As a PGA golf instructor, I taught my students there are two elements that go into every shot we hit. They are controlling the distance and controlling the direction. To get the shot we desire those two elements must be correct.
As a photographer I concentrate on two main elements that I believe are essential to great pictures. IMO they are exposure and composition.
I set out to capture scenes that bring out the personality of the subjet that I am shooting. To me that means shooting things that draw the eye to the element of the picture that I find most interesting.
I like pictures that are uncomplicated. My goal is to have one main star in the picture and maybe one or two supporting stars. With this approach I find that my pictures are uncluttered and thus convey the feeling I set out to capture. I think Ansel Adams was the master at this.
If I can convey those two elements correctly to the camera, hopefully I will get the picture I desire.
-Dean