What Makes a Good Picture?

Blogger Mei Teng asked this question in her post:

What makes a great picture?

At first I wanted to drop comment. Then I decided to give my opinion in a separate post. But I will re-phrase the question to:

What makes a good picture?

It really depend what types of pictures we are referring to, and which level.

On basic level, landscape and portrait photography is about exposure and composition.

Documentary-type pictures, such as those you see in National Geographic, must be able to convey message. Exposure and composition, though still important, take back seat.

For portrait photography, at a higher level, aesthetic becomes important. How the subjects pose, how they dress – all these will make a break a picture.

Theme is another factor to consider. Here, there are portrait shooting events held from time to time whereby we invite beautiful models to pose for us. Some photographers will sign up if they like – read: are attracted to – the models. But for me, more important than the models is the theme.

Take, for example, the event I joined in April. The theme was: The Violinist. No doubt, the model is pretty, but my shots would be more boring without that piece of music instrument. (Click here to see more photos.)

Of course, these are my views as a lousy photographer. As my skills improve, I may have different ideas.