📸 The First Step into Photography

When I first picked up a camera, I never imagined that this simple act would lead me on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and ultimately, a fulfilling career. It wasn’t until people started to hire me that I truly realized I had something special. I knew I was a decent photographer—my mom told me so, as moms do—but it wasn’t until strangers started reaching out to hire me that I felt a surge of confidence that propelled me to evolve as an artist.

Imagine this: I was only 19, navigating the early days of Facebook, and out of sheer curiosity, I posted some of my photos online. The response was immediate, and before I knew it, I had clients. At 19, earning money through something I loved felt like a dream. But photography, for me, was more than just easy money; it was a way to express my creativity, a way to create art without the patience required for painting (a skill my dad, a painter, tried to teach me without much success).

🖼️ Photography as an Art Form

So, what exactly makes photography an art form? This question has followed me throughout my journey. To me, it’s about more than just capturing an image; it’s about infusing that image with a sense of composition, lighting, and most importantly, emotion. While some photography, like documentary work, aims to capture reality, art in photography involves transforming reality into something that resonates on a deeper level.

For me, the essence of artistic photography lies in the expressions and moods of the people I photograph. It’s in the subtle interplay between light and shadow, the carefully considered composition, and the ability to evoke a feeling in the viewer. This is what elevates a simple photograph into a piece of art.

💡 The Components of a Great Photograph

When I think about what makes a photograph truly great, it boils down to three key components: lighting, composition, and moment. You might capture a beautiful moment, and it can be a great photo just because of that. Or perhaps the composition is perfect, with symmetry that’s almost too good to be true. Then there’s lighting—a breathtaking sunset can transform an ordinary scene into something magical.

But the magic happens when all these elements come together in one frame. A truly great photograph is one that seamlessly integrates the moment, the composition, and the lighting, creating a visual experience that’s both impactful and memorable.

🎨 Good vs. Great Photography

I often hear people say that photography is subjective, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While there’s some truth to that, I also believe that there’s a distinction between a good photograph and a great one. This distinction isn’t just about personal taste; it’s about the quality of the execution. A poorly lit, unintentionally crooked photo can be considered bad, while a well-composed, perfectly lit photo can be great.

This distinction is crucial for growth. By recognizing what makes a photograph great, aspiring photographers have something to strive toward, a benchmark to measure their progress against.

🔍 Intent in Photography

One of the biggest challenges in photography is conveying intent. How do you ensure that the message you want to communicate through your photo is understood by your audience? For me, intent starts with understanding what my client wants and then adding my personal touch. When my client looks at a photo and says, “This is so me,” I know I’ve succeeded in my intent.

However, in my personal projects, the approach is different. Here, my intent is to express myself, to capture what I feel in the moment. These photos might not get as many likes on social media, but they resonate with me, and that’s what matters.

📷 Conclusion: The Evolution of an Artist

Photography is a journey, one that begins with a simple click of the shutter and evolves into a complex art form. It’s about more than just capturing images; it’s about creating something that speaks to both the photographer and the viewer. Whether you’re shooting for a client or for yourself, the goal is to create something that not only looks good but feels good—a true reflection of your vision as an artist.