What makes a good photograph?

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with photography because no matter how hard I try, I am never completely satisfied with the end result. I continually ask myself...what makes a good photograph? Is it perfect lighting? Personality? Composition? Lines? Color? Yes it is all of these things! And there are so many different ways to light subjects, show personality, compose an image and use lines and color so which one is right? Some teachers might say that in order to make a good image, you have to follow the the rules, you know the rule of thirds, depth of field, etc, etc. But the fact of the matter is that there is not one right way to photograph. When you completely follow the rules, pictures end up void of the most important element- YOU. And without you, what is the point? I've found that passion is the energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do. Simply put, it's being who you are and doing what comes naturally.

I've always been a free spirit and I am going to continue to break the rules of photography because my images represent me, my thoughts, my desires, and my personality. Don't get me wrong, the subject is by no means absent in my photography. It is more of a combination of interactions between the subject and the photographer... or chemistry.

Some of my work is fabulous, some of it not so fabulous, but its all me. Basically, I think good photography comes down to what you personally feel good about and how others are able to relate to your images. Does the picture say something worth hearing or is it just another pose or fake expression. Bringing out the real personality of people is challenging, but the more you interact and the longer you spend, the more likely you are to capture the true essence of an individual. This is a long strain of thoughts from my frustrations with photoshop this morning. I suppose this unsatisfaction with my work is what keeps me shooting and working tirelessly to get that perfect shot. I leave you with this:

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. -Ansel Adams

Just Listen

Music brings so many thoughts to mind. I can turn it up and tune out. In an instant I am losing myself in memories. It is such a powerful voice in my life.

Sometimes the only thing that helps me slow down in this stressful world is to jump in my car and turn up the radio. It intoxicates my mind and instantly puts my soul at ease. Everyones life has a soundtrack, you just have to listen to find it.

This is why during photoshoots, I've got to have music in the background- it relaxes the models and I am instantly in my element.

"In all things there is one common connection. A link that is like no other, and that is music. Music is an art to express what cannot be put into words, but cannot remain silent. Music influences everything including the way we think, act, and speak. Everything in life has music to it, you just have to search to find it sometimes. I truly believe that deep down, whether we know it or not, we are all musicians." -Adam Coffman 1980-2004