The Rules - and why
Here are The Rules for taking good photographs.
Over the years I have formulated these and they serve me well. One “sees” the “vision” and one wishes to capture that as it appears HERE. NOW. The Rules support that process.
As ever, rules can be bent or broken where appropriate (see “Sharp Focus” below).
Um. Let's look at that a little closer sometime.
1 Flash? No way!
Do not add light, either with flash or torch or spotlight; use available light.
It is essential to record images as they appear, unspoiled by additional light. The aperture can be increased, the shutter speed can be reduced, the asa/iso sensitivity can be increased.
2 Sharp Focus… M’eh
Spend time ensuring the picture is “right”; not necessarily in sharp focus.
On occasion sharp focus does work. A close-up of a bee in action can sometimes be enhanced with the detail of the hairs, the vibrant antennae, the delicate wings.
3 Ne touche pas
Do not move the Significant Object, nor objects in front of or to the side.
Moving objects changes the “vision”. If you cannot quite “see” it through the lens, move your head, your feet, your body, until the “view” appears through the lens.
4 Crop vs ‘shop
Crop, crop, crop - until the “vision” is realised.
Cropping the image post-production is allowed. In fact, generous cropping is often essential. Cropping can ensure that the “vision” is well presented.
Manipulation of the image otherwise is not. In the darkroom one might increase the exposure on the enlarger; one might do a little “dodging” to lighten one area of a picture. Similar processes could be used, sparingly to enhance the “vision”. Excessive processing moves away from that vision.
No 5 - Don’t buy that lens!
Expensive equipment is not essential for good photography.
Many times have I drooled over the latest Nikon, a 800mm lens, a digital Hasselblad (!) - but so far resisted the temptation. Buying that lens? Do you have a mortgage? Can you manage a 5-foot tube without three extra tripods and a strong assistant? Will it give you the picture?
Hmmm. Move a little closer to the subject.