Artistic Intentions.
What makes a great photograph?
Is it composition? Lighting? Originality? Location?
I would say that a truly great photo is almost always made with intention. Being a master of your camera settings and creating images that are technically perfect is not a bad thing, but images such as these may lack something if there is no intention within the artist.
What is artistic intention? Simply, it is the direction or meaning an artist has in mind when creating their artwork.
If you were to take 10 photographers of all different skill levels, bring them to the same location, and ask each of them to produce 2 images of their surroundings, you would end up with 20 different photographs. Maybe in some cases the differences would be subtle, but for the most part, each person sees things from a unique perspective. You may even be surprised by the results. An amateur photographer who creates with intention and inspiration could produce images that carry more feeling, a certain special something that could be lacking in a more experienced photographer's work. Who knows–the point is that each of us is a creative being and we are all capable of creating beautiful work, regardless of expertise in a medium. And of course, it’s all subjective anyway.
From a recent workshop in NYC. We made a quick stop at this location to photograph the fog. Some of the resulting photos from other participants were similar, but they all had their differences.
I believe that if you really want to take photography seriously, you should learn the rules. Try to master your camera, understand what it can do, learn about composition and lighting. Once you have that knowledge under your belt, break the rules. Play, experiment, try new things even if you think they might not work. Work on setting intentions with your art and see where it takes you.
Then again, I also believe that you don’t always need to learn the rules. There are quite a few photographers I know of, some of them with a level of renown, who claim they don’t know how to use their cameras. And yet, they create work that is powerful, emotive, and inspiring. They also know how to play, and they rely on their intuition and intentions to make work with that special something. Whether or not you are a master of your camera, intentions are crucial in creating memorable work.
An exercise in letting go of control, taken on my trusty Holga. The beauty of this camera is in its simplicity. Pictured here are two turkey vultures on the roof of an abandoned building, not thrilled about my being there. This photo was very reactive. Does it have that special something?
Looking at a work of art, we don’t know what the artist had in mind during its creation. Unless the artist states their intentions in the presentation of the work, we can only guess. But we do know when something speaks to us. We know when we are looking at something more than just a pretty picture.
And so I encourage you to think deeply about your own work. What is it that you’re trying to say? Are there certain thoughts, feelings, or ideas that you want to explore? Whatever is speaking to you, keep that in mind during your creative practice. Don’t be afraid to play and experiment, and don’t be afraid of failure. Keep creating. You will likely find that you are surprised by what you make when you set intentions.
