If we view photographs regularly, we probably resonate with a type of photography done by particular photographers.
And maybe their work inspires us to do our work.
If a specific photographer's photographs inspire us, chances are good that their words will inspire us too.
A Photographer's Quote: William Albert Allard
“What's really important is to simplify. The work of most photographers would be improved immensely if they could do one thing: get rid of the extraneous. If you strive for
simplicity, you are more likely to reach the viewer. ” ― William Albert Allard
Hello ,
I remember one of my first teachers always mentioning the KISS way of doing photography.
KISS is an acronym for Keep it Simple, Stupid.
And while camera manufacturers have thrown that advice out the window, we should keep it in mind.
It's best to simplify camera operation
primarily into three functions; exposure modes, focusing modes, and metering modes.
We can simplify camera operation more by working in fully automatic exposure mode.
When we do that, the camera handles the exposure, focusing, and metering for us.
But at that point, beyond framing and content, the photograph was created by the camera more than the photographer.
And I doubt that's what Mr. Allard meant by simplifying.
What I imagine he meant is that we should simplify our composition to include nothing more than needs to be included in the frame.
While I agree with that approach to composition, I imagine if Mr. Allard saw today's digital camera, he would say the same thing about camera operation.
And while we can easily do that, there's some settings on the camera that's probably making things more difficult for us.
We've gotta shut them off and disable them.
Because if we keep letting them run the show, we complicate our ability to get the picture we have in mind because we're no longer invloved in the camera operation part.
We've, got to be involved in camera operation as much as possible to create pictures that
we can claim are wholly ours.
The Getting To Know Your Camera and Introduction To Photography are just the classes to do that.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? If that's the case, let's schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private instruction that covers the same things as my group classes.
Ways to work with me are listed below.
