Why What Works (Rediscover)

Figure #1
From The Bench. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. December, 2012
Sony RX1 @ ISO 100
Why do some photographs succeeded and some not? Indeed, what makes a good photograph? Why are some worth looking at, thinking about, admiring or even hating? Why do some (most?) not even merit a second glance?
Are there rules, and who makes the rules? Then, if there are rules – who even cares? Isn't it enough to just do one's thing?
Heady questions aren't they? But these are the ones that must be asked by any photographer who wants to grow an understanding of their art and craft, and even of themselves. These are the questions that students and workshop attendees ask the most often, once they get beyond a fixation with the latest gear.

Figure #2
Shadow Play.  San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. December, 2012
Canon SX50 @ ISO 80

Contrast / Gesture / Implication
In trying to codify some rules (or at least precepts) I've reduced them to three –Contrast, Gesture and Implication. Each of these so...