Imagery Visionary
Over the years as I have traveled around the world with camera in hand, one of the things that I have tried to develop over time is something that I find to be invaluable to me, even more so than any particular piece of photography gear or equipment, and that is vision for my shots. There were times in my early days of shooting where I was essentially “shooting from the hip,” as the old saying goes, without much intentionality or imagination. This is something that has had to be developed over years and years of trial and error, even within a creative outlet such as photography. But, just like anything else, with an intentional mindset, you will be better suited to see the world around you with greater clarity, and the more often you do, the greater chance you will have to capture a moment or a composition that may even surprise yourself, as well as those who view your images.
I have talked to many people over the years who have subtly mocked the creative arts. In the music side of the house, many think that it is just a hobby of sorts and that it doesn’t take true work as opposed to something like building a house or leading a large company. The same goes for photography. There are those who will just say that all your have to do is power the thing on, point, and shoot; while this is somewhat true, it minimizes the amount of work that truly goes into capturing compelling images. There is a quote by Ansel Adams that speaks volumes about this very notion:
“Image quality is not the product of a machine, but of the person who directs the machine, and there are no limits to imagination and expression.” - Ansel Adams
The mechanism of the camera itself is not what makes a beautiful picture. Although the technology and gear certainly helps facilitate this, it is ultimately up to the photographer to make it work to its full potential. Images are a form of communication. Just as a public speaker intentionally drafts a speech, just as a songwriter or musician crafts a song, a photographer sees the world around them and responds visually by aligning their camera and lens to show what they are seeing, and conveying it via visual language. There are a plethora of different compositional techniques that we can implement as photographers, as well as skills that can help us to grow in our craft, but ultimately, I believe it starts with having vision.
Oxford Languages Dictionary defines the word vision in these words:
The faculty or state of being able to see
The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom
Imagine
I believe that imagination is the gateway to great compositions and being able to see and visualize your images is absolutely invaluable; I would dare say, the most important skill of a photographer. It is much the same with a painter. When you look at paintings by Thomas Kinkade or Bob Ross, is it the tools that they are using in the way of paint, brush, or canvas? Those things certainly have a bearing on the end result but they are minimal when placed up against the vision and imagination that the painter had for the artwork they wanted to create. The same goes for us.
As I have traveled and been to a variety of different locations around the world, there have been some places where, at first glance, there wasn’t much allure or potential to capture a compelling composition or image that would reflect the heart, mood, or atmosphere of that place; but the more that I would train myself to take my imagination past what I saw initially in the “obvious” or “mundane”, I was able to see more beauty in some of these places as I cast a vision for myself in a way that stretched me past the superficial layer. When you begin to implement this into your every day work behind the lens, your camera will just become the extension whereby you are able to capture your imagination within a landscape, a portrait session, or within the day to day with your family.
One of the most important elements for developing vision is knowing the “why” for why you actually enjoy an image; whether that is your own work or another’s images. It could be the atmosphere or the mood, the vibrancy or contrast in colors, leading lines, a compositional component, or a combination of different attention grabbing elements, but try to find the main reason for why the image draws you in and gives you an appreciation for it. Even though there isn’t necessarily a subjective checklist of what makes for a great image, allow yourself to start to see some of the patterns within others’ work and go back and look at your own to see how your own imagination assisted you in capturing an unforgettable moment. This will also encourage and remind you that you can and will continue to create these compositions.
Lastly, having vision requires you to have a basic understanding of visual language and patterns. Visual language is just a metaphor, seeing that images are not audible, but still “speak” for themselves nonetheless. For instance, when you see a picture of a lighthouse being battered by a vicious storm at sea, some of the first words that come to mind might be: treacherous, strong, unwavering, and the list goes on. Also, identifying patterns is critical as well to help assist you in having vision for your images. These patterns or elements could include: Framing, Texture Compression, Leading Lines, Foreground Features, Intersecting Layers, S-Curves, Snapshots, Juxtaposition, or Deep Space. These are just a handful of them but the more you make yourself aware of them, it will help you assist you in visualizing your own shots and what you are looking to say through them. Over time, the more you become proficient at finding these in nature and the world around you, you can then begin to combine multiple patterns together. This will lead to your images having a greater depth which will have the potential to cause your viewers to feel something more when they see your work. Not only that, but being able to capture this in your images will give them a compositional strength.
At the end of the day, photography is ultimately about telling a story, and having vision and imagination will be one of, if not the greatest tool for you as you continue to write your story through those split second moments in time.
