As Photographers, We Need To Develop Our Eye For What

As Photographers We Need To Begin To Develop Our Eye For What Makes A

As photographers, we must cultivate a keen awareness of composition, paying close attention to all elements within a scene rather than focusing solely on the primary subject. Effective framing involves deliberate choices about what to include or exclude, guiding the viewer's eye and emphasizing particular aspects of the scene. This exercise encourages practicing scene analysis through framing techniques using a makeshift viewfinder, followed by detailed written descriptions that focus strictly on what is visible through the framing device. Such practice enhances our ability to see compositions deliberately and develop artistic intuition.

Paper For Above instruction

The core task involves creating a simple frame with a cutout on an 8x10 inch piece of heavy paper or cardboard, measuring approximately 1 by 1.5 inches. Holding this homemade viewfinder in front of the face, one frames a scene by looking through the cutout with one eye. The act of visualizing the scene through this limited window encourages attention to what lies within the frame, prompting critical examination of the scene's composition and elements.

During this exercise, the photographer considers what is centered and what falls along the edges, assessing whether a portrait or landscape orientation provides a more compelling view. Moving the viewfinder closer or further from the eye alters the framing, emphasizing how proximity affects perception. A key component of this practice involves deciding what might be excluded from the frame to improve visual clarity and focus.

After repeated practice, the student transitions to writing a detailed description of the scene as viewed through this tiny window, emphasizing observation in detail rather than proposing alternative framings. The goal is to produce high-quality, paragraph-structured descriptions that capture the scene's elements vividly. This exercise fosters an acute awareness of composition by translating visual observation into articulate writing, sharpening perceptual skills essential for effective photography.

The instructions specify that five distinct scenes should be examined, each with a unique setting and composition, and each described comprehensively. Proper execution involves detailed, well-structured paragraphs, avoiding lists or superficial descriptions. If needed, students are encouraged to seek support from the writing center to improve their descriptive quality. This methodical approach helps develop a discerning eye for what makes a compelling photograph, focusing on framing, element relationships, and scene evaluation.

Paper For Above instruction

In a quiet park scene, I hold my homemade viewfinder up to my face, peering through the small rectangular cutout. Within this frame, I observe a sprawling oak tree dominating the center. Its thick trunk anchors the scene, and beneath the canopy, dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a mottled pattern on the grass below. To the left, a winding stone path begins to disappear into the background, inviting viewers to imagine leading into the scene's depths. On the right, a wooden bench is partially visible, its dark silhouette contrasting with the lighter tones of the grass and foliage. The sky, just visible through the upper edges of the scene, appears pale blue with wisps of white clouds. Moving the viewfinder closer emphasizes the details of the bark and leaves, while pulling back broadens the scene, capturing more of the surrounding park and the distant skyline. I notice that excluding the distant park benches and the footpath might simplify the composition, emphasizing the tree as the focal point. The scene is illuminated by soft, diffused mid-morning light, with gentle shadows cast by the leaves, creating a peaceful and balanced tableau.

Next, I examine a street corner bustling with activity. Through my viewfinder, I focus on a street vendor's stall selling colorful fruits. The frame captures a vibrant array of oranges, apples, and bananas, their bright colors contrasting sharply against the muted urban background. Behind the stall, blurred figures of pedestrians move past, adding a sense of motion. A cyclist pauses at the corner, its motion suggested by a faint blur. Overhead, a traffic light hangs, partially visible along the top edge. The surrounding buildings are indistinct but hint at a busy cityscape—brick facades and high-rise windows. Adjusting the framing closer isolates the fruit, emphasizing texture and color, while pulling back incorporates more of the street scene, highlighting the city's lively atmosphere. Excluding the busy crosswalk in the background would concentrate attention solely on the still life of the fruit, emphasizing vibrant detail over context. The scene is evenly lit with natural daylight, with shallow shadows cast by the fruit and stall, further highlighting their vivid colors.

Another scene presents a quiet lakeside at dawn. Looking through the frame, I see a lone wooden dock extending into the still water. The dock, weathered and slightly tilted, leads the eye diagonally across the scene, toward a small rowboat tied at the end. Mist rises from the water's surface, obscuring the reflection of the sky and creating a soft, ethereal atmosphere. Along the shoreline, tall reeds sway gently, their thin, dark silhouettes contrasting with the pale water. In the background, mountains fade into the haze, their peaks barely visible. The sky above features subtle gradients of orange and pink, suggesting early sunrise. Moving the viewfinder closer brings out intricate wood grain on the dock and delicate ripples on the water, while stepping back reveals more of the surrounding landscape and broader water surface. Excluding the distant mountain range might tighten the composition, focusing the scene on the dock and boat, enhancing the feeling of solitude. The light is gentle and diffuse, with no harsh shadows, contributing to the tranquil mood.

A city park in late afternoon offers another scene. Through the viewfinder, I see a swing set occupied by two children. The swings suspend from sturdy metal chains, with the children mid-swing, their legs bent and arms grasping the chains. Behind them, tall trees with lush foliage form a canopy, filtering golden sunlight that bathes the scene in warm light. A paved pathway curves alongside the play area, and a bench nearby is occupied by an adult watching the children play. To the right, a patch of ornamental flowers adds color, while a lamppost rises vertically near the edge of the frame. Adjusting the frame to include more of the pathway directs the viewer to the broader park scene, while focusing tightly on the children emphasizes their activity and expressions. Excluding the bench in the background might streamline the composition, centering attention entirely on the children's joyful movement. The scene is brightly lit, with soft shadows on the ground from the setting sun, enhancing the warmth and vibrancy of the moment.

Finally, I observe a small urban alley at twilight. Through my viewfinder, I focus on a brick wall covered with vibrant graffiti. The wall's surface is textured, with peeling paint and layers of spray paint forming intricate patterns. A narrow alleyway leads into darkness, with a small, flickering street lamp illuminating part of the scene. Piles of discarded objects—old crates and tires—are visible along the sides, adding to the sense of neglect. On the ground, scattered leaves and debris create a textured foreground. The fading light from the streetlamp creates contrasting shadows and highlights, emphasizing the raw, gritty atmosphere. Moving the viewfinder closer reveals the detailed graffiti art, with vivid colors and expressive designs, while expanding the frame includes more of the alley's length, revealing the depth and decay. Excluding the darker end of the alley might focus attention on the illuminated wall, accentuating the artwork's vibrancy amid urban decay. The scene exhibits a stark, moody quality heightened by muted evening light and flickering artificial illumination.

References

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