what separates the worlds best photographers from the very good or average?

Question

i dont know anything about photography,but i always here certain ones reffered to as the worlds best or top photographer.doesnt the equipment do the work.what do they do that outhers can not.if u look online at portfolios u can cleary see how some are better,but why.those guys who shoot covers for major magazines and supermodels can make just about any thing look great.is it the way they set things up,or the lighting,im not talking about retouching but wouldnt it be common knowledge for all phtographers how they do it.what are the keys that set them apart?

Answer 1

Well, lets take a look at it this way. First off, I totally understand why you are asking this. Because I have been searching for the same answer as well. After 1 year of research, the conclusion is so unbelievably simply.

The best photographers doesn't take photos,he captures emotions. The feeling of the scene and person or overall concept is caught in between lens and film.

Next time you look at a great artist's work, observe your own feeling. That sense of awe that pulls at your heart. now THAT'S how you tell an average joe from the pro.

Answer 2

Good Photographers "take" pictures
Great Photographers "create" pictures

First off the equipment doesn't matter. For example I was at a party this weekend. I did not bring my camera or any lights and just randomly picked up someones point and shoot camera. I took 3 pictures of this one girl. The only thing I did different is take it off the automatic flash. She said this is one of her favorite pictures of all time.
The average photographer focuses on the subject. I think this is the wrong approach. I think one has to pay attention to all the details surrounding the subject. My rule if you have an interesting subject then that portion of the picture will take care of itself. It is more important to create a dynamic in the picture. This involves, balance, composition, and interesting negative space. Once you have that then one can focus on creating a mood and /or a point of view for the picture. In my above example the mood was not only set by what I said to instantly make the person feel at ease, but also my tonal inflections of my voice. Note how one speaks is often more important than what one says.
Of course lighting is very important. But beyond lighting it is the ability to SEE light. It is akin for some to hit the proper notes on a piano. Many can do that. But a master can make those same notes sing and dance. It is the same way with light.( Note I am not claiming I am a master just yet) Once one can master that the any natural light source can be made to impact a picture in a positive way. Now I do not have permission to show you that picture, But here is a link to a photo I just took at the beginning of summer. It is an view that probably been shot a thousand of times of the Grand canal in Venice. But this picture isn't simply the result of being in the right place at the right time. There is so much more that went into that. I hope this gives you insight and inspires you and others to push and be better.

http://www.michaellohrphotography.com/frames/sub_index_pages/index_land.htm

Answer 3

The camera, lenses and lighting equipment are tools, just like a saw or hammer or socket wrench set or violin or guitar. Its the skill and knowledge in using the tools that sets some apart from others.

The best photographers have an artistic vision and can take an ordinary item and create a work of art from it. After all, how many ways are there to shoot a photo of a birthday cake or a hamburger or a fashion model or anything else? They know what to do and how to do it when faced with obstacles and the unexpected. They expect the unexpected and take it in stride. They relate well to people and know how to give direction without being perceived as bossy or dictatorial.

Its really a combination of talent, training, desire and hard work. Its learning every day and drawing on past experience. Its getting what the client wants regardless of what that might be.

"My company is introducing a new and improved sump pump. Make it look sexy."

"This is our latest line of condoms. Make them romantic."

"We need photographs of our new steel mill."

"Our Annual Report should include photos or our regional managers at work and at home. We want to show the family values of our company."

"We're developing 1,000 acres of Arizona desert. Make it look inviting and desirable so people will want to buy the lots and build houses there."

Please give up the illusion its only the equipment that makes the difference.

Answer 4

I think what seperates the very good and the average photographers are their passion, creativity, curiosity and their effort. They are very passionate about creating and trying new poses. Besides, they are also very persuasive, detail and sometimes perfectionist. They want everything just right. I mean right in the sense "Perfectly stands out in all aspects". They also have the knowledge and "instinct" to know which colours are to be used as the background of the model they shoot. They know how to convey the meanings of the photographs clearly and attractively. And last but certainly not least, they are very friendly, flexible and calm people.

Answer 5

People have to get away from comparing everything and then ranking them like school grades.

In short what I mean is that there's no such thing as "best" when it comes to the field of art.
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True there are good and great photographers. But that is not the same as ranking them.
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As for what makes one photographer great, creativity when it comes to art photography. When it comes to photojournalism, then it is the ability to capture people and their plight and make the viewer sympathize with the condition.

Answer 6

after reading your first few sentences, i have concluded to answer you like this:

michael jordan was good at basketball because his equipment did all the work - just like builders and doctors- there tools do all the work

common knowledge is ah "common", skills like lighting and off camera flash etc take some uncommon learning - thats why some study "photography" fulltime for years

whats the diff between good and pro: the final results and the consistancy of those results

buy the lastest air Nikan and shot the next playboy mag - its easy the camera wil do all the work

good luck to you

a

Answer 7

In my personal opinion: it's how well known they are. I am a photographer, but I am not out pushing my work on the public. I have a small website, I catalogue my 4x6 print samples to view in real life and I enlarge many of my favorites. But I have not done a whole lot to get "noticed". These photographers you're refering to have jobs that are in the eye of the public. Also, just so you know, the super model photos and people in their magazines are severely 'touched up'. Major airbrushing.

Answer 8

Their knowledge, their artistic view, etc etc.
They always have a good eye on everything so they know how to get the best angle from someone or something