James Vedder Imaging

See deeply in order to better photograph; photograph in order to see more deeply. -JNV dates are upload dates
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Photography is not, as many think, all about properly setting your focus and zoom and such. In 2017 it is no longer primarily about traditional cameras. Rather, it’s significantly about using images for multiple purposes, such as enjoyment and sharing, as a means of learning to better perceive our world, as a means for self-expression and communication, and so on.

A photo that is well-crafted and meaningful has four characteristics:

1) It makes a clear Connection to the viewer: There is a clear and obvious focal point in the photo: a Subject, a Mood, Puzzle and/or Message. It also:

2) Holds interest, usually by giving the viewer something to search for, think about, be interested in, or simply enjoy…; and is:

3) Unusual/Different/Distinctive: it has something that viewers seldom see. People don't say "Not another one of those,” but “Hey, that’s different;” and finally, the photo is:

4) Technically good: Exposure is good (not too light or dark, given the subject), is in focus/sharp where it should be; and the Light(ing) is appropriate.

In short, the photo: Makes a Connection, Is Interesting, Distinctive, & Technically good.

So it may portray beauty, make us feel an emotion, tell a story, entertain, help us to see something we haven't really seen before or see it in a new way. If it does any of that, then you've got a worthwhile image, with meaning and purpose, that communicates to another human being. What more could you ask? - JNV

Reading About DinosauersOne of my favorite favorites! She is so fascinated by what she is learning, he is just as intent on teaching her... wow, what more could you ask?
Hangman's House.... at the crossroads. Behind the fortress in Salzburg, Austria. Captured on 35mm film using a 440 mm telephoto in the late 1970s.

Featured essays

Essays - Part 1:  Photography is More than Taking Pictures of Things!

Lesson 1… more

00. About

Some may wonder how it is that I have a great variety… more

3 - Creative Effects and How to Control Them

In previous essays we have talked about photography being more than simply “taking” pictures; about your learning to see better, seeing potential in scenes and subjects, seeing not just whole objects but discerning the characteristics of a subject or… more

02- Add More Meaning to Your Photos

What is meant by "meaning" here? One can think of several different “Levels… more

05- What is Excellence in Photography?

Photography is not, as many think… more

07 on The Colors of Icebergs

The Colors of Icebergs… more

3B - Creative Effects Controls

more

Part 3. Exploring..and Reaching... Your Full Potential in Photography

New Uses for your Photos and New Roles for You... . if you choose them! What are some main goals/purposes/intents for taking photos? I suppose one answer could be "None - I really don't have or think about uses, I 'just' take photos!… more