One reason I do a lot of macro and close focus photography is this style really forces us to slow down and actually see the scene [edited to correct typo, originally said scent should have been scene] vs. just snapping a shot. With wildlife sometimes we have to take what nature presents to us but the ones that make my portfolio are always the ones I really visualize before pressing the shutter button.
Hi Kim, excellent video;made me think about my own photography. I retired December 2022 and this has given me more opportunity to see rather than just looking. I've found that I tend to see when the subject really captures me. I spend more time and thinking a bout the composition. Sometimes, especially with clouds, I have to look as they often change shape fairly quickly or the light changes failrly quickly. Still need to work on this as the results often turn out so different from what I saw with my own eyes.
i could spend all day photographing the clouds,every hour of the day will give you a different & interesting composition no matter were you are in the country
I like to look for things to see. Sometimes I will stop to soak in the moment and move on, maybe even take a quick snap to remind me of it. Sometimes I stop to look for something to see. Sometimes I look to plot my return in different conditions and see it differently. Photography slows down time in a way that helps me to absorb the moments. Whether it is time with friends and family or just taking in the world around me at the moment. There's always something to see. I just have to look for it.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video with us. I love every photo’s, I also enjoy very much taking pictures of the sky and clouds there is so much peace it.
Thanks Kim ……I so look forward to Sunday mornings & your new Video. I have only just started out in photography but am loving it following your videos continues to give me lots of ideas…….and I keep seeming to get drawn into taking pics of birds!? Who knew?! I do not work due to several disabilities, but photography & your videos have given me a new lease for life…thank you so much.
This is so beautiful to hear! Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and share your thoughts. It's lovely my videos give you some inspiration
Thanks Kim for another thoughtful video. In the field sometimes I look, and sometimes I see. Then often in Lightroom after cropping and light editing I see. Cheers, Doug
Well, yes and no. Sometimes I look, sometimes I see. Sometimes I'm blind. That used to bother me but ultimately found that it's ok. Sometimes, there's nothing there. Thanks for a 'thinking' video.
Thanks Kim for sharing your experience.....I am both a looker & a see'er as I take most of my pics when just walking around...I see many opportunities with nature & I try & capture the mood...love macro as well... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can say that I consider myself a looker AND a see’er, and I believe probably all of us are at one time or another. So much depends on our mindset at the time, our mood, the surroundings (if there are a lot of distractors), etc.
Good discussion Kim. I tend to do more "seeing" when I am on my own. For the past year, many of my walks involve a rowdy Sheepadoodle and I don't always have time to do much more than look at an image and snap something before moving on. I am currently trying to carve out time to be outside with my camera alone. I will definitely think about your video next time I go. Nice images, especially the trees and skyline.
I think I am a bit of both, always go out to look, but sometimes the scene makes you look a little deeper. Often when on the PC you see things differently again. A landscape within the landscape even with a crop. Nature is the most incredible muse. Always something to see if you look :) Andy C
Another good video Kim. Interesting that my favorite shot here was the one you said didn't quite work for you .. the lone tree and dark clouds shown at the 4 minute mark.
I do most of my photography (I am hobbyist photographer) while travelling and family events. I think I spend quit a bit of time capturing memories. I need to add the seer part of the photo, to enhance my memories. Thanks for the tip....
Great topic to make you think. I'm a seer unless shooting with a group. Trust me, not always easy to envision the composition and tell a story. Many days I return home excited I captured a good composition only to find a dud on the the big screen.
I guess that I would have to be a seer, because I've never much of a "looker" for say... LOL!!! I was able to do some Sports Photography over the weekend and I found myself seeing the shots as I traced the action. Awesome shots! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Enjoyed the video which raised some great questions. I think I am a looker who struggles with seeing and creating compositions, that's why I watch the online youtubers to learn how and what to look for.
Definitely a seer. I get frustrated when out with lookers who just don't get what I'm trying to do. I prefer to go out alone so I can really tune in! Thanks Kim ❤
Thanks Kim for another sunday morning, the opening shots are amazing. I look at various cloud formations and I see power in them. Guess I am a looker, but will take your suggestion and start see my subject. Thanks again, have a blessed week.
Such a great question and really enjoyed being able to play with it in the webinar. Love those dynamic clouds. And the macro images too. They held a beautiful calmness in them.
I would like to say that photography is an art And the photographer must have the sense of the artist who paints a painting Feelings and our view of things increase the beauty of the picture
Hi Kim, Great video, and a great question about seeing as opposed to looking. In the lone tree image you were not happy with, there are a couple of observations: the white balance looks very blue, especially in the sky, but I was not there, so I don’t know what it looked like; second, the way you have processed the tree, it looks like the mask you may have used has included a lot of sky behind the tree, so it looks like there is a bright light behind the tree, which may not have been there and there is also a hint of haloing around the tree. If you return to this scene, the composition could benefit from a different perspective to avoid the distant hills cutting through the bottom of the tree’s canopy.
