Samys.Way
Photography
A picture is a window that reflects the soul of its subject and the artist. It's not about being perfect in the sense of a flawless, polished representation, but rather in its ability to tell an honest story. It's about capturing the true essence of a moment, a person, or a place, with all the flaws and beauty that make up life.
The authenticity of a photograph is largely determined by the correct application of lighting, composition, and post-processing.
Light as a Storyteller
Light is the heart of photography. It's not about always having perfect, soft light, but about understanding the available light and using it consciously to create a specific mood or message. A picture taken in the golden hour has a completely different emotional impact than one created in harsh midday light. The play of light and shadow, whether hard or soft, shapes a three-dimensional reality into a two-dimensional image and can enhance the drama or intimacy of a subject. Choosing the light is the first step in telling an authentic story.
Angle and Perspective as Artistic Tools
The photographer's viewpoint is crucial. It's not just a technical decision, but a creative one. A shot at eye level, from above, or from below can change the power dynamics between the viewer and the subject. It's about finding a perspective that best reflects the personality or situation. By changing the angle, you can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary and convey a unique, personal view of the moment.
The Exposure Triangle: The Balancing Act
The correct exposure is the technical foundation. Perfect exposure doesn't mean every detail has to be visible, but that the image reflects the atmosphere of the moment. It's the balance between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Each element has its own role: the aperture controls the depth of field, the shutter speed influences motion, and the ISO sensitivity determines the sensor's light sensitivity. A slightly underexposed image can feel mysterious, while a slightly overexposed one can have an airy, dreamy quality. It's about consciously using these tools to realize your intended vision.
Post-Processing RAW Files: The Art of Refinement
The biggest myth in authentic photography is that post-processing means "faking" a picture. The opposite is true. The RAW file is the digital negative—a raw, unprocessed image that contains all the captured information. It's a starting point that doesn't yet fully express the photographer's creative intent. Post-processing is the process where this intent is implemented. It's about adjusting the exposure, correcting colors, enhancing contrasts, or removing distracting elements to make the image as close as possible to the photographer's visual memory. A subtle and conscious edit that doesn't change the essence of the moment but highlights it is the key to maintaining authenticity.
In summary, authentic photography is a harmonious blend of technical skill and artistic intent. It uses light, angle, and exposure to tell a real and honest story, and is perfected through subtle post-processing that doesn't manipulate the image but brings out its true beauty.
