{"id":27795,"date":"2016-03-14T10:59:29","date_gmt":"2016-03-14T17:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=27795"},"modified":"2016-03-14T11:02:40","modified_gmt":"2016-03-14T18:02:40","slug":"learn-how-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/03\/14\/learn-how-to-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn How to See"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Hasselblad<\/p>\n

I always make excuses for myself in my photography. I always think my equipment and camera is the limiting factor. I feel that I have a creative genius inside\u00e2\u20ac\u201d wishing to come out. But I feel I cannot unlock that inner-genius without the agency of a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good enough\u00e2\u20ac\u009d camera.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I think that shooting film will help me render images that are more faithful to my creative vision. I think that shooting black-and-white will better render my emotions into images. Sometimes I feel that a more pastel-like color palette from shooting Portra 400 will render that. Sometimes I feel that 35mm-film is too limiting; that medium-format will better give my images the \u00e2\u20ac\u01533d-ness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that they deserve.<\/p>\n

When was the last time I really \u00e2\u20ac\u0153looked\u00e2\u20ac\u009d at her?<\/h2>\n
\"Berkeley,
Berkeley, 2015 #trix1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This morning I woke up, and looked over to my left. I saw Cindy, fast-asleep, snoring (cutely), and the light coming down on her face from outside. Even though we have our blinds closed, there were little streams of white-light flowing through; hitting her in the face.<\/p>\n

I then looked at her face\u00e2\u20ac\u201d really looked at her face, and for the first time saw<\/em> the color of the light, and the color of her skin. I then asked myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When is the last time I really gave a good look at Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

I then nudged Cindy to wake up; then headed to the bathroom and took a cold shower. Got out; had a shot of espresso, and just stood outside, looking at the trees.<\/p>\n

Cindy came out, and sat on the couch; contemplating her day. I then sat down, and gave her a really good look in the face\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I saw all of the fantastic proportions in her face, her nicely tweezed eyebrows, the almond-brown color of her skin, and her luscious lips. I gave her a big smile, and kissed her. She gave me a weird confusing look as if saying, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Eric, you weirdo.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I smiled back; and told her, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u201d when is the last time I really looked at your face? You are beautiful.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Another kiss on the forehead.<\/p>\n

When was the last time I was curious with my eyes?<\/h2>\n
\"LA,
LA, 2012 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I then sat in the middle of my apartment (on my green fake grass IKEA rug) and looked around my apartment. I am generally so busy, so caught up with all my fancy electronics, my own business concerns, and everything else in life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that I have forgotten to really see, and forgotten how to look; and to be curious with my eyes.<\/p>\n

Be nosy<\/h2>\n
\"SF,
SF, 2014 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The other day I was at Philz coffee in San Mateo, and it was a really cool new interior and space. High ceilings; bustling techies working away on their laptops, and nice art on the walls. Before even ordering, I walked around like an old Asian man (arms crossed behind my back), and just looked around, and peered at the space. I tried to look at every single detail\u00e2\u20ac\u201d from the color of the countertops, the type of wood they used in the ceiling, the colors of the art on the wall, and also analyzing the people sitting in the cafe (while also peering into their laptop screens; curious what they were working on).<\/p>\n

I got a lot of weird looks from people who noticed me just standing around; looking like a dope, and just looking<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Which made me realize\u00e2\u20ac\u201d who really \u00e2\u20ac\u0153looks\u00e2\u20ac\u009d anymore\u00e2\u20ac\u201d who is really curious and amazed by the world anymore, and who could really \u00e2\u20ac\u0153see\u00e2\u20ac\u009d anymore\u00e2\u20ac\u201d with these 4\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 (now 5\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u2122) devices that block our vision, and emit this brutal blue\/white-light into our faces?<\/p>\n

We are screwed.<\/h2>\n
\"Tokyo,
Tokyo, 2014 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I recently experimented with the new Oculus Virtual Reality headset for the Samsung smartphone and was amazed by the technology. When I had all the settings calibrated, I literally felt like I was in a different world. For about an hour I forgot I was in my apartment in Berkeley; I felt like I was either in outer-space shooting aliens, or in a fancy NYC loft, or riding a bus in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

While I love new technology and I had a great time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d when I took it off, I thought immediately to myself: humanity is screwed.<\/p>\n

We are already disconnected enough as it is already with our smartphones. I am the first to admit that I cannot stand in line at the grocery store or wait at the bus stop without being audio-visually stimulated. I need either to be distracted or stimulated by reading blogs, reading a book, listening to music, or learning something. I have lost the ability to simply stand, look around, enjoy my own company, and appreciate the beauty of the world and people around myself.<\/p>\n

