In my last entry I postulated a methodolgy for viewing photographs - STOP, LOOK, LISTEN. That is, STOP (thinking), LOOK (really look), LISTEN (to what the picture has to "say" to you).
With the exception of a single word substitution-replace the word picture with the word referent in the phrase after the word LISTEN and, iMo, you have the formula for making good/great pictures. Although, the sequence of actions for picture making should be amended to LOOK, STOP, LISTEN. Consider ....
LOOK(ing):
Real photography begins when we let go of what we have been told is a good photograph and start photographing what we see. ~ BROOKS JENSENAny thing and every thing can be pictured.
STOP:
A good photograph is knowing where to stand. ~ Ansel AdamsSimple enough, or so it would seem.
LISTEN:
To compose a subject well means no more than to see and present it in the strongest manner possible. ~ EDWARD WESTONForget the rules of composition and arrange the elements within your framing in the strongest manner possible to illustrate what the referent has said to you.