TopMember

May seem an elementary question, but what are the real, basic elements to make a photo stand out - so many photographers and models sign up to various websites, thinking their photos are amazing, and are disillusioned when they get 'low hits' - what is it that makes a few stand out from the norm, from both a tog and model point of view?

Colour, contrast, lighting mood and the all important the viewer has to be turned on by what he or she sees. If there is beauty in the eyes of the beholder its job well done.
Take my work, hated by some adored by others, so much they will pay to view more and more.

My thoughts only!!!! lol

TopMember

Thank you, I'm learning all the time, your work is stunning - really admire you for going out and doing what you enjoy...and sharing it with others.

Enola x

Premium

Really wish I could knew it as could make a fortune.

Lighting, colour, composition among others. But the difference between the goods and the greats to me are that the greats manage to merge all of the elements to work together as opposed to only some of them being strong.

There was a forum I used to frequent that had a random gallery on the bottom of the page. Ever so often I would just sit and refresh the page to see what came up and it was uncanny that almost every picture I clicked on, even though I had never seen them before, was by the same guy, a photographer named Alex Ingram. There was something he could do in an image that it didn't matter whether it was a tiny thumbnail or a huge picture it just captivated you to want to see more.

Just tried it again, went back, refreshed it a few times, first picture I wanted to click on. Yep, one of Alex's.

Premium

Lighting and subject interest or engagement with the viewer at an emotional level. And also just new fresh approaches that are interesting for that reason alone.

I dont think there is a definitive answer to this question, as photography is an art form therefore like marmite you either love it or hate it. As all images are subjective. But have to agree with others if you get the lighting subject matter, and that conection right, you are more likely to capture a greater audiance.

TopMember

Hey guys, thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this I am learning so much, and your comments really help - my heart says lighting and connection with the viewer, and that has been reinforced by your comments. I am taking your views on board, thank you, and have a long shoot planned for tomorrow - will be, I hope, the next level...watch this space!

Thanks again,

Enola x

Premium

Enola you have some amazing photos as I pointed out the other day. I feel that lighting is the real key to getting a good image, add to that having a model relaxed enough to let the camera do the work and keeping things natural and then your on the right track. A friend of mine is a pro photographer who works in the fashion industry and he will never let an image be seen unless they have been run through photoshop a dozen times. I find that when we start to do that (unless you are really good at it, which I hasten to add I am not), then the subject tends to take second place and its down to the computing power of your pc or mac.

Your images are wonderful and I would love to work with you when I am down in England next or if you ever come up to Scotland.
Marc

An image is only as good as the viewer thinks it is...
yes all the lighting/pose/colours might help....
but its up to the individual.
as fetishphotoshoots pointed out-some like his work others hate it.
i have done a tame fetish shoot and had a bit of gd feedback from it-
but i also know its very sought after-so its a style that should be thought about for any model-male or female.....
just do what you want-if you like the finished image then that what matters.

Premium

I think "storm64" has the right idea "An image is only as good as the viewer thinks it is...".
It's the viewer that make the distinction between love, hate, great or just OK...
Even the technical side can be down to interpretation... You have to think of each image as a composition... What is it about, have you included the correct components to build the image, does the lighting contribute, does everything need to be in focus, or only certain areas.
Does the image convey the mood, you as the creator wish to convey... every individual component in the image should support or harmonise with the other components.

I feel, there are no hard and fast rules to follow... I tend to start with an image or theme in my head, a feeling/emotion that i want an image to represent... then look at way's to reproduce what i see in my head.
The original concept may be inspired by looking at a model and building the image based on how i visualise the model (either in a real environment or in a digitally created one)... equally it could be a theme/composition that i have in mind and then try to find a model and surroundings that combined will produce what i am trying to achieve.

Remember also... the creators of the image (Photographer, Model, Artist..) are rarely happy/satisfied with their work... it is the viewer that decides whether the image is good or great based on their own standards and interpretation.

Enola, I cannot see you as a dainty innocent little "Snow white"... but more a powerful sinister character... the wicked Queen, the wolf slayer, Morgana (if you watch Merlin on TV)... etc
Not the victim in the cage... but the person who is in control, the dominant.

OK... that's my 2p worth.

TopMember

Great comments! just finished watching 101 dalmatians with my 1 yr old dally - might try Cruella de Vil next!

Enola x

Premium

Quoting @Enola Gay from post 11

Perfect roll...

Manager

I pretty much echo what Woolfe said.
Both photography and personal taste are such wide "topics" that it'd be impossible to quantify exactly what makes a stunning photo, but I do think a strong connection with the camera is one key aspect of making a stunning photo and its one thing I often make a remark about when commenting on members photos.

I also think that being able to see *why* a photographer shot a photo as they have is a big aspect. If the location, processing, outfit, lighting, or props are in the shot "just because" then it can weaken the photo.

James