Impact

To have impact according to Dictonary.com is "to have an impact or effect on; influence; alter", but for a photographer impact is more of a strong impression on the viewer. Some type of emotion, be it happiness, anger, sadness, loneliness, joy, pride, etc. According to the Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of PPA, impact is one of the 12 elements that creates a successful piece of art, even photography. There can also be impact within the other 12 elements of photography as well.

Anyone can take a successful photograph, but capturing an impactful photo can be quite a challenge. My version of impact (keeping in mind my low budget, time frame, and space) is actually one I took a few years ago. It doesn't have the best quality but the impact for me is huge.

To me this image expresses a sense of loneliness but yet a light in the darkness. Hope when all may be lost. From an aesthetic point of view I found that focusing on the bright part of the wick and allowing only the top part of the candle to shine brought about this emotion.

Another wonderful aspect of impact is that each viewer sees the image differently. Some may not see my image as impactful like I do, but maybe this image:

Missouri Capitol Building- 2016

is more impactful bringing a sense of pride or wonderment. I took this picture for a school photography class a year ago. The nightshot light from all angles gives an odd look many don't see. Another image that spoke to me was this one:

Old barn from Fulton State Hospital

A sense of sadness, due to the buildings old exterior comes to mind.

All these images have a different impact for different people. You do not have to go far or be a super professional photographer to capture something impactful. Let me know what you guys think about how impactful my photos are, what I could change, some creative ideas, and maybe add some of your own.

Next weekend I will talk about Technical excellence and what that means for your photography.

impact. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved August 6, 2017 from Dictionary.com website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/impact