Thanks for your thoughts. I was aware of the issue with the tree and the light behind it in editing (partly why I didn't like it). The joys of photography is we all see and edit differently to gain the perspective of what we personally saw. Thanks again for your thoughts ☺️
I haven’t given much thought till now but I’d say that I drift between looking and seeing depending on my mood, state of mind or purpose. I’d say that “looking” for me, is lifting the camera and intuitively choosing an image to capture without overthinking and rather being in the moment. If I had to give it a woo-woo or New Age label then I’d have to go with a Taoist philosophy/mindset of just being in the moment and going with the flow. But not in a lazy way of just lifting the camera and pressing the shutter like a zombie just to document “I was there”. As for really “seeing” I’d say this is more analytical. I’m making conscious and deliberate design choices of every aspect. This process begins as: * A thought * Doing research * Planning the subject and time and place * Choosing what kit to bring, packing my bag * Choosing the camera, angle, composition in the frame, exposure length, aperture size, focal length, ISO, white balance, lighting and any other number of things. Some of those things can be done intuitively through knowledge and experience of your craft and fall into “Looking”. But to really “See” then you have to consciously engage in the project from inception to final creation on the screen or in print. My videography is more “Seeing” as it’s a different mindset with a different set of skills. As for creating a Vlog of taking photos, then unless you were really ”Seeing” because of the very nature of two different disciplines, you’d have nothing to show for your efforts other than a lot of useless B Roll and a few snaps that don’t fit a story. I’d say you tick all those “Seeing” boxes both intuitively and consciously. You also tick the “looking” boxes with moments of unplanned inspiration that presented themselves with presence of mind, skill and experience. My finger hurts after pecking all that on my iPad.😂😂
Thanks for taking the time to write this Frank! It's great to write it all out, giving you the chance to see your own process and how you personally see the world. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I hope your fingers have recovered and your mind is enriched. 😂
I’m definitely both because I tend to go out and snap away quite happily then later when the images are uploaded to my laptop I can see the possibilities I missed the first time out. Later I will revisit the location and look more into what I missed, sometimes even a change in the conditions can bring inspiration. From the images you shared I absolutely love the lone tree, it speaks volumes to me.
I find I start as a watcher and become a seer because normally, my mind needs time to focus its self, then it begins to see what is around me and I relax and get into a nice mood, and begin to get in tune with my subjects.......
Depends how much time I got if I'm just visiting a location for a short time I tend to be a looker if it's a location I've been in the past or I can visit often I'm a seeer.
To me looking and seeing are one and the same - I do both at the same time. It's a visual process without words or mental constructs - That's why I do it.(photography).
I've always got my head in the clouds, so your first image is exactly what I'm looking for - yet not necessarily seeing. I've chosen the theme of 'green and purple' these last two weeks - it is Wimbledon fortnight after all. Last image ❤❤❤❤❤👍
I've always found that pictures call out to me. I may be looking for a good composition, but if I try to "force" it the shot never seems to work out how I plan. It's more instinctive. I've told people this a bunch of times because I honestly believe it. The difference between a photographer and a regular person is this: A regular person takes a picture of something. A photographer takes a picture with something in it.
I don't use the word seer which usually implies a clairvoyant but I do see compositions as I walk around. Normally I'm just looking as I use photography to document the presence of dragonflies and damselflies for research purposes. Even with those opportunities I often see a composition that will please viewers other than me!
Fabulous video 😁😊 As a hobby photographer I totally love when I can capture birds in flight, mostly this is pretty spontaneous as I like to go for long walks and just take what a I can get, for this I am a looker 😊 however for macro, I feel that I have more time and I love the little creatures and plants and do my best to capture them in their habitat in a way that shows them off to the best of my ability so for this I would consider myself as a seer 😊 I am probably a looker for landscapes and I capture what I really think looks good and I maybe even think about how awesome a location is but I couldn’t say I feel at one with them, just a fabulous admiration, especially true for mountainous regions 😊
Enjoyed the video as usual Kim. I thought the image of the line of trees against the sky was nice. It was also interesting to find out what you are thinking about when you take macro image's of the insect's. Nice image's. Look forward to the next one. Take care.
Reminds me of the Sherlock Holmes quip when someone says to Holmes “you see things I don’t see” “On the contrary”he replies “We all see the same, the difference is I observe “
I go out looking, with a general idea for the day. Once I decide, I start seeing images. Only taking the shot when what I visualize turns into what my saw and can work with.. So, guess I'm a see photographer. So much more feeling than seekng
A very interesting question. 🤔 I think better photos definitely come from doing more thinking, taking time to see the whole picture and decide how best to capture it. But sometimes something will just appear in front of you and there's no time to ponder, it has to be captured immediately or missed.
