Recognizing the Artist Within - Part 1

camerawalkingalong
Apr 3, 2016
4 min read

When I was younger I didn't think of myself as a creative or artistic person. I would often tell people that I "couldn't draw a straight line." In my twenties a friend encouraged me to take a pottery class, which I enjoyed. I made a few decent pots, but the best outcome was my friendship with the teacher that has lasted over forty years.

Since that time I have written books, created organizations and programs, and yet I still felt that I wasn't very creative. It wasn't until I started walking with my camera that I realized that I had some creative potential. Camera Walking allowed me to transform what I was seeing into images that I loved.

It took some time for me to publicly acknowledge that I was a photographer and much longer to recognize that I was an artist. It wasn't a simple path, but there are several things that I learned and continue to practice that helped me recognize the artist within. I am often asked how I create the images that I share. In answer, today's post will focus on on a few tips on how capture the image you want, and next week I will highlight how you can use post-production techniques to create more artistic images.

Seeing the light: The key aspect to capturing a great image is to focus on the light, whether you are using natural light or staged lighting. As George Eastman once said, "Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography." There are many books, tutorials, and apps that can help you understand more about light, which will pay off in your images. This photo below was one that I took during a CreativeLive course five years ago. Rick Sammon was teaching the workshop, and with a simple light and a piece of cardboard with slats cut out we were able to create a dramatic image.

Although I take photos at events and family gatherings where I often use flash lighting, most of my photography utilizes natural light. Over the years I have taken courses that has helped me capture interesting images of people and landscapes at different times of the day, such as this photo from Iceland.

Developing your "eye": I have found that increasing my composition skills using techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, contrast, simplicity, framing, symmetry and patterns, background and depth of field has made me a better photographer. Once they become second nature, it is easier to look for the emotion, or the story in a scene.

Seeing versus looking for images: This may seem strange, but there is an important difference between looking at a subject and really seeing the possibilities. We can look at a scene and not really see the various elements within. I have learned that seeing the unusual, or the beauty in the ordinary helps me capture interesting photos. That ability can transform itself into life itself, as Dorothea Lange said, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”

Learning from others: I can assure you that my journey from a novice to an artist has been aided by others. I continue to read books on photography, such as my friend Rick Sammon's new book, Creative Visualization, watch tutorials on Kelby One and Linda.com, as well as attend workshops. I have learned much from working with professional photographers and receiving critique from the workshop participants. It has challenged me to be a much better photographer and artist.

Seeing the end result: I learned the importance of visualizing the end result when composing a photo in the camera. I pay attention to what draws me in, what emotions I feel, and what I want to express with the photo. Ansel Adams said this best, "In my mind's eye, I visualize how a particular... sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice."

A final note, take images that you love rather than what others want, unless of course if you are taking photos for a client. Their needs are front and center, but ultimately it should be about what brings you joy. In this day of social media, it is easy to post photos that will get more likes, but ultimately photography is a personal experience and it should be an expression of what you love. As Henri Cartier-Bresson said, "It's an illusion that photos are made with the camera....they are made with the eye, heart and head."

Have fun this week experimenting with some of the tips I have shared. Next week we will look at how to create artistic photos when you are back at your computer.