Every so often, a photography blog or magazine will publish a list of tips for creative photography. They are usually recycled variations on the same theme and aimed at novice photographers and gear junkies alike (the latter being more interested in the latest technological developments than any artistic endeavours). Such advice usually serves to raise newbies to a minimal level of competence, teaching basic lessons on exposing correctly, heeding background distractions, minding the rule of thirds, isolating your subject, etc. Despite overcoming the initial learning curve, I keep finding amateur photographers hitting a wall and plateauing in terms of their creative output. This unfortunate pattern persists because of one frequently overlooked factor: visualization.
Anyone looking to significantly improve their creative photography needs to develop a skill for visualizing the final image before pressing the shutter. I know this may seem rich coming from someone who focuses primarily on documentary-style photography — where definitive moments can come and go, and there are only seconds (or less) to react — but hear me out. Visualizing a composition can be gone about in two ways: intentionally and spontaneously.
INTENTIONAL
I have formal training as a cinematographer. On a film set, financial considerations take priority over everything else so nothing is left to chance. Every production relies on careful planning to avoid equipment rental penalties, union violations, and scheduling conflicts. And that’s just the stuff within our control! In other words, with so much at stake, you cannot afford to leave basic image considerations to chance. Just as a painter makes a sketch before putting paint to canvas, a creative photographer must also develop a plan, which might unfold over the course of days or weeks and include the use of reference drawings, lighting maps, and a selection of colour palettes. You may need to hire models, makeup artists, carpenters to build sets. This, however, isn’t realistic for most people. So how do you visualize when you have mere seconds to decide?
SPONTANEOUS
Imagine yourself overlooking the Piazza del Popolo in Rome. The sun is about to set beyond the Vatican and the city is awash in hues of amber and gold. This is not the time for trial and error. A decision must be made quickly before the light slips away. What do you do?
- Assess the width of your lens and physical surroundings. Your equipment and location limit scale. If you’re pressed up against a wall and only have a telephoto lens, you’d be hard-pressed to take a wide shot of the skyline. Be realistic and frame accordingly. Let that be your initial guide.
- Consider the scene and how it affects your exposure. Exposing for the face will lose the sunset, while exposing for the sunset will lose the face. The artistic decision is yours to make, but be careful not to spoil every visual element by trying to find a compromise between all of them.
- Be ready to explain your choices. Like all artists, photographers have a point of view, which oftentimes act as their signature. It is the artist’s responsibility to showcase the subject in a personally meaningful way. If you liked a flower for its vibrant blooms, don’t detract from it by punching the contrast to 2000. Likewise, if you were attracted to its shape, don’t distort the perspective needlessly just to be unique.
Granted, as the saying goes, all rules are meant to be broken. However, I think amateurs try too hard to stand out and end up forgoing nuance or common sense. It takes quite some time to create a distinct body of work, so it will take awhile before these considerations start to feel natural. There are no shortcuts and developing a (good) eye requires tremendous amounts of practice. Talent withers without constant tending.
If you’re looking for artists who have a firm grasp of visualization, check out the new stars of surrealism at Saatchi Online.