Brilliant video. I'm definitely a looker and a see'er. I panic shoot images at first glance in case the conditions change then slow down and take in the entire scene and its elements. I'm more of a see'er with my insects and flowers. I always stop and take time enjoying the subjects. Brilliant subject to ponder as always. The macro moth image had both myself and my son oohing at how beautiful it was ❤
Thank you for sharing your thoughts May! It's lovely to hear how you're slowing down and seeing the smaller subjects that really interest you. Delighted you both liked the moth image ☺️
I’m probably a bit of both looker and seer 👀 sometimes a quick shot turns out to be pretty good. I got myself a 70-300 VR zoom lens (105-450 FX equivalent) and need to find some time to go out and use it. The tree picture would look awesome in black and white.
Thanks for your suggestion and thought. I did convert it to back and white when editing but personally didn't like it. There was no connection for me but understand another may see it differently
As a Travel and Landscape photographer, I'm a "Looker" to "Become a See (er). but its way more just that. "Intent" when becoming. Know what your looking at. Ansel Adams once said, "Previsualize, Previsualize, Previsualize" and of course, have fun. :o)
Hi Kim …like others, I think I am both a looker and seer depending on the situation. When shooting on my own (which I prefer) I can take my time to ‘see’ but when with friends I become a looker as they tend to ‘click’ and move on. I really liked your ‘ Trees and Skyline’ photo and thought it would have looked good in mono too. Thank you for the video 😊
I am a looker, I snap the picture review the picture on my camera and say to my inner self. What is the subject? than I might change my focus or move myself and setup a different frame.
I photographed them at F8. My ISO was higher than it needed to be at 800 giving me a fast shutter speed of 1/2000 secs. Not needed here but I don't always pick the "advised" settings for my images. I've recognised that there's many ways to get the same image. This is one reason why I don't always share my settings. There's so much to consider that doesn't always come across in a video (what lens/focal length, how steady your hands are if handholding, how quick the clouds are moving etc). Hope this makes sense
Hi😃 Great video, again. I think that I’m both, looker and seer😬 sometimes there comes a image/picture that I just point and shoot. But most of the time I have a specific object, or landscape/seascape in mind when i go out with my camera. I live on a minor island in the Baltic Sea, and we have a stunning nature, dislike anything in the rest of Denmark. So it’s easy to “imagine” the perfect combination of waves, sun, wind, and so on the get some good images😃 and photography reduces your stress, don’t know what I would do without it 📷 ohh, the cloud just over the trees looks like something from star wars😇
The Japanese call it satori. This happened for me going back to the exact same spot for the exact same frame every opportunity for about a month for a sunrise, which is something I can't recommend strongly enough. I recommend everyone pick a favourite location and go back repeatedly for sunrise, watch the world wake up and you will begin to see it all as one. See, time to the sun is measured by millennia as time to the trees is measured in centuries as time to the cow's is measured by days as time to you is measured by hours. See all the unimaginably large systems of order contain the chaos.
To those of us who flirt with being a bit "older," your question conjures up the whole premise for the Simon & Garfunkle song, "The Sounds of Silence." Just a thought. Bill
Hmm, I'm afraid I ended up in the "wrong" category on this question. My brain works rather slowly, and I very rarely seem to get the best results the first time I try photographing something. Seems like I tend to squeeze of my shots before the images are sufficiently "processed" in my mind. So, when I get home and start thinking, I may come up with some better ideas to composition, viewing angles and so on. The result is that I keep coming back to the same locations again and again, always trying to improve on the first images a made. Luckily I prefer photographing static images like landscapes, trees and buildings😂
There's no such thing as the wrong category. Photography, as with all creative means, is a process of learning, developing and uncovering yourself and what you love. In time you'll be a seer (and possibly already are but as not aware of it) ☺️
Hi Kim, A very thought provoking video. I appreciate it very much. I think the WHY question is fundamental to all activities in life. It determines the outcome of our activities. I feel that this also determines the level to which we immerse ourselves into the activity. Personally, I try to set the context. I try to imagine a scene with the subject and then try to capture the picture accordingly. I have also tried to use portrait orientation to capture the nature. Thanks again!!
Enjoyed this week’s images. I think the image of the lone tree is a lovely one. I think I am both a looker and a seer . Your question is interesting. In other areas of life the more deeply involved I am the more I see. For me it’s a complex question. Sometimes I need a. Couple of looker shots to warm up. Then I will see a shot I know is my image of the day. Then there are times I connect with an image while editing or even days or weeks later. Sometimes I set out with an image in mind when , my image for the day intervenes. I tend to photograph nature because of its beauty. Sometimes I just go out to see what nature provides.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and process. I really enjoyed reading your comment. Lovely to hear how you feel and create your images. There's a lot in the question I guess and we certainly approach things differently on different days
Thank you for this inspiration. I think in terms of a spectrum underlying the proposition of a picture: Often after looking but sometimes after seeing. Thank you for sharing your style of photography. I like your extension into the formats of your pictures. This has been a real mind opener.
