The subject matter is beautifully composed, enhanced by elegant and interesting light, and yet significant details are visible. The photo is not only compelling but also chock full of important information. It helps to know what you are after, and that taking folklore pictures can be different from other kinds of photography. Professional photographers often shoot numerous rolls of films in different settings and under varying light to obtain a single publishable shot. Art photographers, on the other hand, who exhibit and sell their work in galleries, try to develop a recognizable style.
Photojournalists are interested in telling a story.
Their editors like dramatic photographs to grab the reader's attention. Such photographers pride themselves on being able to make even the most mundane subject look interesting. The folklorist can learn from those photographers, but because our goals differ, we can set our own standards. We can't shoot ten rolls of film to obtain one perfect shot. From the cover of Voices One of the major differences is that the folklorist has worked for years to establish rapport with the subject.