Today a friend asked me what my favourite image is. I had to really think about it and it was hard for so many reasons. I had not really thought about it as much as I probably should have. I will share my images with you however I will expand on this.

A great images isn’t always about telling a story, it’s not always about getting a point across or proving something, it’s much more than that. For me a great image is something that excites me when I capture it and compels me to keep shooting. It doesn’t have to have amazing composition or be sharp as a tac but it has to be powerful and controlled.

This year I judged at the 2010 Australian Institute of Professional Photography, Australian Professional Photography Awards. It was my first year judging and over the course of the 3 days of judging I heard someone say the words “I’ve seen this 100 times over and it looks bland and uninspiring.”, or something to that effect. It made me think about my works and how I find a unique concept and subject and try and create something from that. When I think about others works and judging I like to think that even if a subject that’s been photographed hundreds of times over is shot very well, it should always grab my attention, as someone has seen something an created a powerful image from it. I might add, one final thing which I find an important key is finding some inspiration and channelling it into creating something unique and new for yourself. Be inspired by those around you and try not to limit yourself and your mindset on how to shoot something.

Here is one of my all time favourite images that I photographed.

My First Urban shot. Shot on the 28/06/06 – My 3rd frame of the scene, my first exposed frame (shot 2 blanks before because I made a mistake)

For me, this image is the start of my career, the start of my passion, the first time I photographed my urban work. I had no idea what I was doing, I was young, didn’t understand my camera and was playing. This image helped define me to pursue my urban work and create some great images. I just walked in with no expectations, no real consideration on how to shoot this style of subject. I just guessed. I find these days I analyse more of what I shoot and plan out my works so I can better craft and control my images and make a more detailed and powerful image… From this basis the next image fell into place, however I guessed with it too… I just knew what I wanted to do and had no idea how to do it. The first time I shot here I was excited, thrilled and when the LCD popped up with the result of my image I was excited my blood was pumping, I was seriously anxious. I was so excited I had create this using light painting, something I didn’t understand or comprehend, all I knew is that it worked.

“Deathstars” – 2008 AIPP APPA’s “Gold Distinction Award” – Shot April 2007

This was another time I got anxious and excited when it popped up. For me, I think this is the realisation you’ve done something great for yourself, something you love and like.

So I put it to you, What makes a good image in your eyes?

I’d love to hear some thoughts on this, and I would love to see your favourite images too.

Ps; Keep posted, I will be doing a small tutorial on light painting in the coming weeks.