I am autistic. I tell people that because that's a clue I see the world differently. Of course, if you know nothing about autism, it doesn't help you at all. if you think you know about autism, probably your head is full of stereotypes, that's not helpful either. As a nurse, I hope you have some good knowledge. I recommend a book, the Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin. It's not about photography, but it should give you insights into people who are autistic. Whenever you talk about mood, emotion, feelings, composition and so on, it goes straight over my head. That said, your process isn't a lot different from mine, I probably do it more quickly. Autistics generally see more, and make more photos than neurotypicals. Your first photo, I think I could make an impressive black and white photo from it, in LrC. I think you should interview Eva Polak on your podcasts. She's Polish, not resident in NZ. Her take on photography is a bit different from yours.
Thank you for your book and podcast recommendation Paul. I'll be sure to look into Eva's work ☺️ Appreciate not everyone will follow or understand my process. I have worked with a few autistic photographers. Everyone is different. I'll be sure to look into the book recommendation too. In my UA-cam videos, I share my journey and process. When I work with people one on one it's about them and theirs. Appreciate some of my work flow may be challenging for some to understand. I'm delighted you can relate some of it to your own process and work flow though ☺️
Hi Kim, Until now I've never considered a term could exist for the way I search a scene for a way that I could create an image to 'tell my story' of what I'm seeing. I often see a beautiful scene but sometimes I just don't see a way of creating an image that would do it justice or tell it's story so I don't create the image... Is this a hindrance to my photography or a driving force to create more meaningful images? I'm still researching this topic and i doubt I'll ever answer this conundrum 😊 Love the challenging questions that you are asking of our photography and connection to nature 👍 Cheers, Stu
Thank you for your thoughts Stu. I guess we all see and feel into our photography differently. Some see stories, others see subjects or opportunities. We're all different, along with our processes. I guess so long as we enjoy what we do and it works for us - keep doing you 😀
Nikon. Unless Nikon has mended its ways in its line of mirrorless cameras, DO NOT crop in camera. Everyone hard crops JPEGS, those artistic settings are to help photographers who want to make their final images in camera. Nikon is the only manufacture I know of to do a hard crop of the raw file, others store the crop into in the EXIF data to be used or overridden in post production. A problem I have with Nikon (and Canon) is exemplified in that lens. It's designed to cover a 36x24mm sensor and a mount to match. I have a 100-400, it's much smaller than yours. It's designed to cover a 17.3x13mm sensor, so doesn't need the much larger diameter. For the wild life crowd there's the 150-400 for a lot more currency units.
I nearly always do my cropping of the RAW files in post processing. Sometimes, if it's a Square crop, I'll do it in camera - but nearly always in post. It's certainly good for people to know this if they don't like JPEGs files.
My tip for wind turbines: shoot them in mono, with dramatic clouds behind them. I liked your shot of the lone tree, with the different layers of colour and the clouds around the tree. I find that when photographing the sky, it is best to bracket the shot ±3 stops and to combine them as an HDR shot. You'll find the finished shot much easier to process.
One reason I do a lot of macro and close focus photography is this style really forces us to slow down and actually see the scene [edited to correct typo, originally said scent should have been scene] vs. just snapping a shot. With wildlife sometimes we have to take what nature presents to us but the ones that make my portfolio are always the ones I really visualize before pressing the shutter button.
Hi Kim, excellent video;made me think about my own photography. I retired December 2022 and this has given me more opportunity to see rather than just looking. I've found that I tend to see when the subject really captures me. I spend more time and thinking a bout the composition. Sometimes, especially with clouds, I have to look as they often change shape fairly quickly or the light changes failrly quickly. Still need to work on this as the results often turn out so different from what I saw with my own eyes.
i could spend all day photographing the clouds,every hour of the day will give you a different & interesting composition no matter were you are in the country
Fantastic photographic philosophy. I think when starting out in photography one is a looker and then with experience becomes a seer.
I like to look for things to see. Sometimes I will stop to soak in the moment and move on, maybe even take a quick snap to remind me of it. Sometimes I stop to look for something to see. Sometimes I look to plot my return in different conditions and see it differently. Photography slows down time in a way that helps me to absorb the moments. Whether it is time with friends and family or just taking in the world around me at the moment. There's always something to see. I just have to look for it.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video with us.
I love every photo’s, I also enjoy very much taking pictures of the sky and clouds there is so much peace it.
Thanks Kim ……I so look forward to Sunday mornings & your new Video. I have only just started out in photography but am loving it following your videos continues to give me lots of ideas…….and I keep seeming to get drawn into taking pics of birds!? Who knew?!
I do not work due to several disabilities, but photography & your videos have given me a new lease for life…thank you so much.
