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WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO?

Quick Guide
Written by Kent DuFault
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 What makes a good photo? If I had a nickel for In the cover shot, there is a giveaway. An
every time I have been asked that question, I could element that establishes this as being in an
probably buy myself a nice used Cadillac. urban environment instead of out in the country
somewhere.
Since photography is an art and also a commercially
viable product, there are numerous answers to this But it’s not obvious. You have to work for it.
question. What makes a good photo in one respect
might not be so good in another. Or not be so good This guide will examine a few important attributes of
in someone else’s eyes. the following photography genres that help make a
picture good.
That became a significant learning experience when
I first became a professional with a camera. I was no · Portraits
longer shooting pictures for myself; I had to please · Street photography
others with my efforts.
· Sports
The cover photograph is one of mine. I consider it
a good picture, and it has won a couple of minor · Landscapes
awards as well as being used by several publications.
But I can see why it might not resonate with some · Close-up and macro
people. It’s a bit ethereal for those who are more into · Architecture
realism.
Recommended Reading: Want to learn how
I love semi-abstract images. I’m also a big fan of to make your photos stand out from everyone
what I call ‘the secret element,’ which is some aspect else’s? Grab a copy of Photzy’s Effective
of a photograph that causes a viewer to think or find Storytelling premium guide.
themselves searching for an answer.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 3

 PORTRAITS

The best portrait photographs tell us

something about the subject outside of
what they look like. School portraits are
an example. They show us what the child
looked like but reveal little else.

The image on the left presents an

excellent sense of character. The lighting
is pleasing but still reveals the subject’s
age.

I like that the eyes are closed and the

photo is presented in black and white.
These two elements force us to focus on
the wrinkles on her face and her delicate
gray hair.

Photograph by Danie Franco

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 4

 Excellent portraiture is often defined by
the potential story that it tells the viewer.

The photographer’s toolbox for

storytelling includes the quality of the
lighting; the direction of the lighting; the
presence or absence of shadows; and the
use of makeup, props, and costuming.

The image on the left takes advantage of

all of those elements to present a story
about a sad child.

However, they included one other

element. Did you notice it? They
overtly ratcheted up the skin texture to
emphasize the teardrops.

Photograph by Kat J

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 5

 Full body portraiture is highly dependent
upon the pose to gain great status.

The image on the left is quite dramatic in

the pose and lighting. The story tells us
that this woman is quite athletic. Given
the pose, I would make the assumption
that she is a dancer.

Notice how the lighting was set to define

her body structure with less emphasis on
the face.

Key Lesson: Good portraiture

requires a careful selection of
lighting and how the shadows are
used. Telling a story is essential and
can be accomplished through
lighting, background, shadow
structure, hair, makeup, posing, and
post-production treatment.

Photograph by Olenka Kotyk

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 6

 STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Street photography can potentially

produce some of the most dramatic and
memorable photos ever created. Crowd
shots, in particular, can capture the
dynamic aspect of life on the street.

I first saw the image on the left several

years ago and have never forgotten it.
Think about that. I look at hundreds of
photos daily as part of my job. Most of
them are gone from memory before the
day is over.

Why is this one different? It is a

combination of the camera angle, motion,
color, and story. It’s an incredible image.
In my opinion it’s a masterpiece of street
photography.

Photography by Jaanus Jagomagi

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 A prominent street photography
technique that popped up a few years
ago is positioning the camera to capture
a silhouetted subject against a brighter
and sometimes colorful background.

This style of street shot works best when

the silhouette provides an exciting shape
and the background details the location
and time of day.

Photograph by Lerone Pieters

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 8

 While some street shots do not include
the human element, the best pictures
almost always include people (in my
opinion). Without people, an image
becomes more of a cityscape and less of
a street photo.

When capturing people on the street, the

best photos offer a glimpse of inclusion or
isolation. Facial expressions definitely add
to the drama.

Key Lesson: Good street shots

are often found in a dynamic view of
a crowd situation. Choosing an
unusual camera angle, lens focal
length, or special techniques like
blurred motion can ramp up the
impact.

A silhouette is a useful tool, especially

when it portrays an interesting shape and
a meaningful background. Strive to depict
individuals as part of an inclusive moment
or at a time of isolation. Whenever
possible, capture facial expressions and
body language.

Photograph by Kent DuFault

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 9

 SPORTS

I had a sports photographer roommate

for about a year. He was quite
accomplished and was away traveling
more than he was home.

