It's about developing a critical eye
Denver Night Street Scene. A Studied and Deliberate Composition.

When I was first learning to be a landscape photographer, one of my mentors, Kathleen Cook, would review and critique the photos of her students. One of her favorite critique comments would be “that looks like a snapshot”  Meaning the photographer didn’t appear to have put much effort into composing a compelling scene. Those words were a rude awakening to each of us who heard them. Kathleen was brutal in her analysis and she never spared me nor anyone else from her honest analysis of some of their/my photos. I learned a lot from Kathleen and always try to look at my own work through her critically thinking eyes. Self evaluation is important to improve ourselves.

The smartphone has democratized photography. We live in an age of billions of images, shared instantly across the globe. Every fleeting moment, every, every pet is captured and broadcast. This ease of image creation, however, has also led to a devaluation of the photograph as a considered art form. The sheer volume of snapshots, often devoid of intention or artistry, risks drowning out the power of truly compelling photographs. To move beyond the snapshot, to elevate photography from mere documentation to a powerful form of expression, requires developing a photographic vision – a conscious effort to see the world with intention and translate that vision into meaningful images.

The snapshot, by its very nature, is a spontaneous, often unthinking act. It’s a quick record of a moment, a visual note to remember a place or event. While snapshots have their value, particularly in personal archives, they often lack depth and artistic merit. They prioritize the subject over the composition, the moment over the execution. Moving beyond the snapshot requires a shift in mindset, from simply recording what is in front of the lens to actively crafting an image that communicates a feeling, tells a story, or explores an idea.

One thing that is critical is understanding the technical aspects of photography. While a good eye is essential, technical proficiency provides the tools to realize that vision. Understanding the interplay of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO allows the photographer to control depth of field, motion blur, and the overall exposure of the image. Learning about composition, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, and the use of negative space, helps to create visually engaging and balanced photographs. These technical skills are not merely technicalities; they are the language through which the photographer expresses their vision. Just as a writer needs to understand grammar and syntax, a photographer needs to understand the technical language of their craft to effectively communicate.

Beyond technical proficiency, developing a photographic vision requires embracing a sense of curiosity and observation. It means looking beyond the surface of things, seeking out the hidden details and the subtle nuances of light and shadow. It’s about training the eye to see the world in terms of shapes, textures, and patterns. This process of active observation is not limited to exotic locations or dramatic events. Even the mundane and everyday can become a source of inspiration when viewed through a discerning eye. A crack in the pavement, the play of light on a building, the fleeting expression on a stranger’s face – all these can become the subject of a compelling photograph if the photographer sees them with intention and imagination.

Furthermore, moving beyond the snapshot involves developing a personal connection to the subject matter. It’s about finding meaning in the scene before you and translating that meaning into your image. This connection can be emotional, intellectual, or even spiritual. It’s what elevates a photograph from a mere record to a personal statement. When a photographer is genuinely engaged with their subject, that passion translates into the image, imbuing it with a sense of authenticity and depth. This personal connection can be the driving force behind a photographer’s work, shaping their style and influencing their choices.

Composition plays a vital role in moving beyond the snapshot. It’s not just about placing the subject in the frame; it’s about arranging the elements within the frame to create a visual narrative. Leading lines can draw the viewer’s eye through the image, while negative space can create a sense of isolation or tranquility. The use of light and shadow can add drama and depth, highlighting certain elements while obscuring others. Understanding these compositional principles allows the photographer to guide the viewer’s eye and control their experience of the image. A well-composed photograph is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a carefully constructed visual statement.

Another key aspect of moving beyond the snapshot is the conscious use of light. Light is the very essence of photography, and understanding its qualities is crucial for creating impactful images. Different types of light – soft, hard, directional, diffused – can evoke different moods and emotions. The golden hour, that magical time just after sunrise and before sunset, casts a warm, flattering light that is often favored by photographers. However, exploring the possibilities of other types of light, such as the harsh shadows of midday or the subtle nuances of twilight, can lead to unexpected and compelling results.

Moving beyond the snapshot is not a destination but a journey. It’s a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and refining one’s vision. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. It’s about constantly pushing oneself beyond one’s comfort zone, exploring new techniques and challenging conventional ways of seeing. It’s about developing a critical eye, learning to evaluate one’s own work and identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, moving beyond the snapshot is about transforming the act of taking a photograph from a passive recording to an active creation. It’s about using the camera not just to capture what is, but to express what could be, what is felt, what is imagined. It’s about using photography as a means of exploring the world, connecting with others, and sharing one’s unique perspective. In a world saturated with images, the power of a truly compelling photograph lies in its ability to transcend the snapshot, to move beyond mere documentation and to touch the viewer on a deeper level. It is in this conscious and intentional act of creation that photography becomes not just a hobby, but a powerful and expressive art form.