by Tim So

Created on: December 13, 2006   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

HERE'S WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

What separates an exceptional photographer from the good one? Where do mind blowing shot and powerful images originate? Why are some pictures just nice but others seem to tell a complete story? The answer to these questions definitely lies in the following one word: Intuition. The human intuition is such a powerful instrument in arts. It its what distinguishes us human beings from a robot. It gives a piece of art this certain, unique touch to set itself apart from the mass. But how can we make use of this intuition and how can we develop it? If you want to know the answer, I encourage you to read the following paragraphs. If you do understand the following and apply this to your approach towards photography, i can guarantee that you will start taking great pictures.

WHAT IS PHOTOGRAPHIC INTUITION?

Intuition in photography means that you let yourself be guided by your 'inner senses' instead of following mere rules. It is when you are just about to take the shot that you feel as if your hands are guided by some inner feeling and you just KNOW that the picture you are about to take is going to be nothing but spectacular. A lot of people rely these days on digital photography so that they can throw away their bad shots if they have to. I don't. Using a
traditional film camera, people frequently ask me the following: How do you know that your picture is going to turn out great without being able to look at it on the back of your camera? All I tell them is: I just know before I take the shot.

INTUITION IS LIKE A WILD BEAST

To begin with, intuition is a gift that not everyone possesses in equal measure. It is very related to talent. However, many people have a decent degree of intuition in respect to photography. You might have stronger intuition and talent than the guy next to you, but it is all about HOW MUCH you make use of it. You might want to think of this just as of something really powerful inside you with a lot of potential that needs to be developed and controlled. Think of it as of a wild powerful beast that you want to do work for you. Everyone who wants to be a great artist needs to know how to deal with this 'beast', how to tame it so that it does exactly what you want it to do.

HOW ABOUT ALL THOSE RULES?

Now you might ask: But aren't there enough rules I can follow that will make me a better photographer? And indeed, there are so many useful rules to learn and follow, e.g. the rule of thirds, i.e. dividing your picture in thirds,

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