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While a photograph may seem miles from a painting or drawing, there are many similarities. Photographs have compositions, use colors or values, have ideas and concepts, and solve visual problems creatively.
What makes photography unique is the process. The process of photography – lighting a scene, determining the proper settings on the camera, developing film, manipulating a RAW digital image, and printing the final product – are all steps to a completed image. Mastering each step is critical to successful photography, and each step can be analyzed, evaluated and improved. But ultimately process is largely invisible to the viewer; therefore the rules of idea, composition, and color become the dominant factors in acheiving cohesive visual success.
When creating a photographic portfolio, think about these issues. Ask yourself the following question, “If there are literally billions of pictures taken each year, what makes my images different, unique, exciting, important?” Are you interested in commercial / studio, documentary / photojournalistic, or experimental photography? Study the technical aspects of photography, explore its history, and find your place within this rich heritage.
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