[See also: My Photography Workflow, Part 1.]
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5 Items I consider when creating images.
You will notice that, on this site, I almost always write about people “creating” or “making” images. Occasionally, I refer to people “capturing” them. What you won’t see is any comment from me about somebody “taking a snap”.
Why?
I believe that good photographic output requires effort. Most of us who are serious about this craft choose to share images with the world that we are proud of, that we have created through some type of process requiring our mental and physical exertion. I therefore choose my language accordingly. This may seem trivial — a question of semantics, perhaps — but for me the distinction is important. To call somebody else’s work a “snap” is almost as bad as complimenting the image and then saying to him/her: “You must have a good camera!“.
Simply put, consistently pleasing images are, created, not randomly “snapped”. Of course, one may by sheer luck produce a good image and even a work of photographic art, but it won’t happen consistently unless you know what you’re doing.
In a sense, I’m preaching to the converted by writing the above because most people reading this have previously engaged in some sort of struggle to produce a good image and already intuitively understand the effort that is involved. However, some of you may not realize that, in addition to expending effort, you engage in a process, and therefore may miss opportunities to improve it so that you may achieve consistently good results.
So, what sort of thought process do I engage in when creating an image? What are the things that I look out for?
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Essentially, I keep five things in mind:
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1. Inspiration
2. Infusion of self.
3. Illumination.
4. Inclusion/Exclusion.
5. Intelligence/Iteration.
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The above is presented in the temporal sequence — more or less — of how I consider things, though of course some overlap occurs. I’ve tried to be clever by using words that begin with “I”, so a few of these may not be very transparent at first glance.
Do I check off these items with pencil and paper when I’m out photographing?
No, of course not. This simply represents the framework of my workflow* and encompasses my impetus for seeking to photograph, my thought process while photographing, and my strategy for improving my photography. Most of this process occurs on a subconscious level. Over time, however, I’ve become more aware of the elements in my workflow and have learned to readily recognize them when they present themselves and fine-tune them when I can.
—Peter | Prosophos.
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[*Note that this workflow does not address post-processing, which is essential in realizing the full potential of any given image. That’s a whole other topic that is beyond the scope of this discussion. Moreover, it’s a topic that does not lend itself well to written tutorials. Having stated that, a boring image will remain boring after post-processing, so it is important that you get things right from the start — or at least get it right just before you click the camera shutter.]
Prosophos 
Hi Peter
Pertinent and very well written. – “Most of this process occurs on a subconscious level. Over time, however, I’ve become more aware of the elements in my workflow and have learned to readily recognize them when they present themselves and fine-tune them when I can.”
I think of these as the foundations of an image, and one should certainly not be overawed by what my seem like a lot of considerations. Certainly with practice and perseverance it’s quite incredible how much of this process is undertaken subconsciously as you say.
All the best and I look forward to reading more.
Jason.
Thank you kindly Jason!
In reading your comments, I think we’re on the same wavelength :).
May 2013 be kind to you and your family.
It truly is very good of you to express your photographic thinking like this. I wonder if the narration (steps) would be even better if you related the process to a particular picture… A sample study, if you will… Not sure I’m being clear.
John
Dear John,
So nice to hear from you! It’s been a while… glad you’re OK, my friend. In time, I’ll add examples, and more content. As I wrote earlier, this is a work-in-progress.
My sincere wishes, as well, for a 2013 that is good to you and yours.
Peter.
Hi Peter
This is a great way to start your series. As an enthusiast who has limited photographic skills and due to my life (outside photography), time to take take photos! However this certainly has struck a chord regardless. I would have the opportunity to take photos every 3 weeks or so (sometimes longer)! That said though it is the way I’d prefer to do it. I don’t like taking photos for the sake of it.
The 5 points you raised all start with “i” and they also have another thing in common…the brain.
We are inspired through our brain; as part of that we infuse ourselves into the image (it’s an important part of the inspiration); the light is dictated by i. the creative side and ii. the process driven side; we exclude/include because our own inspiration and creative view of what it takes to “create” the image and finally, it has to strike a chord which makes sense (to each individual…we are all wired differently), or is intelligent . So hence you have summed up how the brain works for people who create images.
So do these 5 points, clearly articulated, describe what someone means when they say “you have an eye for photography?” I think it probably does……
As for the “effort” and “process” I am conscious of this more and more now with camera in hand. Only small micro-bites of information (but important) become part of this “effort” and “process” domain. Ensuring exposure is correct, light sources sufficient (and positioned correctly) and composing an image are now starting to improve. However no where like the photographers on this blog such as yourself, Hughes, Jason and many others (please no offense if I have not mentioned you!)!!!
I personally find your second point is the most important. “Infusion of self.” If I am not in my own space and can not infuse myself to some point….it will be very hit and miss. As they say…”be in the moment.” Hence I don’t like taking photos for the sake of it. It is the essence of why people enjoy photography. It’s that part of the process (not the actual image) which makes it enjoyable! Creating worthy images will follow.
If I can have my own space, time and be inspired by the broader environment the process of creating images then starts!
Thanks again Peter. Awareness is as strong as learning a technique. Actually it’s stronger imo! I can google a technique!
Cheers
Andrew
Wow Andrew, you’ve pretty much written the rest of my series! Seriously though, you’ve anticipated many of the points I wish to make… hopefully there will be some other tidbits for you to enjoy.
Thank you for the kind words, by the way.
Peter.
I have no doubt it the will be more than tidbits! Even if it is there is the saying “To be 100% better do 100 things 1% better.” The fact you’ve opened this up I am enthused so rambled on a bit!
Looking forward to 2013 in photography. I am fortunate enough to be travelling a bit this year (a chance Toronto may be included in that…will know more later in the year) and have those personal moments on the horizon. Also going to enter the RF world and start taking film again to some extent.
Your input is always thoughtful Andrew and I value it dearly.
Congratulations on your upcoming dip into the RF experience – that and your travel plans should make for some exciting photographic experiences in 2013.
Let me know if you end up in my neck of the woods.
Peter.
Hi Peter. This is a great initiative starting in 2013! Looking forward to read all your series.
Best,
Thank you kindly dear Luiz. I hope 2013 is good to you and your little girl.
Hello Peter:
Taking a decidedly commercial turn, I will say that your comments are precisely what takes a photographer to a professional level. Consistent, repeatable, exemplary results. There are obviously other traits of the professional, but your comments go to the core of what it means. If you don’t make your income producing images, this foundation will raise your passion to a higher level, in my opinion.
Hello Chris,
I’m very grateful for what you’ve written, for many reasons. Thank you.
Peter.