Visualization and Photography
Posted by attiev on 10 February 2010
Ever since I took photography, some people have asked me, how do I achieve a certain look or mood in my photographs. My answer is simple. I visualize what I want out of the images that I shot.
This is often the case when I shoot landscapes, my macro shots and also when I shoot portraits. A few examples to illustrate. Below is an image of a seed head of Sweet Coltsfoot straight from my camera. When I saw the image that I took, my first reaction was, “this is a dull image”. Then I started to think on how I could make this image better. A few series of images flashed in my head and one of them was to use a texture. “It could work”, my mind said.
I then begin series of adjustments in Adobe Photoshop. Below is how it looks like after I was done with it.
In case of landscapes, let me show you a very recent seascape of mine. Now, whenever you look at a scenery, especially a sunset, you get to experience the majestic moment. Sunsets are one of the most beautiful moments that I experience. To capture that moment and to show it to other people is difficult. Check out how the scene was captured by my camera.
Someone was genius enough to create a software that could make a scenery as beautiful as how our eyes see them (or at least close to). With Photomatix and Adobe Photoshop, it is possible to recreate that beautiful scenery.
The seascape looks so much better and the colours are just beautifully executed to mimic the gorgeous seascape that was buried in my memory.
I found a very relevant article concerning this topic. To read more on it, just click the link visualizing and how it applies to photography. The author explains how visualizing can help photographers create ’successful’ photographs and other aspect of photography that photographers need to be aware of. Two thumbs up!
sartenada said
I am not photographer, no, not at all, but I have seen plenty of photos during my long life.
All of us are not liking same things and many of us see things in different way.
I like the first photo much more than manipulated second photo. The first one is so delicate revealing plant’s fragile structure. The second one is “unclear” and one cannot see the beauty of that nice masterpiece of our mother nature.
I agree with You that the fourth photo is much more better than the third one.
So, this was an opinion of a poor amateur photographer and let us respect each one’s opinion, because the world is woth of it. Have nice day!
attiev said
Hi there! I see your point. I have several pictures that I love but others might no like them so much and vice-versa. Photography is very subjective. You are on the right spot when you mentioned not all of us like the same thing. Thanks for commenting. Have a great day to you too.
FS Photography said
Isn’t modern technology the best… With programs like photoshop and photomatix, that give us the ability to “tweak” a photograph and make it more pleasing to us… It’s true that opinions vary on what is pleasing to the individual, but at least we have the chance to try the various options out…
Of course the software doesn’t help you take a good photograph.. But fortunately that’s never been a problem with you, as you have abilities in both fields of expertise…
Must go check out that article..
attiev said
Yes! I agree! lol… You said it very well. Thanks Brian
Yes, you should check out that article. I find it enlightening !-)