This is so beautiful to hear! Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and share your thoughts. It's lovely my videos give you some inspiration
Thanks Kim for another thoughtful video. In the field sometimes I look, and sometimes I see. Then often in Lightroom after cropping and light editing I see. Cheers, Doug
Well, yes and no. Sometimes I look, sometimes I see. Sometimes I'm blind. That used to bother me but ultimately found that it's ok. Sometimes, there's nothing there. Thanks for a 'thinking' video.
Great question. I think I am both. See the bigger scene first then start to see smaller details. Still trying to improve in "seeing". Lovely images.
Thanks Kim for sharing your experience.....I am both a looker & a see'er as I take most of my pics when just walking around...I see many opportunities with nature & I try & capture the mood...love macro as well... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can say that I consider myself a looker AND a see’er, and I believe probably all of us are at one time or another. So much depends on our mindset at the time, our mood, the surroundings (if there are a lot of distractors), etc.
Wonderful macro photography! That's such a beautiful area to.
My motto on my web site is "don't just look, really see". Great photos and great subjects for black and white !!
Love your motto Robert! Thanks for sharing
Good discussion Kim. I tend to do more "seeing" when I am on my own. For the past year, many of my walks involve a rowdy Sheepadoodle and I don't always have time to do much more than look at an image and snap something before moving on. I am currently trying to carve out time to be outside with my camera alone. I will definitely think about your video next time I go. Nice images, especially the trees and skyline.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective Gisele. Much appreciated
I think I am a bit of both, always go out to look, but sometimes the scene makes you look a little deeper. Often when on the PC you see things differently again. A landscape within the landscape even with a crop. Nature is the most incredible muse. Always something to see if you look :)
Andy C
Brill video again Kim. Realised I sometimes look but sometimes one who sees and thinking about it better images come from seeing
Another good video Kim. Interesting that my favorite shot here was the one you said didn't quite work for you .. the lone tree and dark clouds shown at the 4 minute mark.
Great video as always Kim So inspiring Thankyou I think I look but certainly am trying to SEE more Thankyou again 😊
I do most of my photography (I am hobbyist photographer) while travelling and family events. I think I spend quit a bit of time capturing memories. I need to add the seer part of the photo, to enhance my memories. Thanks for the tip....
Great topic to make you think. I'm a seer unless shooting with a group. Trust me, not always easy to envision the composition and tell a story. Many days I return home excited I captured a good composition only to find a dud on the the big screen.
I guess that I would have to be a seer, because I've never much of a "looker" for say... LOL!!! I was able to do some Sports Photography over the weekend and I found myself seeing the shots as I traced the action. Awesome shots! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Enjoyed the video which raised some great questions. I think I am a looker who struggles with seeing and creating compositions, that's why I watch the online youtubers to learn how and what to look for.
Interesting to hear your thoughts Jeff. Seeing certainly becomes easier with time ☺️
Definitely a seer. I get frustrated when out with lookers who just don't get what I'm trying to do. I prefer to go out alone so I can really tune in! Thanks Kim ❤
Thanks Kim for another sunday morning, the opening shots are amazing. I look at various cloud formations and I see power in them. Guess I am a looker, but will take your suggestion and start see my subject. Thanks again, have a blessed week.
Such a great question and really enjoyed being able to play with it in the webinar. Love those dynamic clouds. And the macro images too. They held a beautiful calmness in them.
Thank you Denise! It's so good to see you out there exploring and connecting more deeply 😊
I would like to say that photography is an art
And the photographer must have the sense of the artist who paints a painting
Feelings and our view of things increase the beauty of the picture
Thank you for reminding us to see and think about what we are doing.
ALWAYS enjoy your work and videos Kim. Your insight into photography is so helpful as I try to grown in this field I have chosen.
Thank you very much Bruce!
Hi Kim, Great video, and a great question about seeing as opposed to looking. In the lone tree image you were not happy with, there are a couple of observations: the white balance looks very blue, especially in the sky, but I was not there, so I don’t know what it looked like; second, the way you have processed the tree, it looks like the mask you may have used has included a lot of sky behind the tree, so it looks like there is a bright light behind the tree, which may not have been there and there is also a hint of haloing around the tree. If you return to this scene, the composition could benefit from a different perspective to avoid the distant hills cutting through the bottom of the tree’s canopy.
Thanks for your thoughts. I was aware of the issue with the tree and the light behind it in editing (partly why I didn't like it). The joys of photography is we all see and edit differently to gain the perspective of what we personally saw. Thanks again for your thoughts ☺️
I haven’t given much thought till now but I’d say that I drift between looking and seeing depending on my mood, state of mind or purpose.
