how do you make a photo "sing"

[theflyingkiwi]

Hi

I have just posted a photo to share http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45120 and I have someone reply saying that the photo doesn't sing.

Myself I like taking photos of building etc, but in saying that I am not sure when I take a photo, what I wont it to say.

so I am wondering how do you make a photo say something? or even sing?

any ideas?

[steven]

Maybe if the sun light coming in were at more of an angle and you could get some dust particales into the light streams. Don't get me wrong I like what you did but if you were looking for more I would have to say the lighting does not stand out very well.

[Steven M. Anthony]

while knowing what you want a photo to say can help it sing, there is no garauntee it will make it sing.

First, it's important to understand that we take photos for a reason. What we find interesting is a reflection of ourselves. What we share with others is a form of communication. We are complex beings, though. We want to say many things in many ways.

One of the things that many here (or on any forum) want to say with any given photo is "look at what a cool photographer I am." And that line of communication is fine--we all want attention in our lives and there is no shame in that.

But if you want your photography to grow in meaning (which it sounds like you (nzl-g3user) want to do), you need to work on why you take the photos you take. That can be a very tough question to answer, because much of what directs the artistic spirit within us is in the subconscious. There are a few techniques you can use to help uncover the meaning of your work (i.e., what it means to YOU)--if you would like to know them, let me know.

Once YOU know what you want to say with your photos, you can use that information to make "compositional" decisions that work to support your "vision," or, better put, your "voice."

But with all that said, a photo will still only sing if the message you are sending is one of interest to the VIEWER. After all, if you don't like the music, it's just so much noise.

Good luck!

[ilya]

just a couple of maybe's -

when you compose, find something to anchor your photo. find something to lead the viewer. what's the focal point, what is the direction.

on this pic, i am not sure what look for. even if you did a crop of the parallel window and shadow lines, it could be interesting.

did you use a tripod, its a bit soft. give it some levels and USM and contrast.

without messing with original composition, here is a hikey-ish saturated look hat may work for some.

http://home.comcast.net/~icantor/IMG_8020a.jpg