Photography Is Communication: Part 2

WHAT IS PHOTOGENIC, in terms of Photography ?

The term, photogenic, is subjective and defies description.  Photogenic qualities however are more easily defined.   The list below should not be considered a hard rule, but rather as general description- there are always exceptions. Take a smile for example, an authentic human smile is one of life’s most basic, beautiful and photogenic qualities, yet a forced smile is simply phony.  And remember, a photogenic subject photographed in an unphotogenic setting often results in an ineffective presentation.

PHOTOGENIC                                             (UNPHOTOGENIC)

Simplicity                                                            (Complexity)

Contrast

Detail

Shadows                                                               (Lack of shadows -no depth)

Clarity                                                                   (Disorder -lacks clarity)

Form

Texture

Close-ups                                                              (Wide views -lacks detail)

Pattern

Highlight

Outline

Depth

Motion

Spontaneity

Authenticity                                                           (Set ups- lacks authenticity)

Decisive moments

Photographic clichés are usually very photogenic subjects that have been photographed so much that their impact has been lost.

-Michael Quinton     Slana, Alaska

The Photo Naturalist