Your photographic journey depends on developing a refined aesthetic, something that goes beyond technical skills.
Coming to you from Adrian Vila with OhThis insightful video explores the nature of developing your photographic taste. Vila begins by reflecting on his own beginnings, admitting that he initially had no clear sense of what made a photograph special. Without understanding what resonates with you, it can be difficult to create impactful images.
Vila distinguishes between inner and outer taste. Inner taste is your unique response to visual elements, what you find appealing. On the other hand, outer taste refers to the general principles of composition, light, and color that are widely recognized as good practice. Developing both is essential. Vila admits that he initially focused too much on his inner taste, ignoring the wealth of knowledge available to him from established photographers. This approach hindered his growth.
The video emphasizes the importance of studying the work of the masters of photography. By looking at their compositions and techniques, you can learn what works and why. Vila shares his experience with Joseph Koudelka’s book “Exiles“, noting that studying Koudelka’s work profoundly influenced his understanding of powerful imagery. This highlights the value of immersing yourself in the work of those who have mastered the craft.
Vila also discusses the gap between taste and ability, a concept popularized by Ira Glass. For many creatives, good taste develops faster than technical skill. However, Vila experienced the opposite. He had good technical skill but lacked refined taste. This gap is where many photographers struggle. Modern cameras can produce technically perfect images, but without strong taste, those images can lack impact.
To develop an outsider’s eye, Vila recommends taking as many photos as possible while also studying the masters. This practice helps you understand the visual language of photography. He points out that photography is like learning a new language. Your photos may have many flaws at first, but with practice, you will begin to create images that resonate. Understanding how the arrangement of elements in a frame affects the viewer’s perception is crucial.
Developing your inner taste involves a constant cycle of inspiration, practice, and reflection. Vila emphasizes that this is a lifelong journey with no shortcuts. It requires constant effort and a willingness to learn from both success and failure. Gathering bits of inspiration from a variety of sources and experimenting with different techniques will help you refine your unique photographic voice. Check out the video above for Vila’s full rundown.
