The Psychology of Aesthetics In Photography

Taking good pictures is a skill everybody should have, yes I said so. 

You know how you visit a place with very good aesthetics and then realize the pictures your friend took of you are all blurry, like you went for an obituary photoshoot. That bad. 

Speaking of Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty, values and taste, as well as the philosophy of art. It is the study of the perception and experience of the visual arts, music, film, performance, literature, design, and even the environment. 

But we'll be talking of, Aesthetics In Photography.

I attended a photowalk event organized by a friend, with facilitators who were digital photographers and smart phone photographers. One thing really struck me during that event, that is, what you don't know is bigger than you. 

I realized my phone performs magic, because, why would there be a setting to make a tiny flower look like a tree. I'm not even exaggerating right now. 

Source:My phone performs magic, y'all

Just as your inner world affects how you capture an image your viewer's mindset shapes how they view it. I read on Aesthetics and discovered that though art is subjective, you can't exactly say what form of expression is the best, but you can not fool your audience. 

Exploring the connection between psychology and photography can build connection with your audience. This way you are not telling them what to feel, you're showing them – more like influencing what they should feel. 

Aesthetic Elements of Photography:

They include colours, light, composition, lines or choice of subject or object (subject is a human being while object is a non-living thing). 

Types of Photography

1. Landscape photography : captures the environment. It is majorly outdoor photography of places, buildings, etc.

Source: My phone's camera

2. Documentary photography : tells stories with pictures. It could be either landscape or portrait.

3. Portrait photography: it's the picture of a person or animal. 

Just to mention a few.

Things to master as a photographer: 

1. Rule of third: This is one of the tips I learnt. It is defined as a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image leaving the other two thirds more open. 

2. Contrast: It is the difference between light and shadow.

3. Point of view.

4. Proximity: it is how close or far the subject or object is. Basically, it is the distance between you and the subject. 

Bonus point: Grid lines on your phone settings is one the first things you should carefully note as a smartphone photographer. Once you have set the gridlines, make sure to press the middle of your phone to lock the camera's focus. 

Aesthetics therefore is whatever you make of it. It is an art that displays beauty and value.

Now go and take that shot like a pro.