What is a photograph?

pho - to - graph

When I teach I always like to start the class by asking the same question: What is a photograph?

There are, of course, many correct answers to that question. The most accurate answer, at least in my opinion, and the which I receive the least often, requires us to take the word apart.

The origin of the word photograph comes from two Greek words which translate almost exactly into photo and graph.

Photo means light. Graph means to write - or record.

So the most accurate answer to my question is that a photograph is a recording of light. That is the literal meaning of the word.

Where, you might ask, is this leading?

My answer to that is quite simple. If we are recording light then it naturally follows that the camera we are using is simply a recording device. It also means that what's truly important about the final recording is the actual light and how we record it.

Photography is all about light! If you want to become a better photographer the most direct path is put your camera down for a while and study light. Rather ironically, vision is our primary sense; something important enough that two thirds of the human brain is used, in some way, to process visual information. And yet, because our minds can process so much information effortlessly, most of us rarely take time to consciously analyze it.

Fortunately, learning to see and appreciate light is easy to do because its everywhere. Begin to notice highlights, shadows and reflections. When you begin seeing light and how it reacts around you a fascinating, previously unknown, world will open up.

Analyze images and art you appreciate most and you'll likely notice you're drawn toward those particular images because of the way light is captured or depicted.  I routinely suggest watching television and movies to see great lighting. Even modern high budget cartoons such as those produced by Pixar are created with fabulous lighting techniques. They are some of my favorites. Its probably no accident that Pixar's original promo film Luxo Jr. was an animated lamp, the iconic symbol of their company still being used today.

Professional photographers often use expensive camera equipment. Professional golfers often use the finest golf clubs. But those cameras and clubs are simply tools. I can assure you that putting a $3000 putter into my hands is not going to afford me entrance to the PGA tour. I don't have the skill or understanding of the game that separates an amateur from a true professional.

If you simply invest in camera equipment but not in the understanding of light your game will always be lacking. No matter how much you spend on your gear. Knowledge and skill will always take you further than equipment.

Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.                                                                         
                                                                         - George Eastman