Seeing the World Through Photography
Since we started this blog we have written about how photography, especially while Camera Walking, is a way to see the world differently. Recently I came across a MOMA free course called Seeing Through Photographs that made me stop and reflect. It made me think about what it takes to become more visually literate, and I realized that there are several components for me: learning, practicing, and sharing.
Learning: What intrigued me about MOMA's course is that it combines video interviews along with reading excerpts to "introduce learners to firsthand perspectives and ideas from artists and scholars about what a photograph is and the many ways in which photography has been used throughout history and into the present day: as a means of personal artistic expression; a tool for science and exploration; a method for documenting people, places, and events; a way of telling stories and recording histories; and a mode of communication and critique in our increasingly visual culture."
I signed up for the six part course and have found it interesting and refreshing. It is approaching photography from a different perspective, other than just techniques and composition. If you are not up to taking a more structured course, such as this, consider the variety of courses offered online or through workshops. CreativeLive has many courses that are live streamed free, or available for purchase. For an affordable monthly or yearly subscription you can access a number of courses through KelbyOne training and Lynda.com. I also regularly watch free tutorials from software companies, such as Topaz Labs. I find them stimulating. Here is one that I watched the other day on using textures to enhance your photos, and decided to apply the instructor's techniques to one of mine.
Practicing: It would be easy to sit and watch online courses for hours, but that alone won't help you develop your eye and ability to see the world differently. You need to pick up your camera and take it out to test your skills, ideas, and techniques. Camera Walking is a perfect way to do that. After watching a few of the tutorials, I felt challenged to seek out different subjects to photograph. I have been taking photos of flowers recently, which I love, so I decided to look for interesting shots, such as our neighborhood dog, Lola, resting very eloquently on her front step.
I also find that it helps to set a specific goal - perhaps to capture shapes or colors. The photo below is of the backside of the Experience Music Project in Seattle, which is visually interesting if you look for the details.
You can also make a point while Camera Walking to stop randomly and find something to photograph within the immediate area from where you are standing. This forces you to see what's there. I have walked past this house many times and never noticed this statue until I stopped and looked around.
Sharing: It is helpful to share your photos online through Facebook, 500px, Flickr, and other sites. In addition to these sources, reach out for feedback from other photographers, and if you are willing, hire a professional photographer to critique your photos. Critique is one of the things that is so frightening and wonderful about taking a photography workshop. Over the years I have learned to welcome the input from the instructor and other participants. It is a great way to learn, and can help you become a better photographer. This is the first photograph that I had critiqued in a workshop on Mount Rainier five years ago. I was told the my horizon was crooked, a pet peeve of the instructor who was critiquing my photo. I hadn't even noticed! Ever since then I have made sure that my photos are straight!
Finally, keep moving: I cannot leave this post today without a reminder to get outside and walk. The temptation to sit at the computer processing photos, or watching courses, is great. It is an important way to improve your skills, but the research is mounting about the importance of moving. Several recent studies give strong evidence on the impact that moving has on longevity, on becoming more creative, while others have found that it is good for the aging brain to move. So grab your camera and go out Camera Walking to achieve better health, fitness, and creativity. You will reap the benefits of moving while learning how to see the world differently through your photos.
