There are many similarities between the way a camera captures light and the way our eyes function yet this experience, although essentially the same for everyone, is interpreted in very different ways by each individual. The human visual mechanism has developed over time in such a way that much of the information our brains perceive is processed on a sub-conscious level and much of what we observe is disregarded in an attempt to build up a simplistic picture of the world around us. Colour, shape and pattern are all processed by our visual cortex in parallel with our other senses to build up a quick overview of our surrounding environment and much of this visual processing has evolved towards identifying threats or to seek out those resources vital for our survival. It is for this very reason that we need to retrain our minds to utilise this most important of our senses and consciously develop techniques to really see the world in a photographic context.
When we say a photographer has a great "eye" what do we really mean by this? For me it is the innate ability to utilise light, subject matter and composition in such a way that the viewer is drawn into a world that we might otherwise have never imagined. Those images that remain etched in our memory always draw some form of emotional response and convey a specific message or tell a story and a picture really is worth a thousand words. The ability to identify in a scene the key elements that can help tell the story and turn that potential into a visually attractive or meaningful image rely on many variables, but observation is one of the keys that will help you to unlock this potential.
When first arriving at a location to take photos I find it invaluable to spend a few minutes scanning the general vicinity in a 360-degree arc in an attempt to identify and catalogue the photographic subjects that are on offer. By taking time to consciously look in every direction you can maximise these opportunities and this is best done well in advance of pressing the shutter button. When utilising natural light the conditions can change dramatically in a very short space of time, particularly around dawn or dusk and identifying the areas of interest early on and contemplating how the changing light may benefit your image are skills that take a concerted effort on your part to develop.
When you finally do look through the camera lens it is also vitally important to concentrate on what you are presented with in the viewfinder and discern whether all the competing elements within the frame are balanced and work together or complement each other. After identifying a potential subject I try to visualise what lens will complement the vision I see in my minds eye. The composition or arrangement of these different elements needs careful consideration and again this is one area where you need to develop the habit of carefully scanning the entire frame particularly around the borders as we tend to ignore our peripheral vision.
Another important skill you need to develop is identifying any potential problems that may prove a distraction to the viewer. In portrait photography it is very important to pay attention to the background even though when shooting this style of photography it is quite often blurred. The last thing you want to see is something emerging from the top of your models head! A different set of rules apply when shooting landscapes and usually all the different elements should be in focus so that wherever the viewer looks in the frame everything is sharp in much the same way as our eyes instantly focus from close-up to infinity in the real world. With the advent of digital technology we now have the opportunity to "chimp" each shot and it can be of great benefit for checking focus or exposure so don't be afraid to use it.
Learning to refine the way in which you observe the world around you will help to improve your photography and take it to the next level but it will require a concerted effort on your part before you can begin to see the benefits.
