In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

Good, Better, Best

Posted on | June 3, 2011 | 4 Comments

Couple Walking Down Tree-Lined Road Toward Mausoleum at The Huntington

Couple Walking Down Tree-Lined Road Toward Mausoleum at The Huntington

I discovered a nice little scene at The Huntington that reminded me of the classic southern plantation mossy oak tree-lined pathways that you see in travel advertising all the time. I had this scene all alone for about ten minutes until this couple came from behind not wanting to disturb my photos but I assured them that it would be okay for them to walk through. They were the missing element that the scene needed to tell a visual story. Without the couple it was just a pretty scene but didn’t really say anything.

When I first started pursuing professional photography, the photo editor at a travel magazine advised me to start including people in my photos. I didn’t fully understand it at the time other than that is what travel magazines do but I came to realize that it meant I needed to get better at telling a visual story in my photos. That is what people connect with and remember. Merely pretty pictures might catch your eye but tend to not be memorable in the long-run once the initial shock value is over but a photo that someone emotionally connects with has a much longer-lasting impact. This doesn’t necessarily mean every image needs a people in there but it means that there has to be something there that elicits an emotion or memory.

Gary Crabbe recently wrote an excellent article about this same concept titled, Seeking Out Definitive Moments Outdoor, Nature and Travel Photography. I’d suggest reading the article if you’re a photographer.

See more of my Huntington Gardens photos.

Category: Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Gabriel Valley
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Comments

4 Responses to “Good, Better, Best”

  1. Russ Bishop
    June 3rd, 2011 @ 11:13 am

    Nice Richard. This also reminds me of so many of the estate entrances in Europe. It would be a great scene to shoot in all the seasons as well.

  2. Richard Wong
    June 3rd, 2011 @ 1:54 pm

    Thanks Russ. I’ll have to look up some Europe photos, as I’m not too familiar with European scenes. This spot should look good in fall hopefully.

  3. QT Luong
    June 11th, 2011 @ 2:59 pm

    I agree. If it’s a natural scene in general I do not include people, but if it is a man-made scene, I almost always try to do so.

  4. Richard Wong
    June 11th, 2011 @ 3:56 pm

    That is a good philosophy, QT. You do both well.

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