Making a photograph

One of the great sayings of photography is that one should make photographs, not take photographs.

A famous quote, attributed to Ansel Adams, is that “a good photograph is knowing where to stand”.

Often, the general public thinks that great photographs are the result of the photographer being lucky, or being in the right place at the right time.  Occasionally that is true, especially with press or documentary photography.  However, even here, luck favors the prepared.  (another one …)

Couple “being in the right place at the right time” with the advertising of modern cameras as doing most of the work for you, and we live in a photographic culture that convinces folks that all they need is the right gear and to go to the right places.  I know many photographers that feel they have to travel (some extensively) in order to make pictures.

Here is a video (podcast) from the George Eastman House that explains the concept of making a photograph through one picture, better than I can with 1000 words.

Enjoy: