I Appreciate This Photographer’s Quote, but I Disagree With a Part of It
Published: Mon, 07/17/23
Sam offers in-person and online photography instruction. Call him at 202-531-2344 to see how he can help
you.
A Photographer's Quote
Because it's always good to hear what photographers think of photography.
"A camera alone does not make a picture. To make a picture you need a camera, a photographer and above all a subject. It is the
subject that determines the interest of the photograph." Man Ray
Hello
,
The above quote by Man Ray reminds me of when photographers say their cameras make good pictures. I'll also fill you in on my disagreement with this quote toward the end of the article.
So, what are we talking about if we say our cameras make good pictures?
Are we talking about composition, or are we talking about image/file quality?
Suppose we're talking about image/file quality. In that
case, we're talking about things like resolution(megapixels), sensor size, dynamic range, and other technical stuff related to the camera specs(specifications).
But if we're talking about composition, that's all on us.
And when talking composition, the exposure mode we use when making pictures is a BIG consideration.
For example, If we're working in a fully automatic exposure mode, except for framing and content, the rest of our composition is a crap shoot. However, just because the camera is using its algorithms to create the picture (it's kind of like AI), the resulting composition is still on us because we've decided to turn over most of the composition of our
picture to a machine.
And from what I've heard from students is that working in fully automatic exposure mode is like playing a slot machine. It's a hit-and-miss game, and, more often than not, we miss.
That's what happens when we rely on a machine to express our human experience.
A camera doesn't think. A camera doesn't. And a camera certainly doesn't compose good or bad pictures. A camera is just a dumb as a rock tool that we use to make pictures. It's a complex and sophisticated tool, but it's still an unthinking, unknowing, and unfeeling machine loaded with algorithms.
What's important is how we think about our subject and use the camera to create intentional compositions.
And I can't agree with this part of the Man Ray quote. "It is the subject that determines the interest of the photograph."
And I disagree because it's the subject that gets our (a photographer's) interest, but
it's up to us to create an interesting photograph of the subject.
In other words, it's the photographer that makes the subject interesting.
And the more control we have over camera operation and composition, the better we can do that.
So, if we're working in fully automatic exposure mode, it'll help to make the leap and start working in aperture and shutter priority modes or, better yet, fully manual exposure mode.
Because once we
make the leap to aperture and shutter priority modes or fully manual exposure mode, we get more involved in camera operation and composition. And that'll make us better photographers who make better pictures.
When you're ready, take a class with me.
And if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes, we can schedule a one-time lesson or a series of
in-person or online
one-on-one private instruction that cover the same things as any of my group classes.
---Get guidance on going from where you are to where you want to be as a photographer. There's no charge for a follow-up consultation. Just leave your phone number on the form, and I'll
call you. Photography Instruction Strategy Questionnaire.
I look forward to helping you be a better photographer.
Best Regards,
Sam
About Sam
Sam
D'Amico, a professional photographer and photography instructor, helps anyone who wants to be a better photographer.
He'll work with his students to increase their understanding of camera operation, composition, light, and lighting.
Sam started working as a professional photographer in the mid-1980s.
Most notably, from 1992 to 1997, while working as a freelance photographer, he photographed over 500 assignments for the New York Times.
Additionally, Sam received awards for his work while exhibiting his photographs in shows.
Sam began teaching photography professionally in 1998 through the Highland Park, N.J. recreation department.
In 2002 Sam moved to Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the accredited Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, Md.
It was in 2003 that Sam developed his curriculum and started teaching
classes in Washington, D.C.
In 2018 and 2022, the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes were voted the "Best of DC" art class by the readers of the Washington City Paper.
Many
photography teachers spend a lot of time teaching about DSLRs and rules of composition that create homogenized, rigid photographs.
On the other hand, Sam teaches about camera operation, thought process, and the individual photographer's visual communication intent.
This approach to teaching allows his students to use ANY camera (yes, even the camera on their phone) and break free of the rules of composition.
Approaching the creative process this way allows for
fluid and spontaneous photographs unique to the photographer creating them.
Sam encourages his students to find their ways as photographers.
He instills the skills in his students
that result in creative, engaging, and unique compositions that reflect the photographer's intended one-of-a-kind visual expression.
