Just Can't See it

[deena]

I was wondering if anybody had read the book by Michael Freeman "The Photographer's Eye". I think my main problem at the moment (and its frustrating the life out of me!), is that I can't always 'see' or 'create' the shot. I have no artistic background, so I'm not sure if that plays a part. I know the basics (self-taught) but I fear that I dont have that natural ability to 'see'. Is this something we can learn? I'm hoping that it is, and any recommendations for books would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: Sorry, this thread should have gone into the 'general' section

[GeoffWessex]

I have that book and it can be over-whelming to try to take it all in first time around..... but it's a great book that should be used as a reference, to dip into every now and then. Or perhaps take in a chapter, go and practice, then try another, etc.

I recently put together some 'Assignments' for my camera club members to try..... feel free to have a go at them for yourself.

[deena]

Thanks Geoff. Wow, there is a wealth of information on the link you provided. The assignments look great. Thank you so much.

[Cutter]

Being a hairdresser i have always wanted to see the finished look before I start the cut, I do the same in my photography, its called imagination and we all have it, hope this helps.

[deena]

I understand what you're saying Mark. I think some of us have to dig a little deeper than others when it comes to USING that imagination . I just wondered if there was some special formula that people used in order to improve creativity when it comes to photography e.g certain books, courses, or is it just practice practice practice

[Cathus]

I think you just need to stop, slow down & try to look at things from a different angle.

Anyone can jump out of a car, stand at the side of the road & take a snap shot of a landscape, few people can take a stunning image of the same scene.

Try looking at everyday objects & thinking about how you can make an image from it or part of it. Would the way you expose it make it interesting or different from what most other people would shoot, what about an unusual angle, how would changing the depth of field affect the image? What about placing it against a complimentary coloured article or an opposing coloured item?

If you saw a lovely car parked in a field, most people would either go to the front or side & take a shot of it, what would you do? How many hundred shots could you get from it where others would get just one or two?

I think half the key is just slowing right down & thinking before you ever get the camera out of the bag.

Not that I'm, any good myself, you understand, but if I was struggling I think I'd try that approach.

[deena]

Thanks Cathus. I appreciate your comments. I must admit, I dont have a lot of patience and I think the frustration comes out fairly quickly. I need to slow down and just think and concentrate on that one thing. I'm going to try that one