I’d say that “looking” for me, is lifting the camera and intuitively choosing an image to capture without overthinking and rather being in the moment. If I had to give it a woo-woo or New Age label then I’d have to go with a Taoist philosophy/mindset of just being in the moment and going with the flow. But not in a lazy way of just lifting the camera and pressing the shutter like a zombie just to document “I was there”.
As for really “seeing” I’d say this is more analytical. I’m making conscious and deliberate design choices of every aspect. This process begins as:
* A thought
* Doing research
* Planning the subject and time and place
* Choosing what kit to bring, packing my bag
* Choosing the camera, angle, composition in the frame, exposure length, aperture size, focal length, ISO, white balance, lighting and any other number of things.
Some of those things can be done intuitively through knowledge and experience of your craft and fall into “Looking”. But to really “See” then you have to consciously engage in the project from inception to final creation on the screen or in print.
My videography is more “Seeing” as it’s a different mindset with a different set of skills. As for creating a Vlog of taking photos, then unless you were really ”Seeing” because of the very nature of two different disciplines, you’d have nothing to show for your efforts other than a lot of useless B Roll and a few snaps that don’t fit a story.
I’d say you tick all those “Seeing” boxes both intuitively and consciously. You also tick the “looking” boxes with moments of unplanned inspiration that presented themselves with presence of mind, skill and experience.
My finger hurts after pecking all that on my iPad.😂😂
Thanks for taking the time to write this Frank! It's great to write it all out, giving you the chance to see your own process and how you personally see the world. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I hope your fingers have recovered and your mind is enriched. 😂
I’m definitely both because I tend to go out and snap away quite happily then later when the images are uploaded to my laptop I can see the possibilities I missed the first time out. Later I will revisit the location and look more into what I missed, sometimes even a change in the conditions can bring inspiration. From the images you shared I absolutely love the lone tree, it speaks volumes to me.
Thank you very much for sharing your process Barry! Great to hear your thoughts
I find I start as a watcher and become a seer because normally, my mind needs time to focus its self, then it begins to see what is around me and I relax and get into a nice mood, and begin to get in tune with my subjects.......
Depends how much time I got if I'm just visiting a location for a short time I tend to be a looker if it's a location I've been in the past or I can visit often I'm a seeer.
To me looking and seeing are one and the same - I do both at the same time. It's a visual process without words or mental constructs - That's why I do it.(photography).
I've always got my head in the clouds, so your first image is exactly what I'm looking for - yet not necessarily seeing. I've chosen the theme of 'green and purple' these last two weeks - it is Wimbledon fortnight after all. Last image ❤❤❤❤❤👍
I've always found that pictures call out to me. I may be looking for a good composition, but if I try to "force" it the shot never seems to work out how I plan. It's more instinctive. I've told people this a bunch of times because I honestly believe it. The difference between a photographer and a regular person is this: A regular person takes a picture of something. A photographer takes a picture with something in it.
Lovely words and perspective! Really spoke to me. Thanks for sharing
I don't use the word seer which usually implies a clairvoyant but I do see compositions as I walk around. Normally I'm just looking as I use photography to document the presence of dragonflies and damselflies for research purposes. Even with those opportunities I often see a composition that will please viewers other than me!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts
Thanks Kim for another great video - very provocative and inspiring with some beautiful images 🙏
Thank you for your kind words and for watching
Fabulous video 😁😊 As a hobby photographer I totally love when I can capture birds in flight, mostly this is pretty spontaneous as I like to go for long walks and just take what a I can get, for this I am a looker 😊 however for macro, I feel that I have more time and I love the little creatures and plants and do my best to capture them in their habitat in a way that shows them off to the best of my ability so for this I would consider myself as a seer 😊 I am probably a looker for landscapes and I capture what I really think looks good and I maybe even think about how awesome a location is but I couldn’t say I feel at one with them, just a fabulous admiration, especially true for mountainous regions 😊
I too really like the "distant tree and skyline" shot. Thanks for the great ideas.
You're welcome Greg. Glad you like the image
Enjoyed the video as usual Kim.
I thought the image of the line of trees against the sky was nice.
It was also interesting to find out what you are thinking about when you take macro image's of the insect's.
Nice image's.
Look forward to the next one.
Take care.
Thank you Tim
Reminds me of the Sherlock Holmes quip when someone says to Holmes
“you see things I don’t see”
“On the contrary”he replies
“We all see the same, the difference is I observe “
I go out looking, with a general idea for the day. Once I decide, I start seeing images. Only taking the shot when what I visualize turns into what my saw and can work with..
So, guess I'm a see photographer. So much more feeling than seekng
Thank you!
A very interesting question. 🤔
I think better photos definitely come from doing more thinking, taking time to see the whole picture and decide how best to capture it.
