Some Great Elements in Photography

Have you ever wondered why taking a transcendental photograph is so difficult? Have you ever analyzed the elements that iconic photographs share in common with each other? Well, making a list of things common to every great image is almost impossible, because every picture has a unique aesthetic and transmits a unique message. But even though every image is unique and can be read in different ways, some commonalities can be listed — and at least one of them will be present in any great photograph.

But what is exactly a great photograph? Due to the flood of images we drown ourselves in each day, a great photograph is simply an image that stands out from the crowd. And it will stand out to certain viewers because it triggers their feelings in a unique way. The broader the array of minds and feelings touched by that single image, the more broadly meaningful it becomes for humanity itself.

Without further ado, here are eight elements that all great photographs possess to some degree:

1. Concept

A lot of great photographs have a supporting concept that justifies the photographer’s reason for shooting the image in a specific way.

2. Plan

We can’t talk about concept without mentioning planning. After defining the concept, the photographer must plan various things. The photographer will find answers to things like “what?”, “how?”, “when?”, “where?” and “with what?”. These are commonly defined at this stage by any organized…