The Eye of a Photographer

The world looks different to a photographer than it does to everyone else. Why can a photographer capture flat images and turn them into art? The eye of a photographer sees light, details, shadows, highlights, shapes and how they interact with each other.

photographer eye

Photo captured by Jamie Street; ISO 800, f/5.4, 1/80s.

The world looks different if you see it with both eyes rather than with only one eye. Close an eye and look at an object. Do you see what I mean? Well, by closing an eye before taking a shot, you will have a pretty good idea of what you can expect from your image.

Photographers explore the light and texture. Light is probably their most important tool. Photographers are intrigued by the way the nature of light affects the way things are seen. Intensity, direction, and type of light offer the photographer a potential for visual exploration. Photographers have mastered how to use the rules of composition and know when to break them. Photography is a process.

how to get a photographer's eye

Photo by Morten Skogly; ISO 32, f/2.2, 1/3200-second exposure.

Our eyes work similar to a camera. Here are some facts that you might even find amusing: Our eyes have a resolution of around 560 megapixels. They can differentiate around 10 million shades of colors. The ISO of an eye is not great; it can be measured at around 800, and in low light, our eyes do not see color. The equivalent of the aperture would be f/3.5 with a focal length of 20mm. The great thing about our eyes is that they have auto white balance, auto ISO, and a very high dynamic range.

Some photographers have the eye when they’re born, but most of us develop it after practice and training. It can take several years to begin to notice things differently.

A photographer doesn’t need expensive equipment to take great photos. The best camera gear in the world is not going to help a photographer see or be aware of his or her surroundings. It’s all about the art of seeing. With a photographer’s eye, you see things in a way that others don’t. That different way of seeing makes an impression on the people viewing your images.

techniques for a photographer eye

Photo by Rob Weiher; ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/320-second exposure.

A photographer thinks in photography concepts and sees in terms of photography. If you enjoy taking pictures, your attitude will show up in the final image.

Everything has the potential to be captured. It’s all about picturing an image in your head and making it happen. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

About the Author:
This article was written by Joaquin Duenas. PhotoBlog: theduenitas.blogspot.com. The Duenitas Digital World is based in Miami, Florida and covers South Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

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