What makes a beautiful photo? How do we better increase our chances of making a beautiful photo? What type of camera do we need, and so forth?

Do the photos motivate or depress you?

I’m starting to realize the overwhelming power that images have over us. Even one ugly image can ruin my mood for an entire day.

However for me, when I see beautiful images (in real life or artwork, I gain motivation!). I desire to move more, dance more, smile more, and proclaim more gratitude towards life!

Natural is (generally) better.

I love natural and organic elements. Wood, green foliage, stone, and the such. I generally disdain plastic and soulless artificial things.

And I also believe in “wabi sabi”— beauty in decay, grit, and wear and tear. Kyoto being one of the most beautiful cities in the world to me.

Beautiful humans

Photograph people and humans you deem beautiful in your eyes. For example, what Cindy is to me:

Beautiful aesthetics in the camera

I also hate to admit it, but generally speaking the bigger the sensor of the camera, the more beautiful the aesthetics.

I’ve made a lot of good photos on an iPhone, but none of which I would classify as “beautiful” in my eyes.

My favorite cameras thus far include the RICOH GR II and Pentax 645z.

Pentax 645z photos

Also good include Leica M9, film Leica MP, and Kodak Portra 400 film and Kodak Trix 400 (pushed to 1600 with yellow filter).

Portra 400 film photos

Trix pushed to 1600

RICOH GR II