Great Photography — technical excellence or ‘the moment’?
I’ve wondered for a while, “what exactly makes a great photograph?” It’s become an internal conflict; technical excellence, ‘the moment’, or something else?
Context here is incredibly important. I was introduced properly to Photography in 2011/2012. I loved viewing photographs, so one of my main motivations was creating more for me to look at. Whether it be street photography or at music events.
I started shooting, most likely JPGs, in full auto. Over time I learnt everything I could about the small technicalities — the physics behind photography, why light bends the way it does, how depth of field is affected by an aperture, and so on. I feel like my work far improved over time — now shooting in manual and RAW (not that these habits determine quality).
Keeping all of the technicalities in mind can yield really nice results; it can be painstaking, though. Being so meticulous about the fine details can often leave you missing the photograph you were after.
For a long time I was focussed on technicalities and didn’t mind too much for photographing ‘the moment’. So long as everything was neat and well composed, I was satisfied. Not until very recently though — while looking back at past works — did I realise I gain more satisfaction from the nostalgia incited by photographs taken in ‘the moment’, than those taken while obsessing about Physics and Mathematics.
Blaow is a Photographer whose work I’ve followed for a couple of years (ish) now. Toward the end of 2016 we spoke about the Photography in a bit of depth (we often do). We had a beer, watched Chelsea play Tottenham, and discussed Photography. We both realised the difficulty that arises when simply being in the right place, at the right time can lead to some significant exposure — even if the photograph isn’t technically great.
This has troubled me for a long time, as I’ve seen peers start their careers and zoom past me just by being there. (Not to knock their talent!) The fact that you could see such success without paying so much attention to technicalities felt a little bit tedious; especially when you care so much for the craft.
I have a crazy amount of photography from the past five years or so but (like I said) the greater amount of nostalgia comes from the photographs that didn’t come out so well — if you assume that great photography is the technically excellent photography
My view changed gradually.
Example one being this. Who remembers when Skepta and Kanye West had a surprise show at KOKO? It was crazy. David Vujanic helped me crowd surf so I could take photographs. In this one you can just about make out Vic Mensa’s face in the centre — I think this was mid-surf.
I was so excited to get this roll of film back, but when I did I was sent just three photographs. You can probably guess.. ah, the pain! My (previously) trusty Canon AF35M wasn’t turning the film every frame. Instead, the first three frames were exposed numerous times. (Multiple exposures are far less fun when unintentional!) At least it looks pretty cool and serves as an excellent reminder of the occasion.
There are maybe three shots on this one frame and neither appear to be composed well. (The Vic Mensa shot might have turned out pretty nice, actually). When I got this roll of film back, the photograph stood out massively. I can’t articulate why I think it is so incredible, maybe it’s only really because of the memory attached to it. The Moment.
Sometimes photographs can be nicely composed, focussed correctly, and so on. But they can be quite dull.
With these two, neither really capture a significant moment but both are quite satisfying. There’s still a space for these photographs — of course — but they don’t really stir up many emotions within me and more. Though they do make a great phone lock-screen.
I cannot say with confidence that either habit – technical excellence or ‘the moment’ (or something else) – is most important.
However, right now I am more impressed by those photographs taken in the moment – so long as I can get a great sense of what it was like at that time. I need to feel like I was there.
For my own photography, though, I’d very much like to capture anything that looks interesting to me while hoping that the technicalities are on point.
I could be certain that others have entertained these kinds of questions. I’ve wondered for an awful long time and failed to come to a solid conclusion; what about other Photographers?
“It’s like husband and wife,” says Faisal ‘Tre’ Shah. “When both put in the work, you’ll have a beautiful child.”
Sophia Carey sad that she always considers “the technical aspects, because that’s essential in ensuring that you’re communicating the thing you want to communicate most accurately.”
I definitely feel like of my own work the photographs that communicate the appropriate ‘mood’, ‘vibes’ or ‘message’ are my favourite— Sophia Carey
Lillian Nwaezenna said moments are her favourite and they turn out the best.
“I personally always go for the technical aspects regarding composition and colour balance and such, but at the end of the day it’s what looks good to YOU, personal preference is a wonderful thing and you never know what might please you and make you look on in awe” — Shihab Mehboob
Andy Hirst believes “the story is king!” and that a “photo that is technically perfect will make someone say it looks good,” though “there may be no why to it.”
“If the story is strong and…you lose yourself in the story then that is what it’s all about in my opinion; when you can see the why” — Andy Hirst
Finally, one of my favourite responses comes from The Rest-director Alex. While I was rambling on Twitter I was trying to make sense of what makes a photograph — and it’s photographer — “good”. What exactly is worthy of the title? Alex responded saying “it’s how good is it at making me feel what it wants to make me feel. Or how good it is as portraying or bending truth.”
These conversations are important; whether for myself as a reminder for why I love this, or for others for any particular reason. Thankfully, Circular provides a great space to engage in open discussion.
Inspired by experience, by Blaow, by Photographers.
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