The REAL Secret To Get Better At Photography β€” Vision

Pat Kay
19 Mar 202113:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video explains that having vision as a photographer means comprehending visual language through recognizing patterns - like color, contrast, composition, etc. These patterns are like words that convey meaning. Good photographers combine patterns intentionally to communicate emotion and tell visual stories. To improve, study and practice recognizing patterns. Analyze photos for patterns. Take a new pattern each week, learn extensively about it, then photograph it daily. Build this visual lexicon to master fully-intended, visually impactful photography.

Takeaways
  • πŸ˜€ Most people can't articulate why they like certain images - it's instinctual
  • πŸ“· Mastery of photography is about understanding visual language patterns
  • πŸŒ„ Combining visual patterns creates meaning beyond the individual parts
  • 🎨 Intention and deliberation separates good photographers from greats
  • πŸ” Vision is built through pattern recognition in the real world
  • πŸ“š There are endless visual patterns to explore - color, contrast, frames etc.
  • πŸ“† Dedicate time each week to understand and apply a new pattern
  • πŸ‘€ Review work of photographers skilled in different patterns
  • πŸŽ₯ Try the POV video series to see patterns applied in the field
  • 🌎 Understanding patterns allows you to communicate visually in images
Q & A
  • What is the real secret to mastering photography according to the speaker?

    -The real secret to mastering photography is developing your vision - your ability to comprehend visual language through pattern recognition.

  • What does it mean to have vision as a photographer?

    -Having vision as a photographer means having a comprehension of visual language - understanding how elements like color, contrast, balance etc. work together to communicate meaning.

  • How can understanding patterns help you become a better photographer?

    -Understanding visual patterns allows you to identify and combine them intentionally in your own images to better communicate meaning and emotion.

  • What is the advantage of combining multiple patterns in an image?

    -Combining multiple visual patterns creates images with richer, multi-faceted meaning - it allows you to tell more complex visual stories.

  • What is the intention behind the example image analyzed in the script?

    -The example image uses patterns like contrast, color, balance and negative space to convey a feeling of scale, vastness and loneliness in a desert landscape.

  • What is the practice suggested to improve your photographic vision?

    -The speaker suggests deeply studying one visual pattern per week, going out into the field daily to spot and practice using those patterns in your own images.

  • Why is breaking compositional rules not recommended?

    -Deliberately breaking rules changes their predefined visual meaning - so only break them intentionally when you understand those implications.

  • What are some examples of abstract visual patterns?

    -Some examples of abstract visual patterns include color, contrast, juxtaposition, balance, visual hierarchy etc.

  • What are some examples of compositional patterns?

    -Some examples of compositional patterns include frames, lines, shadows, texture, vanishing points etc.

  • How can studying other photographers help improve your vision?

    -Studying photographers skilled at using certain visual patterns can help you understand creative ways to apply those patterns in your own work.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“Έ Introduction to Developing Photographic Vision

The paragraph introduces the idea that most people do not fully understand why they like certain photos. However, as photographers creating the images, it is important to develop 'vision' - a deeper comprehension of visual language patterns that evoke emotions and communicate meaning.

05:00
πŸ“ Understanding and Using Rules and Patterns in Compositions

This paragraph discusses photographic rules and patterns like the rule of thirds. It notes that rules have predefined meanings, so breaking them should be done intentionally. The key is developing fluency with visual patterns to combine them effectively to communicate meaning.

10:01
🎨 Analysis of Patterns in a Sample Image

The paragraph analyzes the patterns used in a sample image, like contrast, a single color, balance, a small subject to suggest scale, and negative space to imply vastness. Combining patterns tells a story and evokes emotions - the essence of photography.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘vision
Vision refers to a photographer's ability to see the world in terms of visual patterns and comprehend visual language. According to the script, vision is the most important skill for a photographer to develop. It allows photographers to communicate meaning and intention through their photos by deliberately combining visual elements and patterns.
πŸ’‘intention
Having intention means creating images deliberately and artfully to communicate a specific message or evoke particular emotions. Photographers with strong vision set out to capture images that convey meaning through conscious and thoughtful combinations of visual patterns.
πŸ’‘patterns
Patterns refer to recurring visual elements like colors, lines, contrast, etc. that form the building blocks of visual language. Identifying and combining patterns is key to developing photographic vision. Examples of patterns discussed include minimalism, vanishing points, visual hierarchy, etc.
πŸ’‘meaning
When photographic patterns and elements are combined purposefully, images start to convey meaning - i.e. communicate stories, evoke emotions, suggest ideas, or put forth opinions. Mastering photography is about learning to create images full of artistic intention and visual meaning.
πŸ’‘language
The script compares visual patterns in photography to words in a spoken language, which can be combined to form sentences with rich layers of meaning. Photographers with strong vision have fluency in "visually speaking" through images.
πŸ’‘rules
Rules in photography, like the rule of thirds, are patterns with defined visual meanings. Breaking the rules changes the meaning but can be done deliberately to achieve certain intentions.
πŸ’‘recognition
Pattern recognition refers to identifying recurring visual elements (colors, lines, light, etc.) in the real world and within photographic compositions. It is the core muscle photographers must develop to master their craft.
πŸ’‘juxtaposition
Juxtaposition means placing contrasting visual elements (like colors, shapes, sizes etc.) side-by-side to suggest meaning. For example, juxtaposing a small human against a vast landscape conveys scale.
πŸ’‘balance
Balance refers to the visual weights within a photo composition. An imbalanced photo can feel unstable but that may match the intention. A balanced composition feels harmonious and lets a viewer understand it easily.
πŸ’‘minimalism
Minimalism means using the bare minimum visual elements needed to convey the idea. Pairing down helps create clarity and visual hierarchy around the key subject, allowing it to communicate meaning strongly.
Highlights

The real secret to mastering photography won't be found in shortcuts or camera hacks, but in developing your vision and intention.

Your vision allows you to pick up any camera and make compelling images wherever you are.

Having photographic vision means comprehending visual language - recognizing patterns that have meaning when used deliberately.

Good photographers communicate intentionally with visual patterns to suggest things, tell stories, and evoke emotion.

Rules like the rule of thirds have predefined visual meaning. Break them with intention and understand the impact.

Develop a lexicon and fluency with visual patterns to identify them in the real world and use them in your compositions.

When you combine multiple patterns, you get multi-faceted meaning and visual storytelling - the genesis of photography.

Study and practice one visual pattern intensively each week to improve your photographic vision.

Good vision requires comprehending visual language through recognizing patterns.

Photography is a game of pattern recognition and using patterns to communicate visually.

If you want good vision, understand visual patterns and use them with intention.

Check out the POV video series to see pattern practice in action.

Go make images that use deliberate patterns to communicate meaning.

The key is developing your photographic vision by recognizing and using visual patterns.

Progress comes from intensive, repetitive practice with specific visual patterns.

Transcripts
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