How to See Like a Photographer - Part 6
MORE THAN A HERO
Going beyond the destination by learning to value the journey.
Of course everyone loves the view from the top, but think back to your most precious memories in nature, the ones you keep coming back to. We're sure that part of the reason the memories have stayed close to you are because of the experiences that came before and after the view.
STORIES OF A MOUNTAIN TOP ARE BORING.
Of course everyone loves the view from the top, but think back to your most precious memories in nature, the ones you keep coming back to. We’re sure that part of the reason the memories have stayed close to you are because of the experiences that came before and after the view.
When we think of nature photography or outdoor adventures, our minds often jump to the “hero shot”—that jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring view from a mountaintop, or the golden sunset painting the sky. While these moments are undeniably captivating, they’re often just the tip of the emotional iceberg. In today’s lesson, we explore the idea that the most indelible memories you collect from nature are often not in these grand vistas, but in the small, easily overlooked details along the way.
Whether it’s the laughter that bubbles up from an awkward joke among friends, the mesmerizing pattern of dew on your tent in the morning light, or the unexpected fragrance that a campfire lends to your al fresco dinner, these are the experiences that truly stay with us. We’ll delve into why these ‘small moments’ have such a big impact and how to train your eye—and your heart—to find them.
Remember the last time you navigated a trail and felt the gravel underfoot, heard the rustle of leaves, or caught the scent of damp earth? Or have you ever closed your eyes when you felt the wind to experience its invisible beauty? Nature’s invitation to see more often comes through one of our other senses. Learning to notice these multi-sensory markers enhances our visual experience and allows you to become a more perceptive and articulate reader of the world around you, both visually and emotionally.
A FACT OF NATURE.
Many ancient cultures not only used natural landmarks like rivers and mountains for navigation but also as storytelling elements, evoking emotions and keeping histories alive. Similarly, by incorporating all your senses, you can deepen the stories told by each scene you encounter, making them as multi-dimensional as nature itself.
GET OUT THERE AND START SEEING LIKE A PHOTOGRAPHER
Lesson:
The Importance of Reflection
The road to mastering perception is paved with little moments— Reflecting on these details through a visual diary not only enhances your awareness but deepens your emotional connection with your experiences.
Thinking Exercise
Start a “Journey Journal,” capturing not only the sweeping vistas but also the minute details, the unsung heroes of your outdoor experiences. Document what you felt, who you were with, and the little things that made the moment special.
Take note of the things that made the end of the journey feel “worth it.” The good things, but also the hardships. Salty and sweet is what makes it taste like life.
Now if you want to, think about how you can turn these moments into photos, that together tell the entire emotion of your journey.
Want more? Try this.
As you scan a scene, try to visualize what your other senses are experiencing. How could you capture the rustling of leaves in a still image? Can you make the viewer feel the grittiness of sand or the moisture in the air through contrasts and textures?
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Frames
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLE JOURNEY
In photography, a “frame” is a visual border around your main subject, helping to isolate and highlight it, much like how our personal, cultural, or scientific “frames” help us focus and make sense of our world amidst its complexity. Using frames in your shots directs attention to your subject, offering a clean, organized view and often adding a dynamic layer to your composition.
On your next outdoor adventure, seek out natural frames in your environment: an archway of intertwining tree branches above a woodland path or a unique space formed between scattered rocks. These frames not only draw attention to your main subject but also provide context, creating a compelling visual story within a single snapshot. Challenge yourself to identify and utilize these natural frames, turning ordinary scenes into striking, focused photographs that guide and captivate the viewer’s attention.
PATH NAVIGATION
Color
Light and Shadow
Depth
Patterns
Contrast
Frames
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