A "good eye" for photography?

Sometimes, someone on a message board will say that they have a "good eye for photography" but they don't know the technical aspects (or basics) of photography. So basically, they're good at taking photos in "Auto" mode.

I'm just wondering if this is possible.

And is there anything that's analogous to this? Is it like saying I have great taste in food, but I don't know how to cook? Like being complimented on my microwaving skills? (the analogy being: the camera does all the work (cooking), but I just press the shutter button)

On the flip side of this, I feel like I've got a good grasp of the basics of photography (ex. aperture, shutter speed, ISO). Maybe I'm being modest, but I'm still always learning how to develop a "good eye". I frequently fall back to the "rule of thirds".

So, my question is: is it possible to have a "good eye" for photography without knowing the technical aspects of photography?

<-- this guy has 2 good eyes

I would say yes actually In terms of creativity... Taking a correct exposure is one thing. Now making that photo interesting or tell a story is something different.. And it may come easier for some more than others... Excuse my typing I'm on my phone and driving haha shame on me

I think the idea of having a good eye for photography means actually having a vision of your shot. Think of watching a movie. You are looking at a scene with various characters in various angles and gestures. They all convey a sense of meaning and emotion in that particular scene. Same with photography. I believe, in the digital realm, the rule of third would have more to do with cropping. You can capture a greatest moment but you have the subjects smacked right in the middle of the frame. During cropping, you make sure the dominant subject is either on the right or left of the composition.

My wife has a fantastic eye for composition and creative shots but can't work the camera in manual mode to save her life.

Certainly its possible. Some people have a natural knack for composition. They see shapes and lines and a sense for what works even if they dont know why. On the flipside there are those who will master the technical intricacies of photography, and never take an interesting photo, but always well exposed. The challenge is to merge the two.

my sister composes her shots much better than I do, but can go a whole day without 1 keeper. The last time I saw her she said "your pictures are just so clear," to which I answered "the technical term for that is 'in focus'" (true story)

definitely possible. I still remember the day I discovered complimentary colors in 2nd grade, and never heard the phrase "complimentary colors" until 5th grade. Same w/ composition, some people "just get it".

At the same time that's certainly not to say that someone without these seemingly inherent abilities can't cultivate an eye for it through a little work and practice. Additionally, people who do have knack for it still do well to study the concepts anyway to better their understanding of 'why' they percieve something the way they do.

I think the "eye" for photography cannot be learned. Either you have or you don't...I don't. I find myself looking through numerous photo books trying to get ideas.

Sooner1984 wrote in post #12177897
I think the "eye" for photography cannot be learned. Either you have or you don't...I don't. I find myself looking through numerous photo books trying to get ideas.

Perhaps not, but you can learn to mimic the elements of composition that others use. You might never feel it, but you can use it.

A good eye for photography and understanding the technical aspects of taking a photograph are two totally separate things.

A good eye means that you instinctively frame the shot with an interesting composition, get the lighting nice etc. That can all be done without the faintest idea of how to operate a camera. Equally, someone can have all the technical prowess in the world but wouldn't spot a great composition if it painted itself pink, waved it's arms in the air, whilst holding a sign saying "I am a great composition" and singing the national anthem.

For example:

"Techie" photographer drives along and sees a nice view. He stops the car, gets out, fiddles with the controls, setting a suitable shutter speed and ISO for the dull and overcast conditions, whilst choosing a small aperture for DoF. He then stands on a convenient drystone wall to shoot the hills beyond, using hyperfocal distance to get everything sharp. Three minutes after stopping, he is back on the road pleased with the lovely landscape he has just shot.

A few minutes later, "Haven't a clue" photographer happens along and pulls into the same parking space. He takes out his fully automatic compact camera (or even his mobile phone) and looks at the view. He stands back away from the wall, to include it in the shot because it will 'look cool' in the foreground and he just likes the way it leads his eye into the shot. The scene looks flat and uninteresting though, because of all the clouds, however he sees a small patch of clearer sky approaching and decides to wait a few minutes. Ten minutes later a few shafts of light come through the gap in the clouds and illuminate parts of the scene. He grabs the shot and continues on his way.

Who do you think got the better shot, the guy who knows how to use his camera, or the guy with the eye for photography??

Of course, sooner or later "expert" photographer will come along, take the shot with all his techie skills, use the great composition and get the good lighting, even if he has to wait all day. He will get the best shot in the end.

A good eye for photography is the most important thing and will beat simple technical knowledge hands down. Some time ago, I saw an online portfolio taken by a complete beginner, on his mobile phone, around a city somewhere. It was some of the best street photography I had seen in a long time, the guy had never done photography before, had no knowledge of it, but could 'see' a great image a mile away.

Now, combine that sort of an eye with the knowledge of how to control various factors, such as perspective and DoF, and how to creatively use shutter speeds and apertures etc., and you have a great photographer.

pol024 wrote in post #12177730
my sister composes her shots much better than I do, but can go a whole day without 1 keeper. The last time I saw her she said "your pictures are just so clear," to which I answered "the technical term for that is 'in focus'" (true story)

Sounds like she is looking for your help...

Of course we all aspire to have both the "eye for photography" as well as the skills to fulfill that vision!

I do see some beginners, at least with DSLRs, who have what I consider and admirable "eye" for photography -- everything but the technical expertise -- subject matter, composition, light and color, brought together creatively, and can really capture those scenes even if shooting in Auto.

Of course, the fact that at least people in this forum are interested in photography means that they are wanting to grow in this field, to improve, to take their "vision" and complete it with their craft, so, best of both worlds.

Let me share my story with you. Two years ago, when my son was 6, he went with me to go photograph the Aspens changing. He was shooting with my old Rebel XT and a Tamron 28-300 lens. Clearly, not stellar equipment by any means. After a few days on our adventure we returned home and when I was looking through his photos I saw perfect examples of different element. The rule of thirds, framing, etc. He has one shot where he saw this boulder in a stream and walked around until he found these two Aspen trees that framed it, then he took the picture. I asked him, 'what made you take this photo like this?' He said, "I liked the way the trees made a frame of the big rock in the water.' Now, I had never mentioned anything to him about framing subjects, he just knew it made the shot better.

Some of his shots were so good that he and I both entered 5 images into a contest (for adults) up in Denver. One of his images was selected, placed on display in a gallery for a month and published in a book. 6 years old and already published and been in a gallery. The shot that was selected was one he took of some leaves and had two trees framing the sides. He got the trees perfectly straight and both trees were just about the exact same distance from the edges of the image.

Here are two of his images, keep in mind....this is from a 6 year old just walking around shooting with no direction at all. I was busy shooting my own stuff.

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I agree.. Some people have a natural eye for it, and others don't... I happen to fall in the later category. I have learned elements of composition and can do a decent job of it, but I am not a natural.

Here are two more of his shots from that same day....

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