Most photographers are familiar with the work of Ansel Adams. He was one of the those iconic landscape photographers that would travel to various places in the US to capture, at the time, were untouched pristine wilderness, capture an image and his techniques, still used to this day, are famous and foundation for many photographers.

Ansel Adams was not just a photographer, but a well known environmentalist also. He was one of those rare photographers that was able to use both of his passions and turn it into a specialized niche, landscape photography. More importantly, and this is one lesson we can learn from not only Ansel Adams, but all masters of the craft, was how to tell a story and be able to transport people viewing the photograph to that place in their mind. This is not always the easiest thing to do with a single click.

“I go out into the world with my camera and come across something that excites me emotionally, spiritually and aesthetically. I see the image in my minds eye. I make the photography and print it as the equivalent of what I saw and felt” – Ansel Adams

We as photographers should strive to do the same. Master photographers were very astute observationally when it came to how others viewed their work. They took note of what struck a chord and the emotional response the image received when people viewed it.

Not only should images strive to provide an emotional response when viewed, but they should say something about the subject. In landscape and wildlife especially, but other genres too, the photo should bring a viewer to realize that the subject is worth saving or invoke action to get involved or speak out on the particular subject matter.

Ansel Adams is one on my favorites, but only one example of a master from whom lessons can be learned. They all have something to teach us and here are my thoughts on what those lessons are:

Make photographs all the time, even if you don’t have your camera

Mentally, always practice on how you would take a photograph of something you find interesting. This is solid wisdom for any photographer of any skill level. Unfortunately, the realities of most of our lives limit the time we get to spend with a camera in hand. The good news is that our artistic mind is never absent. Think about which exposure would blur that passing train just right. What aperture would give me enough depth of field to put that entire table into focus? You’ll be more prepared next time when you have your camera handy.

Slow Down

We sometimes press the shutter button entirely too often in order to get a suitable image for processing. I will shamefully raise my hand and admit that I too am guilty of this spray and pray method of shooting, more so in my earlier photography days right after I made the leap from analog to digital. Consider all aspects of his composition: from the elevation and tilt of your camera, the perspective of the lens, the cast of shadows, even the future effects of the wind on the clouds. Usually, however, we rush for no perceivable reason and often overlook or forget small changes that can make or break an image. So the next time the muse slaps you across the face to make an image, calm yourself down and work the problem. Think about what it is you are trying to do. Put yourself into the correct mindset to make better images and you might find, strangely enough, that your images become better also.

“A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety” 

Teach yourself to see the finished image before shooting it

The act of seeing or visualizing is another subject that has been touted by the photographic community many times. Visualization is one of those things that really can’t be brought about by technical instruction in the traditional sense; meaning there are no classes on visualization. Ansel Adams himself remarked that visualization cannot be taught, it is be learned. Think about that concept. No one started out being able to see in their mind’s eye the final result of a photo. Like most things, it takes practice, as well as patience, and more than a healthy helping of sheer determination. When you begin to see the print before it is made, then really all that stands between you and your vision is the selection of techniques which, similarly, require just as much determination and commitment to master.

Hopefully this will inspire you to perhaps take time to study a masters works. Look at the composition, lighting, time of day, depth of focus. Study how it makes you feel when viewed and then try to strive to incorporate that into your photography.

I would love to hear your comments below on who your favorite master photographer is in the comments below along with lessons you have learned.