Picture-Perfect Perspective: Relearning A Valuable Lesson

Picture this, you're out in the field taking some photos of a live event. Your lens is focused, settings meticulously dialed in, and the play of light is nothing short of enchanting. Suddenly, it happens - BAM! you got it, the perfect shot. The shadows, the framing, UGH you feel like you could put Steve McCurry to shame.?

you hurry back to review your shots and curate your best work. Seeking the discerning eye of your supervisor, you present your choices, but to your surprise, they select the one you personally favored the least. It's not a bad picture, but it lacks the impeccable composition you were aiming for. A face is partially obscured and it pales in comparison to THE shot.?

….

Recently, I found myself peering over my supervisor's shoulder as he did just that. To my relief, their explanation was a lesson relearned, driving home a fundamental aspect crucial to my role as a communicator: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE!

Not long ago, I was assigned to photograph a US Senator on a tour of a military base. As he fielded questions from the press, I pressed my button and the shutter clicked, I felt that I had captured "the" picture. The Senator was flawlessly framed, an unexpected cascade of light in an otherwise dim hallway lit him perfectly. My Supervisor agreed that it was technically striking but that's where it ended. Only someone in the “know” would recognize the minor aspects framing the subject and It told the viewer nothing about what was going on. “Why is he here and why is this important?” Damn, he was right, I knew what was going on in the photo but without intervention no one else would.

The photograph my supervisor selected told the whole story. The press corps was prominently visible, notebooks and pens poised, the camera operator making crucial adjustments, and the military emblem was more pronounced. Without a single word, the image painted a complete picture of the scenario: "This is an important individual being interviewed."

Photographers often become engrossed in the technical intricacies and aesthetics of their craft, and I am no exception. The pursuit of impeccable composition, perfect lighting, and ideal exposure can sometimes overshadow the ultimate purpose of photography: capturing the essence of your intended audience.

Audiences can be remarkably diverse, from portrait photography to the fast-paced world of photojournalism or event coverage. Each audience has its distinct preferences and interests, so tailoring your image selection to cater to their tastes can elevate the impact of your work.

Its easy to lose track of the intention in the moment. Thanks to a skilled supervisor seeing a relearning opportunity, the idea of "audience focused content" is now even more ingrained in my mind and my work.