Pixiq

Photography allows us to explore many possibilities of light and color. When used for artistic purpose, there is room for all types of compositional devices. Color, saturation, contrast, focus, lens angle, shape, line, tone, balance and perspective are some of the tools we as photographers have to form and enhance our vision. They are essential to the way they communicate the concept of the image.

"When you learn to read a photograph, you learn to see with your mind." 

Image  © John Neel

The best use of these tools is when we use them creatively to define the subject and the vision. If the subject is distorted, there should be a reason for the distortion. By distortion, I am talking about anything which alters the normal perception of the subject. The idea is to utilize the compositional tools to the benefit of our audience. If photography is a form of communication or rather language, it is important to use all of the tools of composition wisely so as to not overly confuse the subject narrative of the image.

Image  © John Neel

As in any language, structure is important to the message being conveyed. The better we are at using our creative tools for defining our message, the better we can speak in the language of photography.

The best photographs are like puzzles, riddles, jokes, stories, or poetry that we as readers are to use as a way of realizing a truth of some kind. The subject of the photograph becomes a metaphor or rather a symbol for something we are to define. If the photographer uses his/her tools wisely, there is an opportunity for the riddle to be solved or at least considered. Everything about the image should support the subject. Anything that greatly detracts from the message endangers the communication. While there is a message to decipher, a great image allows for contemplation.

However, the communication is something that is a two way street. The photographer is the one that creates the image, but there is a second part of the process. It is the viewer who must also participate in the conversation.

Great photographs are great because they engage us in a conversation using the subject as a metaphor. In reading the image, we have the opportunity to learn something. We are drawn to the details or lack thereof in a way that allows for reflection and inner dialogue. When we start to understand the work, we begin to form a narrative in our mind that plays out the photographers intent as well as what we bring as viewers to the image. Generally, it is not so much that we like or dislike an image, it has more to do with forming an open discourse.

Looking at photographs requires an open mind. An open mind means that you are not prejudging the work. Instead, you give the work your attention without preconceived notions of what an image should look like or be about. If we all made the same types of images, there would be no new stories, no new messages, no new riddles. Therefore the artist needs to speak in his/her own voice. In order for that to work, the audience needs to understand that the work is coming from the unique perspective of a creative mind that is attempting to communicate something that may be utterly important or profound. The message may not be one that can be understood in words. It may require some deep thought and self-reflection. Once realized, there can be an intelligent dialogue between your comprehension and the photographer's unique dialect or voice. After all, we all live in different worlds. In order to understand each-other, we need to open the doors to understanding. 

This requires you to think of the context of the image as well as all of the compositional elements that make up the image. That may mean that, light, color, textures, contrast, angle and anything that you can see in the image has some connection to a deeper meaning. In many cases, the message comes from what you can't see in the image. In which case, there is an implied reference to something not seen. 

Image  © John Neel

"When you learn a language, you learn how to communicate with words.

When you learn photography, you learn how to speak with your eyes.

When you learn to read a photograph, you learn to see with your mind."

John

 

Image  © John Neel

"The beauty of photography is that we can connect in the beauty of light!" – JN

Please read more of my posts regarding Digital and Analog Photography on Pixiq. 

THIS POSTING AS WELL AS ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND GALLERY IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT - © JOHN NEEL AND ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PUPOSE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE WRITER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR PIXIQ. 

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