Our Lives Our Photographs

For 16 years (1992 to 2008) I taught black and white photography. During that time, I was the founder, coordinator, and teacher of Community Images, a community-based photography program based in San Francisco. See links below.

I developed a photography curriculum for my program. Some of the topics I covered were photography fundamentals, photographic techniques, basic darkroom development, and steps to develop prints. I’ve updated the photography principles document — see document.

Nowadays, it seems most people take photographs using their cell phones, while a minority still take photographs either using compact cameras, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, or mirror less cameras. However, if you want to understand and learn photography skills and techniques, please read my photography principles document.

https://inmotionmagazine.com/ci/ciessays.html

https://inmotionmagazine.com/ci/ciphoters.html

Community Images

Photography Principles

Keep the camera or phone steady.

1. Effective photographs are straightforward; the background should not distract from the main subject.

2. It’s essential to ensure that people look their best in photos. Many pictures can be unflattering due to factors like frowning, blinking, or red-eye effects, which is why some photos may be discarded.

3. Identify the main focus of the picture. Every good photograph has a central point of interest, whether it’s a person’s face, a sunset landscape, or someone engaged in an activity.

4. Pay attention to lighting, as it is a crucial aspect of good photography. Position yourself with the sun behind you and use flash in indoor and even outdoors to correct harsh contrast lighting conditions, especially during midday, to avoid losing detail. Overcast days are ideal because they prevent harsh shadows. Avoid having subjects squint or display dark shadows around their eyes, and when using flash indoors, stay within a range of 3 to 12 feet.

5. Candid photos, which capture people in a natural and relaxed state, tend to be the most appealing.

6. Off-centered compositions are often more engaging than centered ones, which can appear dull.

7. A good photographer should be assertive. Move around the subject rather than remaining stationary unless the situation requires it.

8. Capture a variety of shots; taking several photographs increases the chance of obtaining good results. Experiment with different angles and perspectives, including from elevated or lower positions, rather than only from eye level.

9. Look for moments where elements align, such as the focal point’s relationship to action, message, and composition.

10. Aim to take dynamic photos that stand out. Look for instances that capture emotion or energetic activity.

11. Anticipating moments for great shots is pivotal in photography. Be ready to capture important occurrences from an optimal position.

12. Engaging with your subjects can lead to better photographs. Conversing with people may make them more comfortable and willing to be photographed.

13. Use the saturation method by taking multiple photos of each subject. Shooting 10-25 or more images can yield better results than relying on a single shot.

14. Many compelling photographs convey movement and enhance composition. Good photographs show movement when you view them and improve the photograph. When you close and open your eyes, your eyes start at a point or main focus area and usually moves in a somewhat circular motion and usually back to their original starting location.

Regarding group photographs: Group photos tend to be repetitive and can lack interest. To make them more engaging, try varying poses and arrangements—perhaps have some individuals standing and others sitting, or increase spacing between them. Encourage a relaxed atmosphere to capture genuine expressions, as it’s important to see faces clearly in group photographs.

Practice
Practice
Practice