Not too long go I watched a video about what Lorne Resnick – an accomplished travel photographer – thinks makes a photo special. In a nutshell, he said that of course there have to be strong technical elements…comp, edits, light, framing, etc. But in the end, for him, the “wow factor” comes from the emotional impact an image has on the viewer.
Is it a scene we connect with?
I’ve stewed this idea over in my mind since watching the videos, thinking back on all of the joking commentary I’ve heard about newborn and baby animal photos… “If you want guaranteed success as a photographer, cute kitten photos are the way to go!”
Does Lorne’s idea of emotional impact cover the aforementioned, slightly snarky comments (not my comments, I’d like to point out!!) about Anne Geddes and Golden Retriever Calenders?
In my own world, obviously I put my heart into my own photographs, but there is no denying that the strongest emotional impact is the photos I have of my loved ones. I think most people are that way – you love a photo of the Eiffel Tower on your wall because it represents an idea of love, mystery and a place you want to see. But you LLLLLOOOOOOOVVVVEEEEE every photo of your child, niece, nephew, grandchild and calico meow named “Whiskers”.
I’ve learned to appreciate both types of photo-love for what they are, and while I obviously try to improve my ability to translate the feeling of the places I’ve been with every image I take – sometimes I just like to bask in the emotional connection I have with an image.
That being said, yesterday I lost my not-quite-8-year old greyhound Izzy to cancer. It’s been a tough few months, but photos like this – him feeling alive and full of humor and spirit help me remember that our time together was more than worth it.
Izzy
I’ll miss you, Doodle-Bug. ❤
SeeingSpotsPhoto.com 
My heart goes out to you….I know how hard it is to loose our animals as they are family….
Thank you…they are definitely family to me. It’s incredible how much of an impact animals can have on our lives.
Yes my kitty and dogs, horses are very much my family and in many ways they are closer to me…they are my heart and my kids…amen on the incredible impact they have on our lives…
I hate cutesy animal or baby photos. But that Izzy. What a face! As Hot Rod Cowgirl said, my heart goes out to you.
Thank you. 🙂 It was his eyes….they just cut to your heart. haha And also, it turned out, did a great job convincing people he needed treats.
If I could master that look, I’d have it made!
haha We all would!
awwwwwah! awesome photo
It definitely has the cute factor. 🙂
Nothing better than the unconditional love of a pet. Always very sad to part ways. I feel for you. It is very true though, we do gush over our pics of our special loved ones. Perhaps it is because we know them so well and can see something that others do not see.
I think there is definitely truth to that!
so sorry for your loss, it’s a beautiful tribute.
Thank you so much. I appreciate everyone being so supportive. =)
Shannon I am in tears over Izzy. I went thorugh it with my Bailley. Izzy will always be with you and he will let you know when. The loss is so difficult of this precious breed. You rescued him, gave him a great loving home and your heart,and in return he gave you his. I hope you find peace of heart. Love you, tight hugs from a friend. xxxx
Thanks Renee. That means a lot to me. *hugs*
Shannon, Izzy looks like he was a class act. I’m so sorry for your loss. He looks like he was a sweet dog and very photogenic : )
Thank you so much, Nareen. He was a sweet boy and we miss him very much. I’m happy I have some good photos of him to remember him by. =)