What is a good photograph?

 
Look at this photograph. Do you like it?
 
This is one of my favorite photographs. Now, many of you will cry out: That is a terrible photograph!
 
Technically, I agree, there is a lot wrong with this photograph. It is quite noisy, underexposed, shaky, and I was zooming while pressing the shutter. I don’t know what else I could have done wrong. Yet, I love this picture.
 
Why?
 

Because looking at this picture makes me pause for a moment. And think. And smile.
 
For me, a good photograph is all about capturing an interesting slice of life. Absolutely anything that makes you take a second look. Anything that makes you think. Anything that evokes an emotion.
 
Unfortunately, nowadays the technical quality of pictures and the equipment to produce them are endlessly debated. But all these technicalities are not meaningful unless you have an interesting subject in your lens.
 
Most of us think that our pictures will be better if we get a better camera. The truth is, most of us have far better equipment than we deserve. Yes, the technical quality of the pictures will probably be better, but will the pictures be worth looking at? Or will they be technically perfect captures of uninteresting slices of life?
 
In the end, the camera is only the tool. YOU have to decide where to point your camera to produce a good picture.
 
Have fun shooting!