*Brought to you by the South Australian Photographic Federation (SAPF)

Paul O’Leary, repeat winner in the Artistic Photography (2022, 2024) category of Through the Lens, shares some insights about his journey in photography and tips on how to get started and create stand out images.

I Disappear – Paul O’Leary (2022).

In the beginning

In 2005 when I was seconded for work overseas, I bought a camera to take some pictures while I was there. But they were never any good. I did a couple of courses to learn about photography and then I joined a camera club in 2013. Joining the camera club has been the biggest boost in terms of my growth and development in photography. It was a steep learning curve. Since joining the Eastern Suburb Camera Club, I’ve improved my skills in photography. But what I enjoyed most about being in a camera club is the comradery, even just going out with a group of fellow members, taking photos together, discussing ideas, sharing knowledge. It’s all part of the enjoyment and it adds to the experience. Sometimes it isn’t even the photography, it is just being there.

Inspiration

With any hobby, you’ve got to have a passion for it. I like the creative process in photography. I like producing images that are different, such as an image showing an altered reality.

Tips from SAPF for creating stand out images

When creating an image, it is important to have a purpose and goal. For Paul, using the acronym ICQN helps to guide him through selecting and processing an image that stands out from the crowd.

ICQN (I see quickly now) is an acronym well known to members of camera clubs. It was developed by Peter Eastway and one that Alan Bevan, President of Eastern Suburb Camera Club, Judge and Member of the SAPF Judging Committee, often quotes.

ICQN = Impact, Composition, Quality, and Narrative

  • Impact – does it move you emotionally? In other words, the “Wow!” factor
  • Composition – refers to balancing the elements within the frame, resulting in a pleasing image
  • Quality – the technical aspect of the image i.e. sharpness, focus, good tonal range, colour etc.
  • Narrative – the storytelling i.e. the main subject, the hero in the picture, figuratively speaking.

When all these qualities are properly executed, your eyes will be drawn immediately to the main subject in the image and the emotional response, whether it be “That’s stunning!” “That’s a funny story - wish I could have thought of something similar” completes the storytelling. Yes, a picture tells a thousand words.

A Light Bulb Moment – Paul O’Leary (2024).

Applying ICQN to the winning image A Lightbulb Moment, Paul offers this explanation:

  • Impact – the quality of the light illuminating the lightbulb and its reflection.
  • Composition – placement of the light source underneath the lightbulb is important for this composition; the subject is placed squarely in the frame, rather than in the 3rds, resulting in a pleasing image.
  • Quality – this is done in post-production. Remove any blemish, reduce noise, have a clean background, sharpen the image and boost the colours to make it more vibrant.
  • Narrative – the storytelling in this composition is purely about the light and the way it spreads upward from the source at the base to the lightbulb in a swirly pattern, giving a very pleasing effect and aspect.

The South Australian Photographic Federation (SAPF) is the peak body of the 30 camera clubs in South Australia. There are lots of articles and resources on the SAPF website to get you started on your photographic journey - and we might even see you at one of our clubs’ meetings. Club details are also on our website. Come have a visit. We look forward to welcoming any guests and visitors.

2025 Through the Lens Competition

The 2025 Through the Lens Photographic Competition is now open to all SA Seniors Card members. Click here to see what judges are looking for this year and how to enter. Entries close Friday 15 August.