How many photos does a photographer usually have to take to choose a satisfactory one?

A question from photographer Peter West Carey: What were you thinking when you took the picture? He has been photographing for more than 20 years and has taken countless photos. Photography is almost a reflex action. But for him, there is another key question that will appear before he presses the shutter: Why did I take this photo?

Indeed, this question will be very useful if we want to take pictures, especially if we want to improve our photography level. The author analyzes the following possible answers, which are not right or wrong, but just a way of thinking.

1, because it looks good.

This is a very common answer. For example, if you see beautiful scenery, you will want to photograph it, then save it, or upload it to the internet to share. The problem is that the beauty of scenery does not mean the beauty of photos. There is a simple reason. The contrast between light and shade in the environment may be too strong, or some trees block the beautiful sunset. Our brain will wonderfully modify, adjust and change the focus, but the camera will not. Even with HDR, it doesn't know how to filter the sundries in photos.

Therefore, just because beauty is not enough to constitute the reason for shooting, beautiful scenery is never equal to beautiful photos. Look at our own computer, isn't it just a lot of beautiful photos at that time but boring to take?

2, because there is a feeling

This is probably a good reason to take pictures. No matter what emotions we feel, if a situation can affect you, then we can try to shoot it and convey it through the computer screen so that the audience of the photos may receive it. This can be a good photo.

3. Because there are stories.

This is a photo that many photographers want to get. When the story, life and action of a world are compressed in a photo, when a photo can tell a rich story, this is a work that must be photographed. Please look for these opportunities, especially when traveling.

4. Because it is educational.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Never mind dichotomy, golden ratio or correct exposure. If a photo can teach people anything, take it.

Because I want to remember this moment.

It may be a sunset on the beach or a lonely cup of coffee in a small shop. We have all seen photos of these friends on the Internet. To be honest, they are boring. These photos are boring.

However, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't take photos, just remember that these photos are your private memories. Don't force your friends to see them, just let them stay with you quietly and stick them on your private desk. Because others don't appreciate your memories and feelings, and neither do others except yourself. If you don't share it, just keep it well, the value of this work will be higher.

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There may be many reasons for taking pictures, but this does not mean that taking pictures is superficial because of beauty, but this kind of thinking helps us to improve our photographic touch and skills and be better at shooting good works in detail, rather than just pressing the shutter because of beauty. Finally, photographers always have an intuition that drives us to take pictures. Please don't ignore it.