Introduction
Embarking on a photography journey is not just about mastering technical skills; it also involves cultivating a refined photographic taste. This article summarizes insights from Adrian Vila’s video on aows, which delves into the essence of developing one’s photographic taste. Vila shares his personal experiences and offers valuable advice on how to elevate your photography by understanding what makes a photo truly exceptional.
Understanding Internal and External Taste
Internal Taste:
Internal taste refers to your unique response to visual elements and what you find personally appealing. It’s your individual sense of aesthetics that guides your creative choices.
External Taste:
External taste involves the universal principles of composition, light, and color that are broadly recognized as good practice in photography. Developing both internal and external taste is crucial for creating impactful images.
Vila’s Personal Journey
Vila begins by reflecting on his early days in photography, admitting that he initially lacked a clear understanding of what made a photo stand out. He realized that without knowing what resonates with you, creating impactful images is challenging. Initially, Vila focused too much on his internal taste, neglecting the wealth of knowledge available from established photographers, which hampered his growth.
Learning from the Masters
Studying Photography Masters:
The video emphasizes the importance of studying the work of photography masters. By examining their compositions and techniques, you can learn what works and why. Vila shares his experience with Joseph Koudelka’s book “Exiles,” noting how it profoundly influenced his understanding of powerful imagery. This underscores the value of immersing yourself in the work of those who have mastered the craft.
The Gap Between Taste and Ability:
Vila discusses the concept popularized by Ira Glass about the gap between taste and ability. For many creatives, good taste develops faster than technical skill. However, Vila experienced the opposite; he had decent technical skills but lacked refined taste. This gap is a common struggle for many photographers. Modern cameras can produce technically perfect photos, but without a strong sense of taste, these photos may lack impact.
Practical Steps to Develop Photographic Taste
Developing External Taste:
To develop external taste, Vila advises taking as many photos as possible while also studying the masters. This practice helps you understand the visual language of photography. Initially, your photos may have many mistakes, but with practice, you start to create images that resonate. Understanding how the placement of elements in a frame affects the viewer’s perception is crucial.
Developing Internal Taste:
Developing internal taste involves a continuous loop of inspiration, practice, and reflection. Vila stresses that this is a lifelong journey with no shortcuts. It requires relentless effort and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Collecting pieces of inspiration from various sources and experimenting with different techniques helps refine your unique voice in photography.
Inspiration, Practice, and Reflection
Inspiration:
Gathering inspiration from a variety of sources is an essential part of developing your internal taste. This could include studying iconic photographs, exploring different genres, or even drawing inspiration from other art forms. The key is to expose yourself to a wide range of visual stimuli to broaden your creative horizons.
Practice:
Consistent practice is vital. The more you shoot, the better you understand your preferences and the more you refine your technical skills. Vila suggests that you take as many photos as possible, experimenting with different styles and techniques. Over time, this practice will help you hone your ability to create images that align with your taste.
Reflection:
Regular reflection on your work is crucial for growth. Take the time to review your photos critically, identifying what works and what doesn’t. Reflecting on your successes and failures allows you to learn and evolve. Vila emphasizes that this iterative process of practice and reflection is what ultimately leads to a more refined photographic taste.
Conclusion
Developing your photographic taste is a continuous, lifelong journey that goes beyond technical skills. It requires a balanced approach to nurturing both your internal and external taste. By studying the masters, practicing relentlessly, and reflecting on your work, you can cultivate a unique and impactful photographic style.
Vila’s insights remind us that while modern cameras can produce technically perfect images, it is our refined taste that gives photographs their true impact. Embrace the journey of developing your taste, and let it guide you towards creating compelling and resonant images. For more detailed guidance, check out Adrian Vila’s full video on aows.
