There was an NPR radio series called “This I believe” that I would hear occasionally on my way home from work. I read that it was based on a series by Edgar R. Murrow in the 1950’s for people of various walks of life to share their guiding principles for their lives. It was in enlightening series that included views from the famous and the everyday person. I thought it would be interesting to apply it to my photographic ‘beliefs’. Some of these are just me throwing my opinion on the bandwagon, but some are contrary to what is typically taught in photography circles.

I believe what matters is the final image. I don’t care what settings or camera modes you use to get there. This is real “Land of the free. Home of the brave.” stuff. You are free to capture images any way that you can. Staying clear of moral boundaries, such as breaking laws, discourtesy to others, harassing animals, non-disclosure of AI, etc. Once you are confident in your image taking, and if you are brave, you can experiment to find new ways to capture an image to develop your own style. You can rearrange elements to your liking, and remove things that don't fit your vision. Preferably it's possible to clean things up within before shooting, but in post processing works fine too. Contrary to what you may have read, you don’t have to exclusively use ‘manual’ to be a photographer. The use of “manual”, “aperture priority” or “shutter priority” or “program” modes is a choice. While it is good to know how and when to use manual or any other mode, it doesn’t make or break the photographer. What's most importatin is knowing your gear. A good photographer will learn as many techniques as possible to add to their toolbox to pull out that technique when needed. It is also possible to combine techniques to make a new one.

Speaking of gear…New, expensive equipment doesn’t make a better photographer any more than buying a Lamborghini makes you a better driver. The camera, lenses, tripods, filters, etc. are tools. How you use them is most important. The better you know your tools, the better photographer you will be. A deep knowledge of cellphone cameras will produce better images than a cursory knowledge of a ‘flagship’ camera. Only when equipment becomes a hinderance to growth as a photographer is it time to consider new equipment. Of course, more expensive equipment can perform better: higher frame rates, better low light sensor, larger aperture, brass filters remove easier than cheaper aluminum ones, etc. If you’re missing shots because of those features, it may be time to look at newer equipment or look for other ways to take the shot. If you’re only into brand names without consideration of other equipment makers OR if you’re comparing the corners of images to check out a lens, you’re probably missing opportunities. Only photographers pixel peep in the corners of an image. If a non-photographer who is looking at an image is drifting off to find a corner pixel isn’t in focus, it’s probably due to poor composition rather than poor equipment.

The ‘rule of thirds’ is not a rule. It’s a method to remember to think about where you place your subject. What about the mythological Zen of the golden ratio? In my opinion, it’s astrology for images. Now don’t get me wrong, the ‘rule of thirds’ and other subject guides are important aids, just like training wheels are an important aid in learning how to ride a bike. You will find great images with the ‘rule of thirds’, but also, you will find many more images that do not follow that rule. Does that make every image that doesn’t use the ‘rule of thirds’ a bad image? Of course not. Do I use the rule of thirds? Absolutely! As I said, it’s a great aid. Do I use it exclusively? NO. I typically use image flow, visual weight and balance to determine the level of tension in an image, which is closer to a visual ‘feng shui’ than a rigid alignment system. The image has to have a “look” that supports the story. How you chose that “look” is your style. But, image flow, visual weight, balance and tension are a subject for another blog…or a book.

This ended up being more of a rant that I expected. These are all things that I’ve had brewing for a long while, but I feel very strongly about. As I said in the opening, some of these ideas are counter to what is typically taught. To me, it seems that there too many photographic ‘rules’. Hard rules are good when they provide boundaries and a rigid structure with which to learn the art of composing an image. But at some point in a person’s artistic development, those boundaries become constraints to growth and creation. I’ll leave you with this quotation from Pablo Picasso. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

Do you agree or disagree? I’d love to hear what you think—Please contact me at the email below.