He told me that the critical skill in creating

outstanding sports photography was
to understand the sport well enough to
know where you should be positioned to
capture a pivotal moment.

Photograph by Gentrit Sylejmani

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 He also shared with me that any time
you can capture the emotion of the
participants, the joy of victory and the
sadness of defeat, you have a winning
shot that will impress everybody.

Photograph by Vince Fleming

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 11

 Another unique and impressive sporting
image style is the close-ups that provide
insight into the sport. For example, the
image on the left depicts the perfect form
for a golfer about to tee off.

Key Lesson: To create good

sports photos, know your sporting
subject. Position yourself using your
anticipation to capture peak
moments. Whenever possible, time
your shots to capture the players’
expressions and body language.
Understand the mechanics of your
camera so that you can freeze the
action and correctly position the
point of critical focus. Include close-
up shots that provide insight into the
intricacies of the sport.

Photograph by Mick Haupt

Recommended Reading: Want
to learn how to make your photos
stand out from everyone else’s? Grab
a copy of Photzy’s Effective
Storytelling premium guide.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 12

 LANDSCAPES

Landscape photography is likely the most popular

subject matter for photographers across the planet.

I started photography at a very early age (14) and

shot only landscapes for the first five or six years.
I think some perceive landscape photography
as being easier. It doesn’t move, and you don’t
have to interact with anyone. I know that was my
thinking.

But in all seriousness, I think it’s more challenging

to create a good landscape photograph versus
other genres of photography. It’s not hard
to capture a shot, but it’s tough to capture a
memorable one.
Photograph by Ales Krivec
I think we will cover a few basics here. First of all,
the time of day is important. Early morning and
early evening are the best times to be out there
with your camera.

Interestingly, those times of day generally serve

up very different landscape opportunities. Having
done both for decades, I prefer evenings. Evenings
give you a chance to prepare, and you have a
better idea of what is coming your way. In the
morning, it’s a crapshoot.

Plus, good morning light fades fast, while good

evening light generally lasts several hours.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 13
 There is one particular attribute or
technique that I think deserves to be
discussed in the topic of landscape
photography.

Take a moment to study the image on the

left. It was created during the best time of
day. The lighting is quite nice. It presents
an excellent leading line. And yet, I would
state that this isn’t a good photograph.
There was an opportunity, but it was
missed through one simple error, and
this is a pervasive error in landscape
photography.

Photograph by Luca Micheli

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 14

 This version presents all the positive
attributes mentioned earlier but is far
more dramatic and enticing to a viewer.
Now, I’m thinking I would love to go to
this place. When viewing the image in
its original format (seen on the previous
page), I thought, “Yeah, that’s a nice
sunset.”

Think about your composition. Pick out

the critical elements and try to eliminate
the ones that aren’t necessary.

The first version has a lot of distracting

negative space that adds nothing to the
composition or the story. Choose your
camera orientation with intention. Should
this image be vertical or horizontal?
Don’t assume horizontal because it’s a
landscape.

Photograph by Luca Micheli and Editing by Kent DuFault

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 15

 I recently had a complete stranger tell me that upon
viewing the landscape photo on the left, they could hear
the roar of the thundering river rapids in their head.

That’s about the finest compliment you can give a

landscape image; that it makes someone feel something.

Everything in the photo was planned for a subject area

in the center of the frame, including the rapids, river, and
distant trees. On this day, the lighting was not good. In
fact, there was very little light at all.

In such a situation, turn your creative eye toward

contrast, shape, and texture. Don’t be afraid to use post-
production techniques to emphasize your ideas further.

Key Lesson: Landscapes are generally best shot

when the sun is low in the sky. Mornings offer
different lighting and weather scenarios than
evenings, but the amount of time you have to take
advantage of the lighting is brief. Evenings will
Photograph by Kent DuFault
generally give you at least several hours of shooting
time. Carefully choose your camera orientation and
use the ‘Pick-and-Choose’ mindset. If something is
essential, plan it into the composition. If it isn’t
necessary, try and pick an angle that removes it. If
the lighting is poor, look to contrast, shapes, and
textures to create interest. Don’t be afraid to
enhance features using post-production.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 16

 CLOSE-UP AND MACRO

I think it’s common knowledge that the

secret sauce of macro and close-up work
is revealing the intricacies of a world that
most folks never take the time to look at.

This genre is challenging. It requires

some tangible and definable skills to
master. A desire to get down close and
look is the first step toward good macro
photography.

