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“Have we become more obsessed with the technicalities of photography than the art of it?“
“Does a photo have to be perfect to be perfect?“
My answers: NO and YES!
Let’s break that down and dive into what perfection really means in photography.
Being a Perfectionist
The Drive for Perfection
If I may share something personal… I’m a perfectionist. I’m competitive, detail-oriented, and driven. But here’s the kicker: I’m not the best photographer and never will be.
That realization hit hard early in my career. It almost made me give up entirely—after all, what’s the point if I can’t be the best?
Finding the Real Reason
My father helped me shift my perspective with one simple question:
“Why did you pick up a camera in the first place?”
The answer was clear: I loved the process of creating photos and the access it gave me to people and experiences. Being “the best” wasn’t what made photography fulfilling—it was the journey and the stories I could tell.
The Problem With Perfection
Anxiety and Unrealistic Expectations
Perfectionism can create paralyzing anxiety because perfection itself is unattainable. Over time, I learned to embrace my perfectionism differently. I stopped seeing perfection as a destination and focused instead on enjoying the process and learning from my mistakes.
The Power of Risk and Failure
I also accepted that failure is not just okay—it’s essential. Without risk, there’s no success, and without failure, there’s no growth.
So, What Makes a Picture Perfect?
Evoking Emotion
After years of experience in various genres of photography, I’ve realized that a perfect photo represents a moment I care about.
It’s a photo that makes people pause, evokes emotion, and tells a story.
The Role of Iconic Images
If you look at iconic photographs that stand the test of time, you’ll notice that many are technically imperfect. They may suffer from poor sharpness, awkward composition, or bad exposure. Yet they resonate because they capture raw, emotional moments.
How the Masters Did It
The Darkroom Pioneers
Take Ansel Adams, for example. His famous “Moonrise Over Hernandez” was not perfect straight out of the camera. It was his mastery of the darkroom that turned it into an iconic image.
Likewise, Edward Weston and Irving Penn created art that often broke the “rules”—with awkward compositions or seemingly poor-quality prints. Yet, their work continues to evoke powerful emotions.
Photography is Subjective
Art vs. Rules
A perfect picture evokes emotion, but perfection itself is subjective. What moves one person may not move another. That’s the beauty of photography—it’s deeply personal and open to interpretation.
Conditioned to Seek Perfection
Our schooling conditioned us to seek “right” answers and avoid “wrong” ones. But in photography, outside of physics, there are no absolutes. It’s all subjective, which can be both liberating and challenging.
Are We Obsessed With Technicalities?
The Rise of Techtographers
In many ways, yes. I call these photographers “Techtographers.” They are obsessed with following the rules and achieving technical perfection but often miss the emotional impact. Their images may be technically flawless but lack soul.
Social Media Pressure
Social media exacerbates this problem. In today’s world, every photo is public, and the internet is full of critics who don’t know your story or context. This feedback loop can stifle creativity and confidence.
Examples of Iconic Imperfection
To drive the point home, let’s look at a few well-known examples of imperfect yet powerful images:
- Robert Capa’s D-Day Landing Photo is blurry and grainy due to rushed processing, but its raw intensity captures the chaos of war.
- Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother”: Taken in a hurried moment with minimal equipment, it encapsulates the struggles of the Great Depression.
- Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare” has a slightly imperfect composition, but it masterfully captures timing and emotion.
These images prove that the emotional weight of a photo often outweighs technical considerations.
Tips for Balancing Art and Technique
Here are three strategies to help you strike the right balance between technical mastery and artistic expression:
- Practice Mindfulness While Shooting: Focus on the story you’re telling and the emotions you want to convey. Don’t let technical perfection dominate your thoughts.
- Emphasize Storytelling: Consider what elements of the scene will draw the viewer in and evoke a response. Light, composition, and timing should serve your narrative.
- Experiment and Take Risks: Break the rules intentionally and see what happens. Often, these experiments yield the most unique and meaningful results.
Encourage Personal Projects
Personal projects are a great way to develop your voice and focus on emotion. These could include:
- Capturing a day in the life of someone you admire.
- Documenting a local event or cultural tradition.
- Exploring a theme that resonates deeply with you, such as resilience or joy.
Personal projects allow you to step away from external pressures and reconnect with your passion for photography.
The Last Frame
Remember Your “Why”
My advice: never forget why you picked up a camera in the first place. Focus on creating moments that evoke emotion, not just ticking boxes for technical perfection.
Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection
Work hard to be the best you can be. Learn the rules of photography so you can break them with purpose. Don’t obsess over what others are doing. Instead, be yourself, and focus on the details that matter to you.
Keep the Fun in Photography
Whether it’s a hobby or a profession, keep photography fun. Let your perfectionism drive you to improve, but don’t let it hold you back. After all, your best shot is always your next shot.
Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!“ — Joe Edelman
