Photo Marketing Association Editorial Bank

PMA Editorial Bank

Recipe for Successful Photographs
Rick Sammon For Photo Marketing Association International, June 2004

During the next few months, many of us will pack our bags – and photo gear bags – and head for the great outdoors on our own personal photo safaris.
    All great outdoor and travel photographs have certain ingredients that add to their success. Each professional photographer has his or her own recipe for successful photos, and I’d like to share mine.
First, the right gear is needed. It’s important to choose the appropriate camera, camera settings, memory card, lens and accessories to accurately record our own unique vision of a scene. As digital photographers, our “gear” also includes our computer and digital image-editing software programs, because that’s where our pictures can be enhanced.
    Second, we need an interesting subject, which is why we travel to picturesque locations.
    Third, we need to be inspired to take good pictures. That inspiration drives us to get up extra early to photograph sunrises and keeps us out into the night to photograph city lights. It compels us to approach strangers in strange lands with our cameras, hoping to capture an interesting face or activity. That inspiration draws us to sweeping landscapes and seascapes, places where we can “stop and smell the roses,” recording our memories to be relived again and again with our photographs.
    Fourth, we often need patience for a good picture. That may mean waiting hours for just the right light, waiting for someone to walk into or out of a scene, or waiting until we are comfortable shooting in a location (or waiting for our subject or subjects to get comfortable with us).
    Fifth, our attitude affects our pictures. To illustrate how important this is, I’ll share my best attitude story. Last year, I was called about a commercial assignment to take pictures in New York City. While being briefed on the technical requirements for the project, I was concerned about getting technically perfect shots, because I only had a short time during which to shoot. On his way out, the project’s director said two words that totally changed my outlook for the project. He said, “Have fun.” So, rather than coming back with static shots of New York City, I came back with lots of fun shots.
    The sixth ingredient for successful outdoor and travel photographs is luck. I’ve been very lucky when it comes to my travel photographs.
    When it comes to luck, however, I can tell you this: The harder you work, the luckier you become. I work very hard when I’m traveling, staying out all day and looking everywhere for photo opportunities.
    So work hard! You’ll be surprised at how lucky you become.

    Rick Sammon is the author of “The Complete Guide to Digital Photography,” published by W.W. Norton. He also recently completed an interactive CD, Photoshop for the Outdoor and Travel Photographer, distributed by Software Cinema. For information, visit www.ricksammon.com.