Red Silhouette (What's a good photograph?)

I have a theory on almost all of life. My theories are not always matheatically sound. They aren't always inspired. They don't always hold water. But they are, nonetheless, theories.

In this case, though, my theory is based on experience, research, and common sense.

My theory on good photography.

Good photography is:
half learned skill
half inbred talent

half composition
half proper equipment
half chance
half lighting
half technical knowledge

half persistence

In order to take a good picture, you have to know your camera, know your subject, be at the right place at the right time, be able to tell your camera what to do, see the image you want to create, and then click the button to create it.

And THAT is how a good photograph is taken.

In the case of this picture, I saw a random red floodlight. My camera was in hand and a model by my side. I knew - in my head - what I wanted it to do. I told the camera how I wanted it to act. I pressed the button. I took the picture.

No photoshop. No post-processing. No extensive studio setup. Just a camera, an opportunity, and a photographer.