The true essence of photography lies in its ability to capture the profound moments that shape our lives—the sights that leave an indelible mark, the sorrows that we endure, and the joyous memories that become cherished treasures. It is through the lens of a camera that these experiences crystallize, standing before us as vivid snapshots at the culmination of life’s journey. Photography finds its meaning in the genuine expression of oneself. Each photographic expedition ought to be a continuous voyage, akin to a flowing river that seeks new streams, constantly pulsating with the anticipation of fresh waters.
Mastering the Art of Coir: A skilled woman showcasing her craft in Kolkata . Photography by Abin Alex | Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 200mm, Aperture: f/2.8, Shutter Speed: 1/800 seconds, ISO: 200.
During a talk with a photographer, he stated, “Few experiences are so encouraging as hearing those who have journeyed far and wide, capturing sights that pass my own eye.” Nonetheless, their humility endures, and they kindly share their experiences and advice.”
To genuinely develop our creative personality, we must go on a road that allows us to appreciate and devote time in our achievements. Regardless of the enormity of our photographic ambitions, our actions bring us closer to realizing them.
Learning can be difficult, as one student very well put it. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, it is through learning that we find optimism and a sense of direction in life. Particularly photography has the capacity to give us a meaningful purpose. We can express our creativity and aesthetic vision through this art form, which are essential components of who we are.
Ansel Adams, a well-known landscape photographer, once said, “Knowing where to stand is the key to creating a remarkable picture.” He perfectly encapsulated the essence of an arresting shot. Adams highlights the value of the photographer’s positioning and viewpoint in this quotation, emphasizing their importance in creating genuinely outstanding images. By picking the ideal vantage point, we may rewrite the story and present our particular point of view. This knowledge emphasizes how important careful and intentional composition is to the practice of photography.
Strength in Unity: Two birds lend a helping beak for a shared meal. Photography by Abin Alex | Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 400mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/800 seconds, ISO: 800.
The Art of Capturing Moments: An Introduction to Photography
As a doorway into the world of art and the human spirit, photography compels us to understand the meaning and value of each moment that is documented. It includes the creative endeavor, procedure, and engagement of using light or different types of electromagnetic radiation on a light-sensitive material, such as a sensor or photographic film, to preserve subjects.
The act of capturing an image of a topic or scene using a sensitive media is referred to as photography.
Meaning of Photography
Sir John Herschel acquired the word photography in the year 1839. The term photography is based on the Greek words, φῶς (phos), which symbolize “light,” and γραφή (graphê) which means “writing or drawing”. Hence photography means “drawing with light”
Exploring the Fundamental Elements
The history of art and photography is linked. Numerous factors are at play throughout the development of an image, from the moment it is first captured to the moment it is finally in the hands of the spectator.
The process of creating a picture is similar to the stages required in gathering components and turning them into a delicious dish, just as few people are unfamiliar with the art of cooking. Similar to how eating the same thing over and over can change one’s palate, a photography subject that never changes might make viewers uninterested. Consider the photographer to be the chef in this example, and the camera or sensor to be the cooking pot (or even a stone), providing the lit surface.
It’s important to keep in mind that even when dosas are prepared on the same stone, the results aren’t always the same. The quantity and intensity of the flame coming from the burner, for instance, can affect how a dosa looks. The food may occasionally become scorched or undercooked if the heat is too strong or the cook is careless. Consider the flame’s intensity in this context to be the shutter speed, and the metal piece at the end of the gas tube to be the aperture, both of which are crucial in capturing the photo’s desired result.
The relationship between a delicious dinner and an arresting image is startling. Cooking in an excellent pot does not guarantee good meals; instead, it heavily depends on the skill and creativity of the chef. Similar to this, creating a remarkable shot requires more than just the camera’s capabilities; it also requires the discernment, skill, and personal flair of the photographer. Similar to how many components combine to make a delicious dish, many crucial components join together to create a stunning image.
