The debate between "taking" a photograph and "making" a photograph has sparked discussions within the photography community for decades. While "taking" focuses on capturing spontaneous, authentic moments, "making" involves a deliberate and controlled process to craft a specific vision. These approaches highlight different artistic philosophies and techniques, but when it comes to client expectations, this debate often becomes irrelevant. Clients care less about whether a photograph was "taken" or "made" and more about the final result—its quality, impact, and how well it meets their needs. In this blog, we explore what defines these two approaches, the genres and photographers that embody them, and ultimately, why photographers should prioritize delivering outstanding images over dwelling on the philosophy behind them.

What is "Making" a Photograph?

Definition and Concept

"Making" a photograph refers to the deliberate process of creating an image where every element is carefully planned and controlled by the photographer. Unlike the spontaneity associated with "taking" a photograph, "making" involves pre-visualization and meticulous preparation. The photographer plays an active role in staging the scene, deciding on the lighting, composition, subject placement, and even post-production techniques to convey a specific message or emotion.

Artistic and Technical Considerations

Photographers who "make" photographs treat each shot like a blank canvas. They might start with a concept or idea and then carefully plan out every detail to bring that concept to life. This process could involve setting up studio lighting, directing models, arranging props, or selecting a particular background to suit the vision. Technical expertise is vital, including knowledge of artificial lighting setups, advanced composition techniques, and post-processing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to achieve the desired effect.

Examples in Photography

"Making" a photograph is more than just documenting reality; it's about crafting a visual narrative. This approach allows photographers to create surreal or conceptual works that go beyond literal representation. The end product is often polished and stylized, aiming to evoke a strong emotional or intellectual response from the viewer.

Genres of Photography That Involve "Making"

Studio Photography

In studio photography, photographers have complete control over every aspect of the scene. From lighting to backdrop and subject positioning, everything is planned meticulously. This genre is ideal for portraits, fashion shoots, and product photography, where the goal is to achieve a specific look or aesthetic.

Fine Art Photography

Fine art photography is all about expressing the photographer's vision, often requiring extensive preparation and creative manipulation. It may involve surreal or abstract elements, and the final image might be the result of multiple photos combined in post-production to convey a deeper narrative or emotion.

Conceptual Photography

Conceptual photography focuses on visual storytelling to express complex ideas or themes. This genre often requires props, staging, and digital manipulation to create an image that conveys more than meets the eye. Photographers carefully design every element to align with their conceptual framework.

Photographers Who "Make" Photographs

Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams is renowned for his meticulously crafted landscape photographs. He spent hours planning his shots and used complex darkroom techniques to bring out specific details and contrasts in his images. His approach to "making" photographs helped define landscape photography as a fine art.

Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is a master of staged, stylized portraiture. Her celebrity portraits often involve elaborate setups and careful planning to convey deeper narratives or emotions. Leibovitz's work is a testament to the power of "making" photographs to create iconic, thought-provoking images.

Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson is famous for his cinematic style in photography. His images often resemble stills from a movie set, complete with elaborate lighting and set design. Crewdson's work showcases how "making" a photograph can be an elaborate production that results in compelling visual art.

What is "Taking" a Photograph?

Definition and Concept

"Taking" a photograph involves capturing a moment as it naturally occurs, emphasizing spontaneity, authenticity, and the photographer’s ability to see and react quickly. This approach treats photography as a documentary medium, where the goal is to record reality without interference or manipulation. Photographers who "take" photographs rely on their observational skills to find and capture moments that are fleeting and often unrepeatable.

Artistic and Technical Considerations

The emphasis in "taking" a photograph is on being in the right place at the right time. Photographers must be skilled in using available light, understanding camera settings, and composing a shot on the fly. Unlike controlled environments, there is little room for error, and success often depends on the photographer’s ability to anticipate and react to changing conditions.

Examples in Photography

"Taking" a photograph aligns closely with the traditions of photojournalism and documentary photography, where the goal is to tell a story through captured moments. These images often convey a sense of realism and immediacy, providing an authentic glimpse into real-life scenarios.

Genres of Photography That Involve "Taking"

Street Photography

Street photography focuses on capturing candid moments in public spaces, emphasizing the spontaneity and unpredictability of everyday life. Photographers often roam streets, observing and waiting for the perfect moment to "take" a photograph that tells a unique story.

Documentary Photography

Documentary photography is rooted in factual, objective representations of subjects. Often used in socio-political contexts, this genre seeks to highlight real-life stories, events, or conditions without manipulation or staging.

Travel Photography

Travel photography aims to capture the essence of places, cultures, and experiences in their natural state. The photographer "takes" photos of people, landscapes, and street scenes to convey the authentic vibe of a location without interference.

Photographers Who "Take" Photographs

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Often regarded as the father of modern photojournalism, Henri Cartier-Bresson is famous for his concept of the "decisive moment"—capturing a moment that tells a story all on its own. His work epitomizes the art of "taking" photographs, relying on a deep understanding of timing and composition.

Robert Frank

Robert Frank's influential work, "The Americans," is a prime example of "taking" photographs that capture the essence of American society in the 1950s. His style is characterized by a raw, unfiltered approach that shows real, unscripted life.

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange's documentary work during the Great Depression, particularly "Migrant Mother," is a powerful example of "taking" photographs that convey deep emotion and narrative without any manipulation. Her images are timeless in their ability to tell human stories.

Differences and Choosing Between "Taking" and "Making" a Photograph

Spontaneity vs. Planning

The primary difference between "taking" and "making" a photograph lies in spontaneity versus planning. "Taking" focuses on capturing authentic, unplanned moments, while "making" involves meticulous preparation and control.

Capturing Reality vs. Creating a Vision

"Taking" a photograph often aims to depict reality in its purest form, whereas "making" a photograph is about creating a new reality that reflects the photographer's artistic vision. Both approaches have their own merits and can be used based on the context or desired outcome.

Practical Considerations for Photographers

The decision to "take" or "make" a photograph depends on several factors, including the type of project, the subject matter, and the client's expectations. Being skilled in both approaches can enhance a photographer's versatility and ability to cater to different creative needs.

Client Needs and Why the "Making" and "Taking" Debate Doesn't Matter

Clients Focus on the Quality and Impact of the Final Image

For clients, the philosophical debate between "taking" and "making" photographs is largely irrelevant. What matters most is the quality and impact of the final image. Whether the photograph is candid or staged, clients are more concerned with whether it meets their needs, conveys the right message, and serves its intended purpose.

Understanding Real-World Client Expectations

In real-world scenarios, clients rarely ask about the photographer's approach. They want compelling, professional images that align with their branding or storytelling goals. Therefore, photographers should prioritize delivering high-quality work that resonates with the client's vision rather than focusing on whether a photo is "taken" or "made."

Why You Shouldn't Focus on the Philosophy Between "Taking" and "Making"

Prioritizing Results Over Methods

While the debate between "taking" and "making" photographs is important within the photography community, it shouldn't overshadow the importance of results. Clients hire photographers based on their portfolio, style, and ability to deliver images that make an impact—not on the philosophical approach.

Building a Versatile and Marketable Portfolio

To attract a wide range of clients, photographers should focus on showcasing the quality, creativity, and effectiveness of their work. Highlighting successful projects and their outcomes, rather than the technical methods used, can be far more compelling and effective in marketing photography services.

Conclusion

Whether a photograph is "taken" or "made" matters far more to photographers than it does to clients. What clients value most is a powerful image that fulfills its purpose, not the method used to create it. By focusing on results and mastering both techniques, photographers can better meet diverse client needs and build a successful, versatile career.