by Sheree Zielke

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2008

What is the main objective, the main goal or purpose of taking a photograph?

You might say, "Well, it's to capture an image."

Yes, yes, it's to capture an image. But why? Why do you want to capture an image? What prompts you to pick up your camera, aim, and then push down on the shutter button?

It's probably because you saw something you wanted to freeze in time; something you wanted to share with others, or to share, later, with yourself. It follows then that you must strive to take the best image possible, an image that attracts - an image that compels viewing. The only images that accomplish that goal are photographs, not spur-of-the-moment snapshots.

How do you a create a photograph as opposed to a snapshot? It's true - you must learn about camera controls: apertures, shutter speeds, light meters, and depth of field, but there's more. It's not really about the type of camera, or the focal length or quality of a lens; it's about the person holding the camera. You. The photographer. It's about your determination to learn and apply disciplines to your art like universal aesthetic rules, rules that have been around for centuries, rules used by the masters in both photography and other art forms like architecture and painting.

Photographic techniques and compositional rules (if followed) will help you achieve your goal towards becoming a photographer, one who produces memorable works. The rules include leading lines, the rule-of-thirds, creative angles, clutter-avoidance, using corners, balancing shadow and light, and employing a deliberate and planned depth of field. However, there is more. You must learn to "see."

You must first train your eye to discern a potential subject, a unique photographic opportunity, and then use the rules to emphasize that subject. Many so-called photographs have no discernable subject. The photographer hasn't realized that our eyes see in 3-D while cameras see in 2-D. A photographer must make allowances for that and use compositional techniques to create depth and interest in an image.

Then there's the final magical ingredient - perhaps the most important element behind great photographs - and that's, patience. You must nurture a patience that will make you wait for the light; wait for the animal's perfect pose; wait for the perfect expression; hunt for and find a unique angle.

A disciplined patience is the most important consideration in the creation of a great photographer. It's this patience that will enable you to first take the time to look for your potential shot, and then to put all the aesthetic elements into play to ensure you get the shot you were hoping to capture - a photographic image that simply must be viewed - again, and again. A masterpiece that will live on into perpetuity. A beautiful image that will make people gasp. And isn't that the real reason you picked up your camera in the first place?

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.