Drawing vs Photography: What’s The Difference?
Let us Visualize a drawing?
A picture or diagram is made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint.
SUBJECT
The term subjects in the art refers especially to the main idea that is represented in the artwork or Canvas. The main character.
CANVAS
A canvas is a surface made of cloth as well as paper. In spite of the size of surface is important. The size may be rough compared to a paper.
FRAME
How much area’s subject needs to include in your Canvas. Instead subjects can be filled by artist according to composition.
BRUSH
Brush/ Pencil is a just tool that you can specifically paint or draw on a canvas. Brushes and pencils can be of different types and qualities?
ARTIST
An artist who paints pictures. In addition they uses tools to portray ideas and the message that they want to conveyed to the viewer.
The major change from drawing to photography is “The tool is changing from brush to camera”
What Makes Great Photo?
What factors do you consider in taking a worthy photograph?
- Photographer
- Subject
- Light
- Camera
- Composition
Photographer
An individual who takes pictures is referred to as a photographer. But it can be difficult to define a photographer precisely in a society where photography is becoming more and more frequent. These days, anyone with a camera may call themselves a photographer. As a result, since it is so important, it is crucial to define a precise and concise definition for photography.
A photographer is a person who especially records images with a camera.
In other words, a photographer is a person who enjoys the beauty of the universe, the fullness of life, and skillfully captures the moments with precision.
“Being an owner of a camera doesn’t make you a photographer instead it makes you only the user of that particular camera.”
A photographer is a person who adeptly uses a camera to capture or record images. A photographer is also someone who can enjoy life in all its vibrancy, thoroughly appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, and skillfully capture those fleeting moments with accuracy and artistry. A true photographer goes beyond the technical aspects and embodies the spirit of immersion, which enables them to capture the essence of their subjects and elicit feelings in the viewer through their images.
No of their age or gender, everybody who takes pictures is a photographer. Unfortunately, men are frequently referred to simply as “photographers,” but women are sometimes referred to as “lady photographers.”
A photographer who specializes in taking still photos is often referred to as a “still photographer.” In contrast, a person who focuses on taking moving pictures is referred to as a “camera operator,” “videographer,” or “photographer,” depending on the particular business environment.
Amateur Photographer
An amateur photographer is a creative who fervently takes pictures of particular people, places, things, or subjects solely for artistic purposes. They are more driven by a need for personal expression than by a desire to profit from the sales of the images for the sake of entertainment, education, or the preservation of other people’s memories. Their passion to produce and preserve visual beauty for their own delight and creative fulfilment, as well as their profound love of the art form, inspire their work.
Embrace the Gift of Thought: Where Limitless Ideas Flourish Photography by Abin Alex| Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 248mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/640 seconds, ISO: 800.
They approached a student and asked, “Sir, can I get a good picture of you?”
I said, “You have the potential to capture a compelling image of me if you have knowledge about me and understand my perspective.”
As an art form, photography requires a lot of work, steadfast attention, and persistent effort. When viewed from an artistic and professional perspective, an image rises above its commonplace appearance and becomes a priceless work of art.
Professional Photographer
A talented artist who makes a living by selling or obtaining licenses to use images of particular people, places, things, subjects, or settings is a professional photographer. They work full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis, focusing on clients and customers in addition to themselves. By sharing their knowledge and offering excellent visual content to satisfy other people’s requirements and preferences, they make money through their professional endeavors.
Photographers immortalize memories and elevate ordinary moments to unforgettable experiences.
The focus of a photographer’s lens is not constrained to a particular subject, scene, item, or location. No matter the hue, brightness, or shade, they find inspiration and excitement everywhere they go.
They discover hope and beauty in reinvention and rebirth, whether it is in the confines of their own homes, a grocery store, or a shopping center. The function of a photographer in an age where everyone thinks they can be one is to visually understand the complexities, quirks, and nuances of the world.
