Learn To See Creatively:
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“How can I take better pictures?” is the fundamental concern of all photographers: learning to see creatively is the answer. While most of us can see in the ordinary sense of the word, picture-taking efforts seldom result in compelling imagery unless sight is guided by creative vision. To really see creatively, you must learn to acknowledge and let go of your prejudices and preoccupations. Hopefully, this Special Project will help you do that!
Photography is a way to bring your imagination to life on film. The first step is to know how your lens or lenses view the world. What you see through your camera’s viewfinder depends on two variables: your point of view, and the focal length of your lens. Every focal length presents a different way of looking at a given subject.
No specific lens is going to make anyone a better photographer. The camera and the lens are simply tools that allow you to record your imagination on film. If you can’t envision anything to point a standard lens at, what good will ten other lenses be.
A standard lens (45-58mm) approximates the angle of view familiar to the human eye. By using a standard lens on your camera, you learn the values of walking closer to a subject and of changing your point of view by getting down or climbing up high. This teaches you the extremes and limitations of your lens; its vision will be limited solely by your imagination.
For this project, as a photographic exercise for learning how to “see,” spend three consecutive days shooting the equivalent of at least 5 rolls of film per day, using a 50mm lens. The other stipulation is that you cannot shoot between the hours of 9-5. This project can be done anywhere. The goal of this exercise is to teach you to look at your subject through the lens’ eye rather than your own.
You can go anywhere that your arms and legs can take you. Avoid shooting everything at eye level, instead, squat down, climb a tree, lie on your belly, or roll over and shoot your subject framed against the sky. The choices are endless.
You can do this project with a friend, a group, or alone. Have fun and learn!
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