In Episode 535 of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore a topic that’s been on my mind for weeks: the art and practice of seeing in photography. Not gear. Not technique. Just the fundamental skill of observation and connection. One of the highest compliment I can get on a photograph is: “That’s a well-seen image.” It tells me I noticed something others might have missed—and that I was able to translate that moment into something that resonates.
But real seeing goes beyond just having a good eye. Too often, I’ve found myself reacting to a scene—snapping a frame because something caught my attention—without fully understanding why. And often, those images end up feeling a little flat or disconnected.
The “What Do I See?” Exercise
To break that pattern, I started doing something incredibly simple: I began asking myself—over and over—“What do I see?”
Step 1: Start with the Obvious
When I first arrive at a scene, I begin by naming what’s clearly in front of me:
- Objects.
- Color
- Shapes and Textures
Step 2: Go Deeper—No Repeats
After that first pass, I ask again—but I don’t allow myself to repeat anything. This forces me to notice more:
- Relationships
- Light and Shadow
- Negative Space
That extra layer of awareness changes everything. I start to notice how the wind shifts the grass or how the sky’s color reflects in a puddle I didn’t even register at first.
Step 3: Shift Your Perspective
Eventually, I stop just cataloging and start really engaging. That’s when I ask:
- Why did this scene catch my eye?
- What am I feeling right now?
- What if I moved? Changed my lens? Waited for different light?
How it changes the photographs
I think it give me a more intentional compositions. When I’m clear on what I see—and why—I can make stronger compositional choices. I’m no longer reacting; I’m creating. It has changed my editing and processing, because I’ve already identified what matters, post-processing becomes focused and purposeful. I’m not guessing—I’m refining. Finally, the more I practice seeing, the more connected I feel—to the moment, the image, and myself. If this kind of intentional seeing speaks to you, consider joining one of my workshops. I’m running the Meaningful Image workshop again in October, and I host free webinars throughout the year. Sometimes, just sharing what we see with others helps us see more clearly ourselves.
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