Looking Closer
This is a picture of a plant that, at first glance, seemed to be dead. Maybe it really was, I’m not sure. However, a closer look revealed these little tufted ends, probably some sort of flower, so I took this picture. I think it’s interesting, like a little unexpected bit of elegance.
It’s also interesting because of the lesson it gives that we sometimes need to look closer at things to see their beauty, to see all that’s there. Photography is often about seeing, but it’s so easy to focus on what is easy to see, what would be obvious to anyone looking at the same thing.
Sometimes it’s fun to look for pictures of things that are easily overlooked. Seeking the unexpected, surprising angle or lighting.
If the overlooked element is subtle in the picture, then photo editing can help reveal it. Not creating something that isn’t there, but helping make it more clear.
I think this whole process can be a reminder to be open-minded in general. For example, it’s important to cultivate the habit of really paying attention when talking with someone. Listen to understand, not just to respond.
But even from a photography standpoint, it’s still important to learn to be more open to what’s around us.
Just for fun, here are some quotes from famous photographers that have to do with this topic:
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt
“I am not interested in shooting new things – I am interested to see things new.”
— Ernst Haas
“My ultimate goal is to try to make the ordinary look extraordinary.”
— Martin Parr
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
“A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera.”
— Dorothea Lange
“Photography helps people to see.”
— Berenice Abbott
Sometimes one waits too long for the perfect moment before snapping the picture. You never realize that you needed was to change perspective.
— Miguel Syjuco
“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.”
— Diane Arbus
“No place is boring, if you’ve had a good night’s sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film.”
— Robert Adams