Several years ago, I read an online interview with David duChemin. If you’ve ever had one of those “ah-ha” moments while you’re in the middle of reading something, then you’ll understand what I mean when I say, I had a complete “ah-ha, the lightbulb turned on” moment. Here’s why:
In the interview, he listed three elements that always work together to take good images and turn them into great images. Those elements were good light, good lines, and good moments. If you’ve studied photography for any length of time, you know that photography can’t happen without light. And good lines help draw your viewers eye right to the heart of what you want them to see in your image. Moments are what speak deeply to the emotive nature of your image, causing your viewer to feel something or experience your image. Now, up to that point, I just knew I wanted to take pretty photographs. But I didn’t know how to break down these three components and utilize them together in an image. His words spoke so intensely into my heart that I still have them written on a sticky note and taped to my iMac today. I read this interview at least 4 years ago…probably longer.
Every single shoot I do, every single family I work with, I try to incorporate these principles. I try to use light, lines, and moments together to tell the story I see in front of me. Am I perfect at this? No way… Is my work heavily influenced by it? Absolutely.
So here’s to the words of wisdom that stick with you for ages after they were first read. And to David duChemin, you don’t know me, but THANK YOU for helping me become a better photographer!
Anyone else have words of wisdom that you know will stick with you forever? Share them below…I’d love to hear them!