While familiarity with the chosen subjects and cameras is essential, embracing the creative aspects of photography should also be prioritized. Beyond technical expertise, a photographer’s responsibility is using creativity to produce pictures that are authentic .
Photography Job
Photographers must be adaptable in their work and capable of working in both studio and outdoor settings.
Many photographers find work in the media industry, either on a full-time, part-time, contract basis, or in marketing divisions. While some photographers focus on documenting wedding ceremonies and festive celebrations, others specialize in photographing models or objects for editorial and advertising objectives.
Photographers, however, can also be quite important in many other fields. They may be required to give visual documentation for scientific or archaeological investigation, acting as important proof. Additionally, by contributing their skills as forensic or law enforcement photographers, they might support court processes.
Subject
Through its ability to bring people together from different backgrounds, places, cultures, and languages, photography acts as a bridge between other worlds. It serves as a potent tool for communicating important lessons about life, nature, and the complexities of human existence.
Subjects can be varied on, Especially interests, locations, cultures, people, travels, languages, person, place, object, subject, or a scene.
Commercial Photography
- Advertising Photography
- Food Photography
- Product Photography
- Table Top Photography
- Still Life Photography
- Fashion Photography
- Models (Fashion) Photography
- Glamour Photography
- Kids Photography
Function Photography
- Engagement
- Pre Wedding
- Wedding
- Post Wedding
- Reception
Architecture Photography
- Interior Photography
- Exterior Photography
Wildlife Photography
- Vertebrates Photography
- Mammals Photography
- Reptiles Photography
- Amphibian Photography
- Fish Photography
- Invertebrates Photography
- Mollusca Photography
- Arthropoda (Insects) Photography
- Landscape Photography
- Cityscape Photography
- Seascape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Underwater Photography
- Astro Photography
- Aerial Photography
- Abstract Photography
- Milky Way Photography
Photojournalism
- Street Photography
- Documentary Photography
- Portrait Photography
- Editorial Photography
- War Photography
- Village Experience
- Art & Culture Photography
Other Specialization
- Maternity Photography
- Newborn Photography
- Family Photography
- Pet Photography
- Sports Photography
- Automobile Photography
- Medical Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Stock Photography
Photojournalism Photography
Architecture Photography
Medical Photography
Food Photography
Sports Photography
Automotive Photography
Wildlife Photography
Product Photography
Street Photography
Portrait Photography
Fashion Photograph
Wedding Photograph
Art Photography
Fine Art Photography
Landscape Photography
Abstract Photography
Macro Photography
Kids Photography
There are many different genres of photography, and they can be categorized according to different things like people, places, objects, subjects, or scenes. These categories of photography include, among others, wedding, photojournalism, fashion, forensic, travel, wildlife, food, product, medical, architectural, and landscape. The photography industry is broad and provides a wide range of opportunities for artistic expression and specialization.
Light
The essential component of light is what makes photography possible. It is necessary for a subject to interact with light in some way, for as by reflecting or emitting it, in order to be photographed. Photography has the amazing capacity to tell a narrative about the topic that is being photographed. However, viewers may interpret and construct their own narratives based on their impressions if the images fail to explicitly express their intended message.
A talented photographer is a master of composition, using light as their language. Unless it dims or blinds us, light is a steady presence that is frequently dispersed and easily overlooked. But it’s important to understand the characteristics of light and how they affect our images if you want to take pictures that have an impact.
Light can be divided into two different areas for photographers.
photography means drawing with light
can we draw without light?
Think there is no light.
Is it possible to capture an image?
Sun Light
Light from the sun.
The main source of light can be controlled by a photographer or cinematographer especially through reflecting, diffusing, and blocking the sun’s rays.
Artificial Light
Light form Incandescent, Fluorescent tube and LED’s
Any light source that is specifically produced by electrical means, In this case which is controlled by a photographer or cinematographer to light up the subject.
Studio Light
Light from studio strobes and flashes.
