Want To Take Better Photos?
Nowadays anyone who owns a smartphone can take photos and many do. Thanks to social media, people are exposed to millions of images. The word photography means to draw with the light. But one also needs to know the rules of compositions and myriads of other small things that could differentiate a good image from a not so good image. I’ve encountered two types of good photographers – those who learned photography in professional schools and those who just had natural inclination (some call it talent) and practiced, practiced, practiced and learned from other great photographers (I belong to that category). Some years ago, I met a well-known Russian filmmaker who gave me good advice – if you want to become better at taking photos, study the works of the Old Masters (including any visual artist, not just photographers). I took his advice to heart and built an extensive library of photography and art books, which I review daily (one at a time). And I also visit art shows and art galleries. As my friend told me, “after a while, what you see with your eyes will become part of your being.”
For me, the art of photography is not actually taking photos. Old school photographers taught to frame the image in the view finder before taking the photo. That means to include only what you want to be in the image. With modern technology, cropping a photo is quite easy. Nevertheless, it is your vision of the final image that counts.
San Francisco has many places to experience the works of great photographers. Some galleries are located in one building downtown, at 49 Geary Blvd. There are also new photo galleries in South of Market on Minnesota Street. And then we also have permanent photo venue at Pier 24 and an incredible photo collection and shows at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). And the cherry on the cake; we were recently privileged to have “PHOTOFAIRS San Francisco” at Fort Mason Center.
When I entered the huge warehouse space, I was immediately awed by the great photography adoring its walls. And then I met a friend who introduced me to his companion as a “great photographer” and asked me if my photos were represented there. After I arrived at the end of the exhibit, I said to myself, “Perhaps next year I will have my images on these walls, as well.” Meanwhile, you can buy “42 Encounters in San Francisco” at Amazon.com. Enjoy and Share on Social Media.
P.S. Visiting museums and shows give me an opportunity to capture those who also come here to experience the beauty. I was fortunate to capture some of them.
Do Not Keep Me As A Secret!
Smile And Please SHARE It With A Friend!
Cheers,
