Please tell me what photography is

Photography is basically a mixture of applied science, imagination and design, professional skills and organizational skills. Therefore, the correct way to learn photography techniques should start with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of photo formation, rather than focusing on technical details prematurely. This includes two aspects. On the one hand, it is the understanding of the photography equipment and the photography process itself. On the other hand, it is the understanding of the diverse visual methods that objectively, truly and accurately constitute the object picture, as well as the self-expression of the work. power and open interpretive understanding. Why take photos? What does photography actually include? Compared with other methods of picture composition or expression of information and ideas, what role can photos play? What methods can be used to judge the quality of photographic works? These are what this chapter will elaborate on content.

Aspects of photography

For many people, one of the most attractive aspects of photography is the mystery of the photography equipment itself. All high-precision modern craftsmanship and technology condensed in photographic equipment are designed to adapt to human hands and eyes - pressing the camera buttons one by one, the "click" sound made when precision parts are in place, and the "fully armed" Carrying photographic equipment makes all the difference. Equipment is key, and detailed knowledge about it is interesting and important, but taking photos is more than just tinkering with a camera. Another attractive aspect of photography is the actual process—the thrill of mastering a variety of complex photographic problems, and the rewards of developing technical expertise and the final image produced. One can identify and appreciate the result by its inherent photographic "quality," such as superb detail, rich tones, and rich colors. This process provides the photographer with a means of "capturing what he sees", composing a picture of his surroundings without the laborious act of drawing. The camera is a kind of time machine that can condense any selected character, scene or environment, seeming to give the user a kind of power and will.

In addition, another attractive aspect of photography is the enjoyment brought by the visual composition of the photo, that is, regardless of the actual content of the subject, by constructing the picture, such as the geometry of lines and contours, Gain real satisfaction from the use of shapes, balance of tones, cut and design of scenes. You can even quickly change the viewpoint or appropriately select different shooting moments to get more enjoyment.

Perhaps, mainly because photography is a quick, convenient and true way to record things, people are attracted to it and then engage in photography (one of the reasons). However, the most important aspect of photography is the subject itself, and what the photographer wants to objectively represent at the moment, or what is to be reproduced. Photography is both evidence and proof, a diagram of an event as it happened, and the camera is a visual record.

On the contrary, photography is often used by people to manipulate or explain reality, so photos often highlight certain "motivations" or attitudes of the photographer. The photographer can arrange the scene (such as advertising photography), or selectively reflect certain aspects of the event in the photo, while leaving other aspects indifferent (such as politically slanted photojournalism reports). Therefore, it can be said that photography is a powerful means of persuasion and propaganda. Photography always looks real, and under human control, it can express whatever wishes the photographer chooses.

Another reason why photographers engage in photography (the second reason) is to master a method of self-expression. The actual subject matter may not be more important than the method of its presentation. It seems strange that photography can be expressed in terms of things that are actually objective, such as using metaphors and fantasy techniques to describe daydreams, but the things used to express are not directly related to the subject. But the viewer is likely to interpret something else from the image he sees, such as the flickering flames, shadows, or peeling paint. Some Expressionist artists use this method to express ordinary objects as conscious works of art. They create a "painting-like" type of beauty by reducing details and simplifying tones.

The above are just some of the diverse activities and interests that fall under the umbrella of the term "photography." They are on a par with each other, and it is difficult to distinguish between them. Some of them will be integrated into the works of a certain photographer, and some will be integrated into Ren Su's professional photography field. The pleasure that photographers get in the process of creating photos is probably mainly based on technology, art or communication, and an initial interest in one field can easily develop into a hobby in another field. As a beginner, it is beneficial to maintain an open-minded and studious attitude. You should try to learn all these aspects of photography and enrich yourself with a comprehensive "basic course". The more preferable method is to learn through practice rather than relying solely on theoretical study.