What Makes A Good Photograph?

'What makes a good photograph?' Ask any proficient photographer and you will find a tinge of similarity in their answers as if there are some unspoken rules of photography. The fact that these rules are unbelievably basic is also the main reason why these are often overlooked by most of the budding photographers. While it's true that photography is an art and the freedom of expression is what draws masses towards it, quality can only be achieved if a few basic criteria that define the quality of a picture are met.To be completely honest, photography is one of the best examples of paradoxical practices. On one hand, you are advised to always trust your instinct and play with the rules, and on the other, the same geniuses will tell you to go through a quick checklist to capture and assess the quality of a good photograph.So, what is it that makes people remember one photograph over millions of others online and in print? What are the components of this checklist?Let's have a look.1.    Can your viewers clearly identify the center of your interest?The mark of a good photograph is that your viewers can immediately recognize your subject. The subject should be clear and dominating enough that even if the viewer's eyes wander to explore the surrounding scenery, their focus should always be drawn towards the subject unconsciously.

2.    How well can you paint with light?Photography is also known as 'painting-with-light'. The quality and direction of light can completely change the feel of the photograph. A tasteful image can be produced if you know when and how to play with light; whether you are using the right elements (source, key and direction) to convey the message you intend to.3.    Do you have the patience to wait for the right time?Have you ever seen a documentary on those prodigies and proficient photographers? Then you must have seen how long they can wait for the right kind of light, angle and moment to click the perfect shot. Clicking the photograph at the right moment can instill the emotional resonance in an image that you can't even imagine.4.    Is your photograph/image composed well?It's true that the beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the fundamental rules of composition can provide such a balance to the image that heightens the aesthetic appeal to great extent.5.    Does the photograph instigate an emotional response?Last but not the least, does your photo has a story that provokes an emotional response in the viewer's eye? Most often than not the viewer will remember a photograph far longer than any other photograph if he/she can see an unconventional story or connect to the image.Now that you know the not-so-secret secrets of what makes a good photograph, go ahead and start experimenting with your camera.

Source : articlesbase.com