As a photographer I tend to see the world a little bit different from say someone who isn’t a photographer. Most people don’t stare at their plate of bacon and eggs and think “Hmmmm, that would make one great macro shot of that bit of curled bacon there.” Or when on vacation taking the typical shots of the tourist attractions but also looking at the people that are there, their faces, their hands; the detailed carving in a stone monument or get up really early or right before sunset and climb up a mountain or hill to get THE sunrise/sunset shot.
We see the beauty in an old grungy about to fall over building as well as in the teeny tiny toes of a baby. We will go through all sorts of conniptions to get that ideal shot in all manner of weather because that is what we see. Many a time we have been walking together someplace when either DH will point out something he thinks I might find interesting or he will find himself walking and talking to himself because I have stopped and have my head turned to the side eyeballing something pondering “the shot”. He’s used to it now.
We all see our world differently from the next person and even if you put a bunch of photographers in the same setting there would be a lot of the same photos but also a lot of different ones because that’s the nature of “seeing.” Take a look at this photo for example. What do you see? It is a little stream flowing under a high bridge but what do you see? Leaves? Water? Rocks? Mud? Tree roots? Just stuff? Or do you see the ripples in the water, the color of the leaves and what type they are or the reflections in the water? Do you see how some leaves are bunched up while others aren’t as much? Did you notice how at the top of the photo the leaves, roots and flow of the water are almost in a zig zag pattern? What else do you see and if you were standing where I was what would you have taken a shot of?
Take the time to look at the world around you; there may be more to “see” than you’ve possibly realized before.
F5.6 – 1/40 – ISO320 – 35mm – Canon 5D
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
Good words and nice exercise with the picture to challenge readers of this post!
Thank you 🙂
I am not a professional photographer, but have always found myself looking at the world differently when out and about because of my camera.
My husband and I were driving a couple days ago, on our way to an appointment, and the sun rising behind a mountain lit up a small section of at-their-fall-peak bushes just across the little river – it was one of those perfect moments in nature that will never be repeated. And we couldn’t stop. The way the sun and clouds and seasons change so quickly, I’ll never be able to capture that again.
Some days I find that photographic eye in intrusion into daily life … but I do appreciate that I see things differently compared to others who just see the total picture around them.
I enjoyed reading of *your* creative mind when you are out and about! It helps me appreciate your photography even more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Cindi. I’ve had those moments too of walking or driving around and seeing that once in a potential capture and not having my camera (shame on me) or not being able to pull off the road safely. I bet that was a beautiful sunrise.
I love this little glimpse into the life of a photographer. You really do see the world in a different way! So interesting!
The first thing that strikes me about the photograph is the way the light is reflecting off the water. It almost looks like it could be a different substance toward the bottom of the photo.–Lisa
Good catch, Lisa! It does look a the bottom as if there is a bit of an oil slick or something. I think it might have been just the shadows of the bridge or some of the bigger trees 🙂
Yes, I love years ago, I started picking up a camera…it has changed my whole view of the world. Great post.
Thank you, it does indeed and isn’t it grand?
Great post Teri! We photographers do see things differently than most folks…I’m not sure whether it is because we take the time to see or if there is just an awareness of our surroundings. Either way, I’m glad we do…the world has so much to offer!
We are a different lot aren’t we? But all artists regardless of medium see the world differently and that makes it all so wonderful.
Yes, and your talented eyes captures the most interesting things as well as the beauty that surrounds us – thanks for sharing what you do!!!!
You’re most welcome 🙂
How true, Teri, and the example of eggs and bacon is perfect to illustrate your point. That photo is beautiful!
Thank you. Working on the shot from the bottom up 🙂
Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse of how a photographer thinks. I love the photo you shared. It amazes me how one person can see beauty in unexpected places and then can share that beauty with other. What a wonderful treat to find you via the SITS Sharefest.
Thank you for stopping by. I enjoy sharing the world around me with others 🙂