“Our eye must constantly measure, evaluate. We alter our perspective by a slight bending of the knees; we convey the chance meeting of lines by a simple shifting of our heads a thousandth of an inch…. We compose almost at the same time we press the shutter, and in placing the camera closer or farther from the subject, we shape the details – taming or being tamed by them.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson
I stood and looked at this scene for a while. I found it appealing with the light and shadows, knew there was an image there but had questions running through my mind. Where did I want to stand or kneel? Did I need to step back or forward? Did I want someone within the frame or not? Strangely, without lifting the camera to my eye, I walked through the portico and turned around. I think walking through was the best thing I could have done. Observing it was not enough, I needed to walk within it and experience the shadows, the light, the marble walls. It was then I raised the camera. It seems I shoot fewer images to get the feel and look I want as I progress through this photographic journey. What about you?
13 Comments
Paul
What a lovely shot, Monte. Yes. When I walk around, look, take things in at different angles, I tend to take a lot fewer shots, but come away feeling more satisfied, usually, with those that I did take.
Monte Stevens
That does not surprise me about you. 🙂
Ken Bello
This is a great shot, Monte. I, too, like to walk around and soak in the atmosphere, but I shoot when the impulse hits. Yes, I take more shots, but each shot brings me closer to what I need. Pixels are easily recycled.
Monte Stevens
My multiple shots are my landscapes, making sure I get a good exposure. And, I will still shoot impulsively.
Faye White
Fabulous shot! I agree about taking fewer shots now. Unless it’s those darned hummingbirds. 😉
Monte Stevens
Dragonflies are the same, quick as a wink. Thanks, and you did a nice job on the humming bird.
Anita Jesse
I still go back and forth between following impulses and time to think. Often, I take three to five shots to find that the first one is the one I like best. Then, sometimes I don’t find the picture until I have taken time to absorb the scene. Maybe, one day I will have a more reliable “system”.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Anita, you bring up a good question, “Is there a reliable system?”
Earl
I don’t always know the reasons for some of my shots…impulses as described by Anita or Ken. I may be taking fewer shots but that’s not any kind of goal I’ve ever had.
It’s like hitting a moving target…I change so my reaction to things changes — I learn from studying those reactions through my photography which means I again change in some minuscule way…and so it goes, on and on. 🙂
Great shot by the way!
Monte Stevens
I agree with you and I have no goal of shooting fewer images, it just seems as though it happens. As I evolve, or grow or whatever term you wish yo use, as a being so do my images. I also think they each feed the other.
Eric Easley
This phot is just awesome!
Eric Easley
I mean photo
Monte Stevens
Thanks, my good friend! As you can see, I’m a street walker. 🙂