Tips on How to Take Iconic Photos
Since 1827, the world of photography has undergone massive changes. These changes include cameras becoming tiny and more efficient. However, the greatest transformation in the world of photography is the shift from film rolls to the world of megapixels. In this evolution, the definition of a good photograph has not changed. Some of the oldest pictures, with old cameras and poorly designed lenses, are still at per with images produced by Leica S (Typ 007), one of the most expensive cameras in history.
Some aspects of film photography have been lost with the era of megapixels. To achieve the same color balance, texture, and high dynamic range, one needs to have endless hours tuning the images on Lightroom. Fortunately, Best Lightroom Presets give the best blend of the two photography realities. With just a click, one can transform an average looking image to be a masterpiece.
Factors that affect the process of taking an iconic image
- The photography genre
Understanding the kind of image you want to take is an important place to start. Different pictures have different capturing processes. For example, the process of taking a portrait picture is different from taking a landscape image. The difference between the two images is in terms of time and the equipment one needs. For landscape image, for example, there is less camera gear involved, but it may take more time before getting the perfect image. If you want to take the image of shooting stars, for example, the camera shutter can stay open for more than 6 hours. This period and process are different compared to portrait shooting which may require a more controlled light setting but less time on the actual shooting.
- The purpose of the image
Different photographers take images for different purposes. In the age of social media, most photographers take images for online publishing and updating their websites. However, others shoot images for publications and billboards. Each of these purposes dictates the process of taking the photo. If the photo is for online publication, the photographer has fewer restrictions in terms of resolution and editing. However, if the images are for publications or billboards, there is a need for a more controlled setting and shooting on the highest resolution possible. In this case, most photographers must use some of the best lenses, the best camera bodies and post-process the images well.
Characteristics of a great photo
A great photo is subjective to many factors, and different people are now viewing photography from another perspective of self-expression as opposed to the traditional way. Regardless of whether the photo is a self-portrait or a typical image, the following factors must be present.
- The photo must tell a story
The best photos have the best stories. The rule of storytelling in photography separates great images from snapshots. Before looking for the framing, lighting source or the use of colors, there must be a story in the photo. Visual artists believe that the absence of a story in a photo is the only characteristics that are irreconcilable in a photo. With good editing, one can correct a poorly lit image, or a bad framing or bad use of colors but not a badly captured story.
- A good photo is synonymous with good lighting
According to pundits, photography is using light to paint emotions and visions. Although flash photography is the fastest growing market after the camera bodies and lenses, the value of natural light in photography is still unmatched. The greatest photos in history used artificial lighting to capture moments. However, one should understand some lights basics such as the light direction, the quality of light and more importantly, the effect of light on the subject.
- The photo must obey framing rules
Photography borrows a lot from the world of painting. Some of the most common subject placements are the rule of thirds, exploiting diagonals lines and more importantly, focal points. The best photographs in history have exploited some or all these framing rules.
- A good photo must utilize the presence or absence of colors
Prior to the color film, most images were in black and white. Pundits have pointed out that although the images were in black and white, they still obeyed all the other characteristics of a good photo. In the era of megapixels, colors are important in telling a story. Thanks to great features such as color wheel and Lightroom presents, getting the colors correct in a photo is not farfetched.
