Welcome to the craptography. The goal is to provide useful information about Professional Photography so that craptography can be ended.

craptography: n. the selling or attempted selling of images that just plain suck.

With the advent of digital photography giving the ability for low cost equipment, the unskilled have started to think they are ”professional”� photographers. We are here to educate both the general public and the ”professional” photographers about what is and isn’t good photography. The goal is to end craptography. It has gotten so bad in the past few years that a veteran photographer recently wrote a book regarding the lack of skill and experience some of the ’�teachers’ holding seminars have and pass on to their students. The old saying “�the blind leading the blind”� has hit photography. And it’s not pretty.

We welcome posting of images that exude craptography. The caveat is the photo must be either watermarked showing that someone thought it would sell or sell their services OR it must be directly from a professional photographer’s website showing that it is for sale or an example of their work. Credit to the originating photographer is required. Please do not pull an image from proofing sets, as these are usually not indicative of what they feel is their best work. We do NOT accept images by amateurs UNLESS the amateur photographer is the one posting the image and asking for critique.

Remember, we’re here to HELP educate the populace about photography. We want people to understand the basics of what qualifies as decent to good photography so they will stop paying for craptography.

Thanks for visiting and we look forward to illuminating you.

This photo is by Walters and Walters photography (waltersandwalters.com).

As you look at it, you’re probably thinking “that’s a nice eye catching image”.  Ahhh, you’ve found the problem. I’m thinking years ago at a seminar someone wasn’t paying attention and just writing down bullet points from the instructor. The instructor said something to the effect of “bright spots are eye catching” and that’s what the person wrote down. They somehow became successful enough to teach a workshop and taught “bright spots are eye catching” without the rest of the information.  Yes, bright spots are eye catching but the problem is, they lead the eye to them. So if you have a bright spot somewhere in the photo, that’s where the eyes will go.  When you have bright spots next to the edge of the photo, the eye goes right out of the image. You’re probably wondering “what about high key?” This is different than high key because the photo isn’t bright most of the way around. Now as you look back up at the image, can you actually concentrate on looking at the bridge and groom? Cover up the left third of the photo with your hand and see the difference in how much better you can view the bridge and groom. Cropping off that left third also places them closer to the rule of thirds which will be covered with other images.  No, I’m not saying this image is craptography.  I’m not saying Walters and Walters are craptographers.  If you go to their site you’ll see well exposed photos with good interest plus you’ll see some other photos similar to this one that lead the eye away from the subject. 

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