The light is used for the studio and outdoors. It can be a strobe, flash, or continuous light. As a result these lights are used specifically outdoors and indoor for mimicking the sun.
Despite having the sun as its primary source, natural light has a number of different properties. Depending on the time of day, natural light varies in color and intensity. For instance, while afternoon sunlight is more direct and produces darker, more noticeable shadows, morning sunshine creates soft, diffused shadows. Additionally, the colors of light during sunrise, sunset, and midday are very different.
On the other hand, any light produced by humans falls under the category of artificial light. From the lighting in our homes to complex studio equipment, it includes a wide range of sources, each of which offers special qualities and effects for photography.
Different artificial lighting sources have unique properties that influence color and intensity. It is crucial to understand that these variations in artificial light are based on scientific principles. Photographers can improve their ability to take striking pictures by better understanding the basic qualities and features of light.
Camera
Tool to Capture
Buying a newly launched, better, or more expensive camera does not mean that a person might become a professional photographer, Particularly Which does not mean that one cannot create good images from a cheaper camera.
Owning a DSLR doesn’t make a great photographer, However, it is quite possible a child could take better photos using a point and shoot camera, Despite some people having an innate ability to take good pictures, It enables them to take great photographs with less effort, In short none of these makes us greater than others.
DSLR CAMERA
Full Frame | Half Frame
MIRRORLESS CAMERA
Full Frame | Half Frame
Photographers who have a thorough understanding of how their cameras work create the best images. A talented photographer takes the time to read and understand the camera’s manual. After all, having a camera doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use it.
It’s vital to remember that becoming a professional photographer doesn’t require you to buy the best, most expensive, or newest camera. On the other hand, it is also true that a poor camera has the ability to take amazing pictures. The genuine essence of photography is found in the photographer’s talent and capacity to fully utilize the capabilities of the camera while going beyond the technical constraints of the tools available.
No matter the lighting or the stability of their camera, a photographer will walk automatically in the direction of a beautiful background that they want to capture. The camera may or may not be operating at its best in such circumstances. Images that arise from ineffectively adjusting to the environment and managing the camera at that precise moment may be unclear.
Missed opportunities and the loss of potentially outstanding photos can result from a lack of understanding of the essential modifications and settings. To ensure clarity and capture the ideal image, photographers must become familiar with their gear and master the ability to make quick, accurate adjustments.
It is crucial to set aside time for learning and developing in the field of photography, regardless of the passage of time. In the world of photography, nobody is better than anybody else. Simply owning a DSLR camera does not guarantee that one is an excellent photographer. In fact, using a basic point-and-shoot camera, kids can frequently take better pictures than adults. Some people have a natural flair for taking stunning photos, which enables them to produce remarkable outcomes with little effort. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that none of these things dictate the scope of one’s skills or stature as a photographer.
Composition
Frame your Subject
A good image is a combination of many elements such as aperture, focal length, focus, and angle, Similarly colors, shapes, shadows, tones, and highlights are also very powerful elements of composition. An experienced photographer will certainly use all available means to achieve the desired result.
Sometimes we cannot deny the role of foreground focus or background focus unless it makes a great impact on the overall composition of the image.
Our experience especially enables us to create great images.
A photographer has to make his/her decision thus it is the best way to grow and never doubt our subconscious mind, In fact, but to learn from our mistakes.
The term “composition” refers to a variety of other artistic mediums, including painting, music, dance, literature, and more, in addition to photography. When our art is well-composed, viewers or listeners can understand the intended meaning, comprehend it, and feel the intended feelings. While there are established compositional guidelines, artists have the option to change or ignore these guidelines in order to effectively express their ideas.
Composition in photography means how the elements are arranged in a frame. In fact a composition can be made up of different elements, or only a few. The arranging of the elements within a frame makes the viewer’s attention is automatically drawn to the most interesting or important area of an image surely.
A photographer has an inherent ability to see and understand things from a distinctive perspective since they are artists. Photographers can view the world differently, understand its complexities via a unique lens, and think in unexpected ways because to this artistic unpredictability.
