The Secret of Taking Good Pictures

How do I take good pictures? If I got a penny every time someone asked me this, I would be a millionaire by now enjoying the sunshine somewhere South. Everyone wants to know how to take good pictures... it's like one of these unanswered myths; very few people actually know how to achieve good results in photography. Like in everything, wherever there is confusion there is someone ready to make money on people's ignorance.

I don't want to blame anyone in particular, because it just happens in every country/city and everyday: "want to take good pictures? Buy this cutting edge super camera that will shoot at 1/8000 of a second, or this power mega flash that will light up every side of the pyramids of Egypt, or this monster photo bag that will carry an elephant and its trunk..."

Most people fall for this, also because statements of this sort are often supported by the press, by some professional photographers and photography experts. The result is that very often you see armatures or tourists with equipment that clearly required a mortgage, or something near to that and that are absolutely unable not only to use their equipment, but also to produce anything even slightly decent. I feel very sad looking at scenes like this. Once I was accidentally talking to one of these advertisement's victims; it emerged that this guy (according to him) was not taking good pictures at that time, because he hadn't fully studied the instruction book. After he would have fully gone through this instruction book - still according to him - I could have seen incredible things from that camera. I felt so sad to tell him the truth, that I actually didn't tell him anything.

What you must understand is this: photography is a form of art, so begin from the fact that not everyone is born to be an artist. Someone who simply cannot paint, is not going to create a work of art simply because he is handed a golden brush and a very expensive cotton canvas. Following this principle, it is clear that you do not create a good image just because you own a good camera, but rather because you are able to create good images in your head. Then - and only then - you will use your extraordinary technical ability (obtained with a very good education) to transfer your imaginary picture from your head to a tangible medium by the use of ANY tool of your choice, which in our case is a camera. But it could be painting, sculpture, or anything else. Everyone is able to form great images in their head. A few people have a particular artistic ability to transform those abstract images into something that everyone can see and appreciate.

Now that I have explained the key concept, lets investigate what you need to do in order to produce good images even if you are not an artist, because let's face it... there aren't many real artists among us. First of all taking good pictures requires a basic knowledge in photography. Get yourself a good book and start studying. Yes, sorry to have to tell you, but it's true... in photography you must study a bit in order to achieve something good. There is no way around it... you want to know about photography? Then you have to learn about photography... just like anything else. Many people are often under the false impression that just because grandma can take pictures, then photography doesn't require studying. It might be true in some 2-3% of the cases, but for most of us a good and solid theory preparation really means a lot.

There is a very good book out there called "Photography", by Barbara London and John Upton. This is a fantastic book that you can rarely find in bookshops. I have one of the old editions (1995) and I can't think of a better book to learn about photography, both for the beginner and for the professional. I have read many photography books, but this is THE one. I always have it handy as a reference. Get it if you can. Must warn you though: you'll be lucky if you can get yourself a copy, as it is sort of a rare book.

It covers everything very clearly and in great detail, from the very basics to the very advanced with view cameras or optical benches. What I like about this book is that it teaches photography the old fashioned way, with traditional mechanical cameras and darkroom stuff. I strongly believe that you have to get the basics the traditional way, as if you start with digital you will miss on the essence of photography. You can start the old fashioned way and then forget all about it, but at least it will be there embedded in your brain. When you will naturally move on to digital photography, you will have some solid roots to stand on. Remember that you must learn to walk before you even try to fly.

So, after a solid theory preparation, what's the next thing you need in order to take good pictures? The answer is photo composition. Composition in photography is the most important thing, before anything else. If you have a good sense of composition, you WILL end up with good and visually interesting pictures. There is a very good book, written by master of photography Andreas Feininger in 1973: Principles of Composition in Photography. If you are lucky enough to find a copy of this book, get it without thinking twice about it. As far as I know there are no recent reprints, so you can only get it used. To obtain good results you don't have to rely on your natural sense of composition. Of course if you have it it's a big plus, but if you don't you can always learn. It will be harder to create good images, because you will have to think much more instead of just follow your heart, but it's not impossible.

Taking good pictures is about many small things and considerations that all together make you a proficient photographer. Imaginary lines and curves (lines and curves that are not actually there, but that your eye will unconsciously follow within the frame of the image) are so important in creating a visually pleasant image, just as well as visible lines and curves. One thing that virtually everyone ignores, is that the subject should almost never be in the middle of the image. I wouldn't feel right in giving you a list of little insignificant advices, because you wouldn't know the reasons for making certain choices. What you need is reading about composition in photography. Not only it's a very pleasant reading, but it is so interesting, because you discover very basic things that will make a world of difference in your family shots. As you read your eyes will open and you will wonder how in the world could have you ignored such simple and logic design rules. This is the secret of taking good pictures.

After having read those two precious books, you will be a much better photographer, regardless what camera you use. I took some of my best shots with one of those compact cameras, or even with a mobile phone. On one occasion I was on the embankment in London at about 5 in the morning, without my camera. A beautiful morning fog scene was in front of my eyes and I could do nothing else but take my silly cell phone camera and shoot. The result is one of my very best shots ever taken. I can't print it large, but the image is beautifully hanging in my home.

You don't need an expensive camera for taking great pictures; all you need is your mind and your heart, together with some good composition skills. The camera is just a tool; there must be a competent human being behind it. Do what I've suggested you and you'll be taking good pictures for life and probably better pictures than some professional photographers who often ignore composition.