landscape,  quotes,  sunrises

Learning to See

January 26, 2011
Arapahoe Nature Area

“You learn to see by practice. It’s just like playing tennis, you get better the more you play. The more you look around at things, the more you see. The more you photograph, the more you realize what can be photographed and what can’t be photographed. You just have to keep doing it.” – Eliot Porter

I did a bit of fly fishing a few years ago. A newbie needs to learn the mechanics of casting so the fist step is to practice casting with a fly rod in the backyard: the 2:00 o’clock, 10 o’clock thing. Lot’s of practice. But once on the river we became aware of the difference of mastering the mechanics and seeing the fly land delicately on the water then drift to the spot we want. A good fly fisherman will visually follow the fly, watching to see the trout rise and take the fly. This takes more practice, lots more practice.  We must learn to see the fish take the fly or we will miss opportunities. A veteran will see those fish rise and take home his limit.

Since picking up a camera back in 2003, practice has become an everyday experience. Each time I pull the camera out of the bag, hold it in my hand, press the shutter, it is practice. As we practice the mechanics become second nature and allows the scenes to be seen. Earl asked me a question about the lighting in one of my images a couple days ago. In answering his question, I realized I no longer am taking snapshots but learning to see images.

I’m back in the air again today, starting a 4-day trip. This will be my last trip out of Columbus as I start flying out of Denver in February. Packing is basically done. All I have to do is put it in the car and hit the road. Later.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

10 Comments

  • QPB (Mary Ann)

    January 26, 2011 at 5:36 am

    One of the blog authors I read says there is no such thing as talent, it all has to do with practice–and I agree with both of you. Same parallel for life, I think.

    Monte, I wish you the best of luck on your last trip before heading back to Colorado. You’re right, we’ll still be blog neighbors, even several states away. Take care!

    • Monte Stevens

      January 26, 2011 at 1:24 pm

      And, I hope to continue this adventure. This image is from the the Arapahoe Nature Area near Fort Collins. I will be looking forward to venturing back to this area. I wonder how much development has creeped in and around it.

  • Anita Jesse

    January 26, 2011 at 11:18 am

    A hearty amen from this corner! Beautifully stated.

    By the way, I am amused that we each fell in love with a camera at about the same time. Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks?

    Have a great flight after your farewell to Columbus as home base along with a safe and happy trip home. Look out Denver!

    • Monte Stevens

      January 26, 2011 at 1:27 pm

      I’m now in Kansas City for the afternoon. Pigged out on BBQ, with the crew, for lunch. Now fat and happy. Yes, us old dogs need to learn new tricks and remember a few of the older ones.

    • Monte Stevens

      January 29, 2011 at 10:36 am

      Thanks, Alan. I took this several years ago and just loved it. I now see it with different eyes so the feeling about it has changed. It was an image I needed to take as it is a part of my growth. I look at it now and wonder what I would I find the next time I go there, it would not be the same. 🙂

    • Monte Stevens

      January 29, 2011 at 10:43 am

      Thanks, Mark. Some may wonder how many hours and days we do practice but that is irrelevant as long as our practice is honing our skills and nurturing our create spirit. I see you do that all the time! Have a good weekend, Mark!