Creative photography

PSA Journal, Feb, 2003 by Leo Palmer

What is creative photography? If we accept that all photographs are taken with the objective of stirring emotion and that emotion can be stimulated in many ways, a successful creative photograph is one that will inevitably stir emotion in the viewer.

To create can be defined as "to appoint to new rank or position." A creative image is one that stimulates the mind and eye by being both imaginative and original.

In my very early days in photography I came across a most poignant statement that made an everlasting impression on me ... "if its been done before, then why bother?"

Judges and selectors get bored seeing the same old trite subjects appearing time after time and copies of the work of others cannot retain the interest of the viewer forever. Someone who copies someone else's work, then credits it with the same value, is simply deluding himself. When something different appears, interest levels increase and the chances of success are also increased.

So originality is one of the key factors in creative photography. In fact originality and imagination are a powerful combination and the key to success in many walks of life.

Photography, like all forms of visual art, does not have rules, but composition does have a number of guidelines that can be understood, considered and applied--or not, as the case may be. Successful pictures are usually simple pictures; by that, I mean ones where the message is clear and unambiguous--where distractions have been eliminated in order to let the main subject dominate.

Creative photography is where the individual has seen a picture and by the careful use of the tools and techniques at their disposal, has made an image that communicates what the photographer intended. Simple things like choice of focal length of lens, aperture of lens, viewpoint, shutter speed and choice of filter, all play an important part in the creation of successful pictures.

A main center of interest is vitally important; all good photographs have one, in my opinion. It can be large or small in the frame, but as long as it contrasts with its surroundings, it will demand attention. All other elements in the picture will appear as secondary interest when compared to it.

Contrast itself is another very important consideration. It comes in many shapes and forms: light and dark, large and small, rough and smooth, near and far, straight and curved, sharp and unsharp, etc. Also, there are colors that contrast or harmonize. The use of lens aperture to control sharp/unsharp is a very powerful tool at our disposal. Working near open aperture, and carefully focusing on the main subject to throw the rest of the scene out of focus, can produce eye-catching results.

Balance is another factor to take into account; it can be viewed in terms of tones, shapes or colors, but more important is how the overall composition feels. In general a good measure is ... if it feels right, then it is right!

Lines play an important part in the design of pictures; they can dictate the way in which we view pictures. Ideally they can lead the eye to the main center of interest.

The positioning within the frame of this center of interest influences the mood of the picture. Placing a subject centrally can create a peaceful, evenly balanced feel to the picture. A subject placed nearer an edge or corner takes on a more dynamic role in the frame. Nothing is right or wrong--what suits the subject and scene is all-important and goes back to "what feels right is right."

Viewpoint is another important factor; the temptation to take all our shots at standing eye level should be resisted. The eagle or worm's eye viewpoint can totally change a picture's impact and is definitely worth trying. I believe it is important to study a subject from different points of view along with the lighting changes that occur when the viewpoint is moved. You may be surprised by the range of pictures that can result from such a simple project.

My understanding of art is where an image is created with the purpose of stirring emotion. The most important part of any visual art, and photography is no exception, is what the finished article communicates to the viewer. In photography, that is the bottom line measure of the success or failure of a picture. If it communicates nothing, although it may be technically excellent, it will not enjoy a great deal of success.

The storytelling element of the picture is vital if it is to be appreciated by others.

It is said that we all see things differently and I, for one, am quite prepared to believe that and find it fascinating that two people at the same place and time can produce totally different photographs. A different "seeing eye" and imagination being applied to create individual images can be the only explanation for this. The need to "follow the leader's tripod marks" should, in my opinion, be frowned upon. That approach may produce technically competent pictures, but they are only a copy of someone else's work--their idea and design--and by repetition, quickly become very boring.