.Jeffrey L.
Refocus
Warm sunset light bathes the patterning on a building in Downtown Seattle.
Technical: I actually went to shoot this building twice before getting this shot. It was certainly an excellent exercise in composition. The first time, I had included many more elements in the photo, some of them competing with one another for attention. This resulted in a very cluttered look. I aimed, on my second trip, to capture simplicity. Thus, I looked for natural borders to accentuate patterns and contrast. I specifically liked the patterning of the rails on the left, but I didn't want to just capture that. So, I decided to contrast the harsher, more rigid lines of the right half with the smoother, gentler curves of the left half.
I actually started out with a b&w conversion. I usually do all my architectural type shots with an automatic b&w conversion (I miss film!), but I ended up liking the color version more this time because of the beautiful side-lighting.
Thoughts: This shot really challenged me. I think this building is actually a hotel, I think, and so there were many, many other possible options composition-wise. There were several other type of patterns on the right side of this particular location. I think this idea of "less is more" is a kernel of wisdom that I will continue to keep in mind for future shots. This particular photo perfectly exemplifies that concept.
Also, I really like the idea of trying to isolate photographic elements, whether it be lines, shapes, or color. It really trains a true "photographic eye." Too often, we are awed by the awesomeness of a scene and forget basic composition rules. We are awed by the million different elements that compete for our attention. As a result, we end up failing to communicate whatever emotion we ourselves, as photographers, felt at the time of shooting. The ability to stay calm in the heat of an exciting situation (e.g., a spectacular sunset) and closely analyze the scene for composition is essential. This may sound like a very technical, non-artistic perspective, but I treat it rather as a blend of the intellectual and artistic. I prioritize my vision (or what I want to say) first, then I frame the composition around that basic idea. One cannot create a compelling image with only one or the other; composition must harmoniously complement the vision.
This kind of perspective might even apply to life in general as well. To notice particular compositions, one must be extremely attentive and cognizant of small details. In the same way, to live the so-called "examined life," we must also take the time to attend to and reflect, noticing how one part of our life fits in with another, or how one new experience fits in with the countless others in our past. For me, photography has taught me to slow down (especially pertinent in our current culture) and take the time to critically examine my own values. This, for me, is one of the most important aspects of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
One last wacky thought. I love trying to interpret my own pictures in some crazy metaphorical way. Maybe this picture reflects the divide between two sides: one that is filled with a stiff, unemotional life (the right side), and another that is filled with a gentleness of spirit and grace (the left side). In order to cross from one side to another, one must cross the "sea" -- a window, and more importantly, a mirror that forces us to look deep within ourselves and truly commit to change.
Okay that last part was cheesy :) Anyways. Enjoy!
Refocus
Warm sunset light bathes the patterning on a building in Downtown Seattle.
Technical: I actually went to shoot this building twice before getting this shot. It was certainly an excellent exercise in composition. The first time, I had included many more elements in the photo, some of them competing with one another for attention. This resulted in a very cluttered look. I aimed, on my second trip, to capture simplicity. Thus, I looked for natural borders to accentuate patterns and contrast. I specifically liked the patterning of the rails on the left, but I didn't want to just capture that. So, I decided to contrast the harsher, more rigid lines of the right half with the smoother, gentler curves of the left half.
I actually started out with a b&w conversion. I usually do all my architectural type shots with an automatic b&w conversion (I miss film!), but I ended up liking the color version more this time because of the beautiful side-lighting.
Thoughts: This shot really challenged me. I think this building is actually a hotel, I think, and so there were many, many other possible options composition-wise. There were several other type of patterns on the right side of this particular location. I think this idea of "less is more" is a kernel of wisdom that I will continue to keep in mind for future shots. This particular photo perfectly exemplifies that concept.
Also, I really like the idea of trying to isolate photographic elements, whether it be lines, shapes, or color. It really trains a true "photographic eye." Too often, we are awed by the awesomeness of a scene and forget basic composition rules. We are awed by the million different elements that compete for our attention. As a result, we end up failing to communicate whatever emotion we ourselves, as photographers, felt at the time of shooting. The ability to stay calm in the heat of an exciting situation (e.g., a spectacular sunset) and closely analyze the scene for composition is essential. This may sound like a very technical, non-artistic perspective, but I treat it rather as a blend of the intellectual and artistic. I prioritize my vision (or what I want to say) first, then I frame the composition around that basic idea. One cannot create a compelling image with only one or the other; composition must harmoniously complement the vision.
This kind of perspective might even apply to life in general as well. To notice particular compositions, one must be extremely attentive and cognizant of small details. In the same way, to live the so-called "examined life," we must also take the time to attend to and reflect, noticing how one part of our life fits in with another, or how one new experience fits in with the countless others in our past. For me, photography has taught me to slow down (especially pertinent in our current culture) and take the time to critically examine my own values. This, for me, is one of the most important aspects of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
One last wacky thought. I love trying to interpret my own pictures in some crazy metaphorical way. Maybe this picture reflects the divide between two sides: one that is filled with a stiff, unemotional life (the right side), and another that is filled with a gentleness of spirit and grace (the left side). In order to cross from one side to another, one must cross the "sea" -- a window, and more importantly, a mirror that forces us to look deep within ourselves and truly commit to change.
Okay that last part was cheesy :) Anyways. Enjoy!