Make, Don’t Take Photos

Eric kim urban landscapes photography

Eric kim urban landscapes photography

Dear friend,

One of the lessons I’ve learned is that in order to make more beautiful photos, we should seek to “make” (not “take”) photos.

I first learned this concept from teaching workshops in Europe. In many European languages (like German) they say “make a photo” (not take a photo).

What do you what do you think is the difference between taking and making a photo?

For me, making a photograph is much more creative. When you make a photograph you put your soul into. You craft together an image, when you make a photo.

Taking a photo sounds forceful. It sounds American.

If you want to be a more artistic photographer, seek to make photos.

Consider Ansel Adams, who “made” many of his photos in the darkroom. He printed his photos by creating what he saw in his minds eye. He dodged, burned, brightened, and darkened parts of his landscapes.

So remember, the way you post process your photo is how you make your photos.

Don’t see your photos as photos, but as works of art. Your camera is your paint brush. Your easel is the world.

As photographers, we are artists.

Art is about expressing your inner soul. Make great art by making photos that express who you are, and how you see the world.

So friend, go out and make more beautiful photos.

Also try to change the way you talk about photography. Perhaps it might be better than you think of yourself like a “visual storyteller” rather than a photographer.

Also, try to stop saying: “Take a photo.” It is still ingrained in my vocabulary, and is hard to say. So I always try to say “make photos” (even though I might get confused looks).

Never stop making photos,
Eric