Making Photos From First Principles

Employing the mental model of first principles involves breaking a concept down to its most fundamental truths and reasoning upward from there. This method eliminates reliance on assumptions and analogies, encouraging a deeper understanding of the core elements of a problem. Applying this model can help photographers focus on the essentials—light, composition, and storytelling—and systematically improve their craft, no matter the subject.

At its core, photography is about capturing light to tell a story or evoke emotion. Light shapes the mood of a photograph, composition guides the viewer’s eye, and purpose defines what the image is meant to convey. By mastering these basics, photographers build a strong foundation for creativity and growth.

This approach encourages questioning standard rules, like the rule of thirds, to make intentional, creative choices that serve the image. Instead of relying on trends or advanced tools, photographers experiment and refine their use of light, framing, and storytelling to match their goals.

A photographer can start by studying light—its direction, intensity, and quality—and experimenting with natural and artificial sources. Next, they can explore how composition techniques, like symmetry or framing, affect the viewer’s perception. With these skills in place, defining the purpose of a photograph makes every technical decision deliberate and meaningful.

Using first principles ensures steady improvement through focused learning and iteration. It simplifies photography, removes distractions, and allows photographers to create impactful, intentional images in any genre.

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