Need a photograph for a personal project or a website? No worries. The advent of digital photography years ago opened the door to all sorts of people – professionals and amateurs alike – taking photographs of nearly every subject under the sun. If you can think of something, there is probably a photograph of it somewhere.
So many photographs being so freely available online is almost unfathomable in terms of sheer volume. What is most interesting is taking a look at the subjects. The types of subjects that fascinate you might be terribly boring to your neighbor. A family member might have album after album filled with pictures you have no interest in. Subject matter is in the eye of the beholder.
People, Places, and Things
I remember my father being a prolific photographer when I was young. He had a collection of 35mm cameras, 8 mm movie cameras, and every type of cheap instamatic you could think of. What was his favorite subject? Nature. He would take shots of trees and flowers. He would photograph open fields and peaceful ponds.
My mother found most of his photography uninteresting. She preferred that he take shots of people. She was especially fond of photographs of her own children along with their grandparents. And of course, she had to have pictures when she became a grandmother.
I actually like both types of pictures. I enjoy a good nature shot as well as family pictures. I also like photographs of objects. Produce a good picture of a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, for example, and I will study it for hours. Needless to say, I am less choosy about my subjects than either of my parents.
Pictures Tell a Story
Differences in subject preferences can be explained by the perceptions of those viewing the pictures. To put it another way, Salt Lake City’s Vargo Photography explains that pictures tell a story. Whether it is a corporate headshot or some sort of brand photography, the finished product presents a story in the minds of all who view it.
Pictures of family members told my mother the story of her family. That’s what she loved most, so she appreciated those pictures. Nature shots told my father the story of the great outdoors. He loved being outdoors, so those photos offered a story he could relate to.
It is the photographer’s task to understand the subject and figure out a way to tell the story behind it. The best in the business do it intuitively. They do not have to study it. Without the innate ability though, all is not lost. Photographers can still learn how to understand and tell stories. They just have to work a little harder at it.
Perception Contributes to the Story
Vargo Photography also says that viewer perception contributes to the story being told. While this may not mean anything to you, it is especially important to professional photographers. They not only have to understand the subject they are shooting, but they also have to understand the intended audience. This is especially important in commercial photography.
Let’s say a photographer is doing a shoot intending to promote a company brand. There may be multiple subjects to be photographed. However, the company behind the brand is targeting a particular audience. It is up to the photographer to make sure the story of each subject lines up with the perceptions customers should have of the brand. Linking the two creates powerful images that have a real impact.
So, what are your favorite subjects for photographs? Whatever your preferences, your favorite photos tell a story that resonates with you.