Photograph by Olena Ivanova

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 17

 Once you’re down close to a subject,
define precisely what it is you want to
say about that subject by revealing the
designs of nature.

But then, one must address two crucial

aspects of a good macro or close-up
photo.

Firstly, you will almost always have poor

lighting that is low in intensity. You must
work around that through your choice
of camera angle, using an external light
source, raising the ISO setting on your
camera, or a combination of all three.

The image on the left is an excellent

example of using lighting to reveal
the delicate textures of a series of
mushrooms.

Photograph by Damir Omerovic

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 18

 Secondly, you want your macro subjects to
appear larger than life, and that means getting
very close and often very low.

That, in turn, means that even at smaller

apertures, your depth of field will likely be only
one to two millimeters.

We all know that’s an issue, so that isn’t a

problem. Here’s the problem that will challenge
you to create good macro photos.

You must place the critical focus in the correct

spot. Not placing the critical focus in the right
spot is the number one photo killer of macro
photos.

Key Lesson: In macro and close-up

photography, you must be willing to get
down and get dirty. Find interesting subjects
and explore them through different angles
to try and capture the best lighting. If you’re
just starting out, avoid using an external
light source like an electronic flash, but give
some reflectors a try, especially a small
mirror or two. Stop down for maximum
depth of field and raise your ISO to keep a
useful shutter speed. Practice placing critical
focus in the right spot. With bugs, your best
placement is on the face.
Photograph by Rosie Kerr

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 19

 ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is much like landscape photography in that you deal

with a static subject, and generally, you don’t need to interact
with other people.

But it brings an interesting development to the table.

All architecture has a design built into it. Even the most mundane
building was ‘designed’ by an architect somewhere.

This opens up two avenues toward a good architectural

photograph:

· Capture the design as the architect intended.

· Or create a sub-design as discovered with your own eyes.

Photograph by Anders Jilden The image on the left is an example of the latter option.

Personally, I prefer capturing architecture in a creative sense

rather than depicting the architect’s intentions. It throws me
off when random people will criticize an architectural photo by
saying, “You should have straightened the perpendicular lines!”

Ah, no! This is a creative rendition of this building, and I don’t

want the lines straightened. It doesn’t matter!

Don’t get me wrong, if you shoot images for an architectural firm,

then they expect those lines to be straight.

But here, we will focus on two creative options in architectural

photography that make a good image.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 20

 The first technique is a juxtaposition
(combining) of old architecture versus
new.

The image on the left is a fantastic

example of this idea. You have a building
that is hundreds of years old, but it is
combined with a modern doorway. This
juxtaposition creates interest and makes a
good photo.

Photograph by Klemens Kopfle

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 21

 The second technique is juxtaposing
architecture and nature. This is one of my
favorite techniques. It can be quite jarring
to a viewer to see a lonely tree in the
middle of a concrete jungle.

Key Lesson: If you aren’t trying

to capture the architect’s intent for a
structure, look for interesting details
that highlight your sense of design.
Use juxtaposition (combining two
elements that aren’t generally
considered cohesive) to create
tension. Two tried and true methods
are juxtaposing old architecture with
new and architecture (or any human-
made objects) with with nature.

Recommended Reading: Want

to learn how to make your photos
stand out from everyone else’s? Grab
a copy of Photzy’s Effective
Storytelling premium guide.

Photograph by Kent DuFault

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 22

 Photograph by Kent DuFault

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 23

 Self-Check Quiz:

1) Does a hidden element in a photo create interest or distract?

2) True or False: In portraiture, you should give more consideration to the pose than the lighting.

3) Name three tools that you could use to create a story in your portrait.

4) True or False: Crowded street shots create a dynamic energy.

5) True or False: Never use a silhouette in street photography because you need to see people’s faces.

6) The most crucial function of a camera for sports photography is the ____________ _______.

7) True or False: Close-ups never make good sports photos.

8) True or False: It doesn’t matter which way you hold the camera in landscape photography.

9) In landscape photography, which time of day will generally give you the most time to work?

10) What is the Pick-and-Choose method, and how do you use it?

11) One of the most essential aspects of macro photography is placing the _________ _______ in the right spot.

12) True or False: Your architectural photos must always have straight, vertical lines.

13) Name the two types of juxtapositions that produce good architectural photos.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? // © PHOTZY.COM 24

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Congratulations! You’ve completed
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Kent DuFault is a professional photographer and author.

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