A Tiny Note that Sways the Heart: Touching the Depths of the Soul. Photography by Abin Alex | Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 100mm, Aperture: f/2.8, Shutter Speed: 1/640 seconds,
ISO: 100.
“Composition” refers to the art of placing a subject’s constituent parts so that the observer is drawn to the eye-catching or important part of the image.
A clever composition can transform an ordinary object or subject into a magnificent masterpiece. On the other hand, a weakly crafted composition or arrangement of elements can lessen the potential of an image even with a captivating subject.
A piece of art’s “composition” refers to the purposeful placement of its constituent parts, which is essential to enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Any artist must pay close attention to composition because it significantly affects the overall impact of their work. The absence or improper alignment of significant features may hinder the artwork’s ability to convey its intended message, which can also disturb the picture’s balance. Effective writing requires a solid sense of balance as well. Make sure that every component of the composition serves a function and adds to the notion or narrative being presented.
Unleashing the Power of Eyes: Catalysts of Profound Transformation. Photography by Abin Alex. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Focal Length: 360mm. Aperture: f/5.6. Shutter Speed: 1/640 sec. ISO: 800.
Hearts Untouched by Impurity: Embracing the Essence of Every Moment . Photographer: Abin Alex Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Focal Length: 214mm Aperture: f/5.6 Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec. ISO: 800
We organize elements in an image’s composition in a way that supports the composition’s main idea or goal. This configuration is scalable. A good illustration of this idea is portrait photography. on situations like this, the photographer frequently lacks the control necessary to direct the subject or a moving object on the street. Instead, they must be patient and wait for the right time when the subject will unavoidably move into the best position for the shot. Alternately, altering our own position can provide a different method of modifying camera aspects. Numerous elements, including focal length, aperture, angle, focus, and others, go into creating a well-composed photograph. Shape, tone, shadow, highlight, and color simplicity all have a big impact on composition. Experienced photographers use every tool at their disposal to produce the results they want. It is impossible to overstate the importance of foreground and background focus in determining how an image is composed as a whole.
Composing a picture becomes second nature as we continue to practice. Our subconscious mind takes up the responsibility for component arrangement, so we no longer need to think about it consciously. It naturally directs our hands to make the necessary adjustments and directs our sight to the most important things.
After taking a photo, cropping can be used to remove unwanted components from the frame and improve the composition, highlighting the important details for the viewer. A successful composition is not always easy to achieve, though. Because of this, it’s crucial to know exactly what composition we want before clicking the shutter.
The Guiding Light: The True Guru Leading the Way. Photography by Abin Alex | Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 340mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec, ISO: 800
We are able to take amazing pictures because to our significant experience. It is essential to have a careful and methodical approach to decision-making in order to accelerate our development as photographers. This requires taking your time to consider novel options for image composition and slowing down.
It’s crucial to practice careful thinking, experimentation, and analysis throughout the post-processing stage. In order to create a fascinating shot, we should examine which strategies produce the best results, try to understand why they work the way they do, and then continue our research and testing.
Importance of Photography
Similar to painting, photography starts with the artist’s vision and is then translated onto a canvas. It can be enjoyed as the artist meant it to be or seen from the viewer’s particular viewpoint.
It is difficult to envision our mother describing our early recollections in the absence of an image.
Similarly, without a photographer to record those priceless moments spent with our spouse during a wedding, how will we be able to share those special memories with our kids and help them understand their importance?
It is true that a photographer’s job is to preserve a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come.
A photograph is successful when it successfully conveys and captures the essence of the moment it has caught, allowing its innate passion to endure through time. In turn, this offers a solid basis for any possible commercialization.
Photography: Art or Science?
When a picture is defined or refined with pen, pencil, brush or any other tool, we certainly call a man an artist. There have been many debates about whether photography is an art. Photography is the medium in which the mechanical device is involved. This completely ignores the fact that the camera on the back of the device is a human intelligence that, like the artist, reacts to the subject at hand. The painter and the photographer may actually say the same thing, each according to the medium in which he works.
