Why do I see what I see? It’s a question that wanders through my mind every so often. I know we all see the world with different lenses and filters. That leads to another question, What sort of lens do I see with?
A couple weeks ago while walking back to the hotel with two other members of my crew I noticed this bicycle locked in the bicycle stand. I had to stop because I knew there was an image there. They stopped and waited as I walked towards the scene, composed and took one shot. I then joined them and continued towards the hotel. Nothing was said to me as some crew members have come accustomed to my passion. When reviewing the image on my computer I wondered if they saw the scene I saw. A bicycle in a bicycle rack is a common scene on our city streets. Were they capable of isolating the bicycle from the whole scene where a photographer does on a regular basis? We humans have a field of view somewhere between 160 and 208 degrees. We scan constantly and pick out items that resonate with us. I smile to myself as I realize how often I see the world through my viewfinder which is usually somewhere between 17 and 140 mm. It’s what I see.
8 Comments
Ken Bello
I find myself drawn to patterns and textures, even when I don’t have a camera. Some folks are drawn to other people and see the photographic potential there. We all bring our own unique vision to our photos. I like this one quite a lot.
Monte Stevens
” We all bring our own unique vision to our photos.” I think this says it quite well. Thanks, Ken.
Tom Dills
There are numerous photos in just that scene and you got the one that drew you to it. The fact that you looked and saw at all says a lot. It’s great that your travel companions are patient enough to allow you the occasional dalliance. And when you have more time to explore, you do.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom. I do enjoy the freedom of wandering around solo just so I don’t frustrate others. So many are moving towards a location and do not take the time to see all of the journey. Yes, we can find images in all sorts of scenes. I could have spent several minutes with just the bicycle rack.
Anita Jesse
You have some pretty neat co-workers or you have trained them well. I am curious about what they thought you saw when you stopped. It is unlikely that most of them got even a glimpse of what caught your eye—other than the generic “bike rack”. I agree with Ken. This part of what defines style—what stops you in you tracks—what you are compelled to photograph.
Monte Stevens
Nor can I put words to define what pulls me. I just shoot.
Paul
I would imagine that they saw it, sort of. However, it was just more noise, distraction of everyday life, easily dismissed. We, as photographers, seem to be really drawn to certain scenes and others may stop, look, and wonder: “What the heck is he looking at.” 🙂
Monte Stevens
Totally agree!