Szarkowski
says that there are
five essential elements of photography.
He believed, during photography’s toddler years, the photographer was both scientist and artist. The photographer was experimenting with a new medium and innovation a new craft.
In his article, “The Photographer’s Eye”,
the first element he discusses is “the thing itself.” He must scientifically understand that photography works with actual things but as an artist he must know that his photograph is separate from reality.
“The Detail” is next in photography. An artist must find ways to give significance and voice to any subject photographed.
Thirdly is “the frame.” Szarkowski wrote that,
“the edges of his film demarcated what he thought was important.” Each photographer recognizes that a photograph has borders in which he is to put what he finds to be most important. He put inside those lines what he wants the viewer to see.
Time is also an element
a photographer must work with. Whether the picture was taken five minutes ago or 10 years ago, each picture brings to the present that particular moment.
Lastly, and mostly importantly in my opinion is a photographer’s vantage point. He must have the ability to show us something new and different with each photograph.
To have truly exceptional photographs you must use a combination of all of these elements.
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