Emotions of a Photograph

Photography can be argued as one of the most debated fields of art. Just as many of us know that art is all about the individual's perspective on the other side. Photography is a form of art that can be debated between families because what speaks volumes to one, may not to another.

Photography can be argued as one of the most debated fields of art. Just as many of us know that art is all about the individual's perspective on the other side. Photography is a form of art that can be debated between families because what speaks volumes to one, it may not to another.

There are many thoughts that transpire through my head as I am behind that lens getting ready to capture a moment. Many do not know that as a photographer you aren’t just there to make a picture pretty, you are there to create a happy moment one that will be embedded in the memory of every person involved because it is the impression of the photographer that will be left behind. As a photographer, you have to read the body language, and be aware of who is comfortable around whom, reading each of those signs will depict how the picture turns out.

As a photographer it doesn’t matter how good you are, if you do not pay attention to your family, then you capture raw emotions instead of happiness you may receive animosity. If someone were to ask me what are important qualities to pay attention to as a photographer, I would easily tell them consistency and variety. That leaves the remaining question, what do these words mean?

What does CONSISTENCY mean?

In photography, you deal with physical atoms, shapes, and forms in the real world, especially in photography.

​When capturing a family, individuals, or an event one of the key factors is consistency. Lighting will always change, people are always moving, and the air can switch directions, but as a photographer, you have to be aware of the events that are unfolding. Being aware of factors that can change a picture will make you both alert but also more understanding of people. As a photographer you want to try to capture individuals in their true form, you have to exist unnoticed while you are there. How do you do that is the next question, here are some secrets that have helped me along the way.

1.The secret is to make it soft, flexible, and fluid like water.

2. Believing in exploring photography as a visual arts practice and learning how it can help to become a more engaging and active photographer.

3. It's about the art of photography, not the process or medium, it is about real emotion, not the fake emotion everyone wants to believe.

Now secondly is a variety that pulls all of this together that brings debate into every session, but only with clients, but after the pictures have been released to the public. What does that mean?

What does VARIETY mean?

Seeing the vast perspectives of art in photography means never stopping to create and never stopping capturing the beauty of the world around in its glory.

Earlier I stated that variety in itself is a debated topic and that it is about the uncomfortable feeling that it can create for individuals looking at the photograph. When people look at a picture of a family, some will open the envelope to the holiday card and feel envious; because maybe they think they should have gotten cards done. Another individual may feel happy when they see their cousins on a card and they are doing well. Although you may have someone who feels nothing but hatred because their family does holiday cards every year and they pretend for one day that everything is okay, they haven’t spoken all year, it is merely for image purposes. As you see there were many different emotions based on one simple picture. So you may ask why variety matters, let me tell you why?

1. Notice every gesture and facial expression of the people on the street.

2. Look for reflections, light and shadows, building aspects, abstractions, and details.

3. Interpret the wondrous glow of the world, as it changes second by second, the perspective changes, and history is made for years to come.

I am going to end with the simple thing of how consistency and variety have changed my own perspective on photography. Focusing on photography has changed my life, you can focus more on composition, hand gestures, body language, light, shadows, reflections, and shapes. This has changed the way I, myself have viewed the world, beyond the surface of everything. It is the way each of the simple characteristics makes complexity look so beautiful.

Reflection for the day:

1. What is something that you look at every day that brings you different emotions?

2. Why do you feel different emotions looking at this one thing?

3. What are two things that make you love your career?

Please place your reflections in the comments! I would love to know your thoughts!