Week #5-post about Elements of Photographic Composition and/or Aesthetics

This week I found an article written by a very successful landscape photographer named Alain Briot.  He wrote several essays on the subject of Aesthetics.  The essay I read and chose to comment on was titled "Aesthetics and Photography."  This article can be found at: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/aesthetics-1.shtml

I learned a lot from reading his words.  But, the ah-ha moment for me was when he listed nine steps to the process he has in place to use when he photographs.  He lists them, and later goes on to explain each step.  It is overwhelming to say the least, but it was nice to see how I should be thinking before photographing.  I will mention the nine items he stated, and I am taking them exactly the way he wrote them in his essay. 

1- How to see photographically
2-How to compose a photograph
3-How to choose the best lens for a specific composition
4-How to find the best light for a specific photograph
5-How to choose the beset "film" for a specific image
6-How to determine the best exposure for a specific scene
7-How to decide which photographs are "keepers" and which are not
8-How to assemble a body of work
9-How to establish a personal photographic style

He also stated this quote which I really appreciated.  "Keep in mind that the goal of this series is to walk you through this process step by step and to provide you with skills and techniques that will enable you to work your  way through both the long journey ahead and the long list above.  This list is here only as a blueprint."

I also talked with my son who has a Master's Degree in film, entertainment business.  I asked him for some advice in taking a good picture.  He gave me this piece of advice.  He said, "Make sure you use leading lines."  He explained this to me as use the lines that are around to point towards the object you are photographing.  I have found that helpful. 

Trina