In today’s world, you here over and over again how you can ‘fix it in the computer’ if you make a mistake! Another words, it makes people think that they can take their camera, not have a bit of knowledge and just push the button because everything can be fixed later.
Well, let’s hold on a minute and talk about that. First, there is no substitution for good composition, correct exposure and FOCUS! Probably the one thing that really can’t be fixed (so far) is focus. If the entire image is in focus, then yes, you can change the appearance of depth of field with software. But, the main point of interest stills needs to be in focus.
Don’t confuse focus with sharpness. This is great software out there today that can increase the sharpness of an image, but it cannot make something that is out of focus, look like it is in focus.
When it comes to exposure, there is more latitude in the software and what it can do. However, I have an opinion on this as well. First, if you expose your image incorrectly, then there is less ‘data’ to work with. That means that any software you use, has less to work with. Personally, I want as much information to manipulate as possible when it comes to improving and finalizing an image. And with today’s digital darkroom, the less time spent correcting images, means more time taking pictures. So, try to expose things properly, and if your camera has a histogram, learn about what it is showing you!
Finally, composition. This is an area that you can literally write about for weeks and weeks, so it will be a subject that will evolve on its own. I’m not sure that you can give someone the ability to see phenomenal images when they look at a scene. Some people just ‘have the eye’. However, you CAN teach someone techniques that will improve every image, and that is one of the things that we can do here.
The first tip on composition is to watch TV. What? The reason I mention that, is the cinematographers have FANTASTIC composition skills. Look at some of the commercials – the fog drifting through the trees, the sunlight coming through just right and the person walking through the woods. Makes me feel like I’m there and ready to buy whatever they are selling! But, if you look at it through a photographers eyes, you realize just how skilled these folks are. Next thing to watch, is CSI Miami. Every time I watch that show, I am amazed at the skill of the folks shooting it. The colors are phenomenal (extensive use of filters in my mind) and everything else is vivid and alive. Recently they’ve resorted to some trick videography, but you’ll get the picture if you look at it from a photographers perspective. These guys have their act together.
Well, let’s hope the myth is dead and that you spent more time trying to compose, focus, and expose your images. Any comments or questions?
Landscape and portrait photographer, David E. Warner captures the breath-taking beauty of the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondacks region and its people with his mastery of color, composition & light. He shuttles between upstate New York and Texas for part of the year - working on portrait and film projects.
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