But sometimes something will just appear in front of you and there's no time to ponder, it has to be captured immediately or missed.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Denise
@@kimgrantphotography Denise? 😂
Brilliant video. I'm definitely a looker and a see'er. I panic shoot images at first glance in case the conditions change then slow down and take in the entire scene and its elements. I'm more of a see'er with my insects and flowers. I always stop and take time enjoying the subjects. Brilliant subject to ponder as always. The macro moth image had both myself and my son oohing at how beautiful it was ❤
Thank you for sharing your thoughts May! It's lovely to hear how you're slowing down and seeing the smaller subjects that really interest you. Delighted you both liked the moth image ☺️
I’m probably a bit of both looker and seer 👀 sometimes a quick shot turns out to be pretty good. I got myself a 70-300 VR zoom lens (105-450 FX equivalent) and need to find some time to go out and use it. The tree picture would look awesome in black and white.
Thanks for your suggestion and thought. I did convert it to back and white when editing but personally didn't like it. There was no connection for me but understand another may see it differently
Being very new to photography I am training myself to "see" a composition. It's going to take time, I think.
As a Travel and Landscape photographer, I'm a "Looker" to "Become a See (er). but its way more just that. "Intent" when becoming. Know what your looking at. Ansel Adams once said, "Previsualize, Previsualize, Previsualize" and of course, have fun. :o)
Hi Kim …like others, I think I am both a looker and seer depending on the situation. When shooting on my own (which I prefer) I can take my time to ‘see’ but when with friends I become a looker as they tend to ‘click’ and move on. I really liked your ‘ Trees and Skyline’ photo and thought it would have looked good in mono too.
Thank you for the video 😊
Thank you for sharing you thoughts. Much appreciated 😊👍🏻
Thank you for your videos… Love them
I can't help thinking of the film Avatar when the heroes say to each other "I see you".
Three little words, deep meaning.
I am a looker, I snap the picture review the picture on my camera and say to my inner self. What is the subject? than I might change my focus or move myself and setup a different frame.
Hi Kim! A quick question if I may? What settings did you use to create the cloud images?
I photographed them at F8. My ISO was higher than it needed to be at 800 giving me a fast shutter speed of 1/2000 secs. Not needed here but I don't always pick the "advised" settings for my images. I've recognised that there's many ways to get the same image. This is one reason why I don't always share my settings. There's so much to consider that doesn't always come across in a video (what lens/focal length, how steady your hands are if handholding, how quick the clouds are moving etc). Hope this makes sense
@@kimgrantphotography Makes perfect sense! You're right there's always so much more to consider than meets the eye! Thanks Kim!🙂
Hi😃 Great video, again. I think that I’m both, looker and seer😬 sometimes there comes a image/picture that I just point and shoot. But most of the time I have a specific object, or landscape/seascape in mind when i go out with my camera. I live on a minor island in the Baltic Sea, and we have a stunning nature, dislike anything in the rest of Denmark. So it’s easy to “imagine” the perfect combination of waves, sun, wind, and so on the get some good images😃 and photography reduces your stress, don’t know what I would do without it 📷 ohh, the cloud just over the trees looks like something from star wars😇
Thank you for your kind words and for also sharing your thoughts on how we create and envision your images. Much appreciated
The Japanese call it satori. This happened for me going back to the exact same spot for the exact same frame every opportunity for about a month for a sunrise, which is something I can't recommend strongly enough. I recommend everyone pick a favourite location and go back repeatedly for sunrise, watch the world wake up and you will begin to see it all as one. See, time to the sun is measured by millennia as time to the trees is measured in centuries as time to the cow's is measured by days as time to you is measured by hours. See all the unimaginably large systems of order contain the chaos.
Beautiful comment. Thank you for sharing
To those of us who flirt with being a bit "older," your question conjures up the whole premise for the Simon & Garfunkle song, "The Sounds of Silence." Just a thought. Bill
hallo kim.. i from malaysia...i like video2 kim....best..ok tq.
I visualize, a lesson learned from Ansel Adams, to image the finished image before you push the button.
Hmm, I'm afraid I ended up in the "wrong" category on this question. My brain works rather slowly, and I very rarely seem to get the best results the first time I try photographing something. Seems like I tend to squeeze of my shots before the images are sufficiently "processed" in my mind. So, when I get home and start thinking, I may come up with some better ideas to composition, viewing angles and so on. The result is that I keep coming back to the same locations again and again, always trying to improve on the first images a made. Luckily I prefer photographing static images like landscapes, trees and buildings😂
There's no such thing as the wrong category. Photography, as with all creative means, is a process of learning, developing and uncovering yourself and what you love. In time you'll be a seer (and possibly already are but as not aware of it) ☺️
Hi Kim,
A very thought provoking video. I appreciate it very much. I think the WHY question is fundamental to all activities in life. It determines the outcome of our activities. I feel that this also determines the level to which we immerse ourselves into the activity. Personally, I try to set the context. I try to imagine a scene with the subject and then try to capture the picture accordingly. I have also tried to use portrait orientation to capture the nature.