In many, usually closed, panel discussions on the status of photography as an art, the familiar distinction is made that photography is mechanical because a mechanical device is the medium involved. This completely ignores the fact that the camera on the back of the device is a human intelligence that, like the artist, reacts to the subject at hand. The physical result is different, of course, but the depth of understanding may not be. The painter and the photographer may actually say the same thing, each according to the medium in which he works. Or they may say different things to one another. Because of the specifics of the medium involved, one may even make a statement that the other cannot.
In order to decide whether photography is an art or a science, it is worthwhile to consider a challenging question. When I was younger, I asked my mother the same question: Is cooking an art or a science?
If the subject of photography is not different, then it bores the viewers.
Imagine the cook as a photographer and the cooking vessel as the camera or sensor.
Although you may use the same cooking pan to make the pancakes every time but it’s not at all necessary that all those pancakes are same. It somehow depends upon the intensity and volume of the flames coming from the burner. Sometimes the intensity of a flame or the lack of a cook’s concentration can cause the pancakes to be under cooked or even over-cooked and burned. Imagine the intensity of the flame as the shutter speed and the size of the metal pipe at the edge of the gas pipe providing the flame as an aperture.
A good image is almost like good food.
Good food is not just the consequence of cooking it in a good vessel; it is the cook’s ability and style.
Creating a good image is not just the result of the camera; it is the photographer’s decision, ability, and style.
Similar, to as there are so many such factors that affect the preparation of good food; there are a lot of factors that affect the making of a good image too.
The debate and talk on ‘Is Photography an art or science?’ has always been there from the beginning of photography. Instead of getting to the debate here, let us visualize a small example.
Imagine, your mother cooking food for you. Nothing would in fact stop you to taste it. Especially, When the food is presented in front of you in the form of a perfectly garnished dish. But, will the taste of the food would be the same if it’s cooked and prepared by someone else? The answer would be certainly no. The taste would be different, even though the process is the same. Just imagine, whether Cooking is an art or science?
Obviously, the cooking process is a science, and food is an art. The technical parts of cooking involve chemistry, mathematics, and physics. As a result, the art of cooking results in pleasing the eye, flavor to the food, and taste to the tongue.
Is Photography an Art or a Science?
Photography is both art and science. Processes of capturing photographs is science and the image which we are seeing is an art.
Skill is something doing with expertise and knowledge. To learn photography skills, one has to train oneself in many ways. Furthermore, learning the basics of photography like Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, composition, lighting, etc. will definitely help. Talent and skill work together for creativity.
Let us conclude,
“The Invention and Process of Camera is Science, Whereas the Captured Photographs are an Art”
Revealing the Soul: The Power of Expression .Photography by Abin Alex | Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Focal Length: 340mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec, ISO: 100
Conclusion
Different generations of photography have evolved over the years from film to digital cameras, While Many people photograph their life to see what their past good memories were. A great photographer must have patience and practice photography moreover it can’t be studied from a book or web. Since Photography is a form of art where the photographer can decide what to do with the camera.
Here the light is the main ingredient above all for getting a photograph. Since a great photo comes from the heart, not from the camera. In case any person who has a will to study photography and wants to become a great photographer has to come over many obstacles over time. So that the perfect recipe for getting a great photograph is the photographer, subject, light, camera, and composition. However photography has a wide variety of types according to the character of the person, one can choose what they want. Besides photography is an art that you can express through your frames as writers express through their writings in their books.
© 2013 Abin Alex. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution of this article without written permission from the author is prohibited. Abin Alex is the director and founder of the Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. In addition, he is the founding chairman of the National Education and Research Foundation. He is a well-known Indian visual storyteller and researcher. He served as Canon’s official Photomentor for eight years. He has trained over a thousand photographers and filmmakers in India
