What makes a photograph a GOOD photograph?

[Photography~girl~]

title kinda says all. My mom and I were talking about it....and we were curious on what you guys thought.[since most of you are, what i might call, 'pros'.]

[gldiana]

That's a million dollar question. Technically it could be proper lighting, exposure, choice of subject, etc. but more often than not it's a very subjective thing and what could be seen like a great photo by one could be considered a horrible photo by another. I would say that a good photograph is any photograph that means something to you, an image that provokes and emotion.

[tortuga]

My all time favorite quote is from Duke Ellington (a jazz musician from before my time and waaay before yours). Talking about what makes music good he said: "If it sounds good, it is good."

In other words, it doesn't matter if it is country western, rock, or hip hop. It doesn't matter if it is hard to play or easy. If you like it - it's good. Of course if it's out of tune, or they is a boring beat, it probably won't sound that good to you so it wouldn't be good - to you anyway.

I have taken on the same idea for photography - "If it looks good, it is good." If something in a photo draws you in and keeps your interest, it's good. If an image makes you say something out loud when you look at it, like ewww, or ahhhh, or WOW!!!, it's good - at least for you and that's what counts. Again, if it's out of focus, or just another snapshot, it probably won't be good to as many people as an interesting shot that is well exposed and focused.

Also, the main difference between taking a snapshot and making a photograph is thought.

[bob_r]

I'm currently reading Nigel Hicks' book titled "The Photographer's Guide to Light" and I couldn't locate it in the book, but I believe he stated that "light and composition" make a photograph good. He said the subject actually doesn't have much to do with it being good or not. I thought that was very interesting and I do agree with it. I've seen fantastic pics of everyday objects. Of course, a fantastic subject may give you a little head start.

Bob R

[gldiana]

I've seen fantastic pics of everyday objects.

Hence our weekly assignment which has the purpose of making people take extraordinary photos of ordinary objects/situations.