Thanks again!!
Glad you enjoyed the video. The why question is certainly a very important one. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated
Enjoyed this week’s images. I think the image of the lone tree is a lovely one. I think I am both a looker and a seer . Your question is interesting. In other areas of life the more deeply involved I am the more I see. For me it’s a complex question. Sometimes I need a. Couple of looker shots to warm up. Then I will see a shot I know is my image of the day. Then there are times I connect with an image while editing or even days or weeks later. Sometimes I set out with an image in mind when , my image for the day intervenes. I tend to photograph nature because of its beauty. Sometimes I just go out to see what nature provides.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and process. I really enjoyed reading your comment. Lovely to hear how you feel and create your images. There's a lot in the question I guess and we certainly approach things differently on different days
Thank you for this inspiration. I think in terms of a spectrum underlying the proposition of a picture: Often after looking but sometimes after seeing. Thank you for sharing your style of photography. I like your extension into the formats of your pictures. This has been a real mind opener.
Delighted you enjoyed the video. Thanks also for sharing your thoughts on your one process.
I am autistic. I tell people that because that's a clue I see the world differently. Of course, if you know nothing about autism, it doesn't help you at all. if you think you know about autism, probably your head is full of stereotypes, that's not helpful either. As a nurse, I hope you have some good knowledge.
I recommend a book, the Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin. It's not about photography, but it should give you insights into people who are autistic.
Whenever you talk about mood, emotion, feelings, composition and so on, it goes straight over my head. That said, your process isn't a lot different from mine, I probably do it more quickly. Autistics generally see more, and make more photos than neurotypicals. Your first photo, I think I could make an impressive black and white photo from it, in LrC.
I think you should interview Eva Polak on your podcasts. She's Polish, not resident in NZ. Her take on photography is a bit different from yours.
Thank you for your book and podcast recommendation Paul. I'll be sure to look into Eva's work ☺️ Appreciate not everyone will follow or understand my process. I have worked with a few autistic photographers. Everyone is different. I'll be sure to look into the book recommendation too. In my UA-cam videos, I share my journey and process. When I work with people one on one it's about them and theirs. Appreciate some of my work flow may be challenging for some to understand. I'm delighted you can relate some of it to your own process and work flow though ☺️
It isn´t enough to look. You must also see.
I’m a real looker 😉
Good vision Kim, mindfulness in photography is very important. Definitely a seer here 🤔
Hi Kim,
Until now I've never considered a term could exist for the way I search a scene for a way that I could create an image to 'tell my story' of what I'm seeing. I often see a beautiful scene but sometimes I just don't see a way of creating an image that would do it justice or tell it's story so I don't create the image... Is this a hindrance to my photography or a driving force to create more meaningful images? I'm still researching this topic and i doubt I'll ever answer this conundrum 😊
Love the challenging questions that you are asking of our photography and connection to nature 👍
Cheers, Stu
Thank you for your thoughts Stu. I guess we all see and feel into our photography differently. Some see stories, others see subjects or opportunities. We're all different, along with our processes. I guess so long as we enjoy what we do and it works for us - keep doing you 😀
@@kimgrantphotography Totally agree Kim, I love seeing others creativity.
Nikon.
Unless Nikon has mended its ways in its line of mirrorless cameras, DO NOT crop in camera. Everyone hard crops JPEGS, those artistic settings are to help photographers who want to make their final images in camera. Nikon is the only manufacture I know of to do a hard crop of the raw file, others store the crop into in the EXIF data to be used or overridden in post production.
A problem I have with Nikon (and Canon) is exemplified in that lens. It's designed to cover a 36x24mm sensor and a mount to match. I have a 100-400, it's much smaller than yours. It's designed to cover a 17.3x13mm sensor, so doesn't need the much larger diameter. For the wild life crowd there's the 150-400 for a lot more currency units.
I nearly always do my cropping of the RAW files in post processing. Sometimes, if it's a Square crop, I'll do it in camera - but nearly always in post. It's certainly good for people to know this if they don't like JPEGs files.
@@kimgrantphotography I have no objection to JPEG, other than it's impossible to make my intended photos from them.
Kim says that plants and wildlife species are all helping each other. Actually they are all eating each other!
I think it’s called an ecosystem.
Maybe you’ve heard of the concept from your Keyboard Warrior duties?
My tip for wind turbines: shoot them in mono, with dramatic clouds behind them.
I liked your shot of the lone tree, with the different layers of colour and the clouds around the tree. I find that when photographing the sky, it is best to bracket the shot ±3 stops and to combine them as an HDR shot. You'll find the finished shot much easier to process.
Thanks for the suggestions Dougie. It's great that we all see different opportunities and ways to photograph a scene
My wife is a looker and luckily I'm the see er.
Sorry Kim
I "take" photos and then I "make" images in Post Processing.
💜👍💜👍📷