher: Van Duuren Media. Language: Dutch. This article refers to the Dutch-language edition.