If having our field-of-view distracted by smartphones is bad enough; imagine how bad it will be in the (near) future when people will wear virtual-reality helmets or goggles in cafe\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s or on the bus\u00e2\u20ac\u201d totally disconnected from reality. How will we be able to really \u00e2\u20ac\u0153see\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the beauty of the real world\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and how will this affect us as photographers?<\/p>\n

Our most valuable tool<\/h2>\n
\"Melbourne,
Melbourne, 2014 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a photographer, our most valuable tool is our eyes. Our vision\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the way we see and interpret and perceive the world.<\/p>\n

Our eyes have a bajillion-rods and sensors that perceive the wavelengths of light in different ways. Then this information is fed into our brains, which interpret this light in different ways. We perceive color, texture, contrast, and depth.<\/p>\n

If you think about it\u00e2\u20ac\u201d cameras (and sensors) are pretty dumb. They don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have near the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153dynamic range\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of the human eye. If you ever looked into a sunset and realized you could see the foreground and the bright sunset (both equally lit) this is the amazing power of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153high dynamic range\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of your eyes. Then when you took out your smartphone to take a photo, you might have been disappointed to realize that your camera could only either expose correctly for the sunset or the foreground (unless of course, you \u00e2\u20ac\u0153HDR\u00e2\u20ac\u009d your photos).<\/p>\n

One big difficulty I have been having with digital photos is trying to get the skin tones of human skin to look appealing to me. But then again I wondered to myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do I really know what human skin tone looks like \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcin real life\u00e2\u20ac\u2122?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Once again, I took a good look at Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s skin this morning, and realized that because of the white\/green\/blue light coming from outside, her skin had a tinge of green. Her skin wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t this pure tangerine-orange skin tone I imagined it to be.<\/p>\n

Digital distractions<\/h2>\n
\"Venice,
Venice, 2013 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When we are out shooting on the streets, I think one of the worst things that obstruct our vision is not only our smartphones and devices\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but our own concerns of our lives. When we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out taking photos, instead of focusing on trying to find beauty around us\u00e2\u20ac\u201d we are distracted and concerned about our finances, whether we will be able to pay the bills this month, whether our kids are doing drugs, whether our loved ones are cheating on us behind our backs, how many likes we are getting on Instagram, or what you plan on cooking for dinner that night.<\/p>\n

And as I mentioned earlier\u00e2\u20ac\u201d we attribute our lack of creative insight and vision because of our tools. But our main tool; our eyes, is what is truly being obstructed\u00e2\u20ac\u201d covered in a digital veil covered in grime and dirt.<\/p>\n

How can we learn to see?<\/h2>\n

\"84200022\"<\/p>\n

Everything I mention either in this blog, my writings, videos\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwhatever; I am the first to be guilty of.<\/p>\n

So let me give you some suggestions in terms of what has helped me personally better learn how to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153re-see\u00e2\u20ac\u009d life.<\/p>\n

1. Turn off my smartphone<\/h3>\n
\"Downtown
Downtown LA, 2013 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is probably one of the biggest ones\u00e2\u20ac\u201d learning how to turn off my smartphone. No, not just silence it\u00e2\u20ac\u201d turn it off completely.<\/p>\n

Now my close friends know how annoying it can be to contact me at times (Cindy always yells at me for not having my phone on, because she becomes my \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcdigital secretary\u00e2\u20ac\u2122). But trust me, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t do it to alienate any of my friends or family members\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I do it as an attempt to be more truly-present with the people I am with.<\/p>\n

For example, when I am having dinner with Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to be thinking to myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What photo am I going to upload to Instagram tomorrow morning?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I want to truly be in the moment\u00e2\u20ac\u201d to enjoy my time with her. I want to appreciate the space of the restaurant I am at with her\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the ceilings, the color of the table, the ambiance, the kindness of the waiters, or the smell or flavor of the food. For some reason, when I have my phone on, I feel like I cannot truly concentrate.<\/p>\n

Similarly when I am out just going on a walk\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I will turn off my phone completely. The second that I turn off my phone, I no longer feel the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153phantom vibrations\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in my pocket. When my phone is off, I feel like suddenly the world looks more \u00e2\u20ac\u01533d-like\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d that I can see the green in the foliage of the trees, that I can see the cracks in the pavement, that I can see the old people laughing and having a good time at the cafe.<\/p>\n

2. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be afraid to look at people<\/h3>\n
\"Istanbul,
Istanbul, 2013 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most difficult things as a street photographer is to deal with confrontation with strangers. Especially when making eye contact with strangers.<\/p>\n

Have you ever been sitting in a cafe or eating lunch, and you see someone interesting from half-way across the restaurant, and you want to just look at them for some reason? But you feel nervous or awkward about it?<\/p>\n

Screw it\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I do it anyways. I will stare at people, not in some creepy way\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but in some admiring and curious manner.<\/p>\n

When people make eye contact with me, I just look back, and give them a genuine smile, and they smile back, and they go about their business again. And then I continue looking, or I just look away and inspect other people.<\/p>\n

As human beings, we are naturally curious\u00e2\u20ac\u201d social animals. There is nothing more interesting than another human being\u00e2\u20ac\u201d especially the human face.<\/p>\n

So rather than feeling awkward and meek about looking at others; try to learn how to cultivate to just look into the eyes of another\u00e2\u20ac\u201d especially a stranger. Cultivate the skill to smile at a random stranger, without quickly averting your eyes and pretending like you were looking at something else.<\/p>\n

3. Unplug your headphones<\/h3>\n
\"London,
London, 2014 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I love music. But the problem with music is when I am listening to music and walking\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I am totally zoned out of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153real world\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see things as vividly when I am having sound-waves blasted into my ears.<\/p>\n

I still find it difficult to walk long distances, especially when I feel bored, without listening to music. But on the occasions I do walk without listening to music, I see a lot more.<\/p>\n

So when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out shooting street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u201d try your best not to listen to music. I know some photographers who like to listen to music while shooting (it helps them get in the groove)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but try it also without<\/em> listening to music.<\/p>\n

One of the benefits of shooting street photography without listening to music is that you can sometimes overhear conversations that might be of interest\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which might draw you closer to them; awaiting to take a photograph.<\/p>\n

Not only that but for practical reasons, not having your headphones on while crossing the street might help prevent you from getting run over by a bus, a taxi, (or nowadays) an inattentive Uber drive texting-while-driving or consulting Google Maps to see where his next pickup is.<\/p>\n

See, appreciate, and record<\/h2>\n
\"Melbourne,
Melbourne, 2013 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I think photography is really three steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. See<\/li>\n
  2. Appreciate<\/li>\n
  3. Record<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    We have to first see<\/em> what we find interesting in the world. Then we have to appreciate<\/em> what we see before our eyes\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and appreciate the inherent beauty in it. Then lastly, we need to record<\/em> that moment (taking a photograph).<\/p>\n

    Photography is really the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153art of seeing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the recording (actual taking of the photograph) is easy. Any smartphone camera can make a picture-perfect image nowadays. But how few people can really see beauty in the world anymore?<\/p>\n

    Meditate in nature<\/h2>\n
    \"Downtown
    Downtown LA, 2013 #portra400<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    I find whenever I am becoming too obsessed with technology, I just go out for a walk, and take nature-photos with my smartphone. This helps me re-connect to my roots (I started off taking photos of landscapes and flowers, like any good beginner).<\/p>\n

    Although cities and the streets are what ultimately interest me\u00e2\u20ac\u201d being able to cultivate your interest in natural beauty is a good way to re-invigorate yourself. And use the most basic equipment possible (once again, smartphone)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and you will see how your photographic limit isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t being hampered by your equipment\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but by your eyes.<\/p>\n

    See, see, see<\/h2>\n
    \"Amsterdam,
    Amsterdam, 2015 #trix1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Your eyes are hungry. Your eyes are hungry to see more beauty in the real world. Your eyes want to consume what you see before it. Feed your eyes\u00e2\u20ac\u201d don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t let your eyes be blocked. Explore the world, have fun, follow your curiosity, be brave, be social, be happy, smile, dance, frolic\u00e2\u20ac\u201d whatever. Be the crazy and weird photographer that everyone looks at funny\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but enjoy your experience of noticing<\/em> beauty, and capturing<\/em> beauty.<\/p>\n

    After all, isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t that what photography is all about?<\/p>\n

    10:47am, March 14, 2016 @ My ghetto standing desk (chair on top of my IKEA dining table) in Berkeley<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    Articles on seeing<\/h2>\n
    \"Marseille,
    Marseille, 2015 #trix1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
      \n
    1. Zen in the Art of Street Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Taoism and\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Follow Your Intuition<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Notice<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Find out What to Photograph, Not How<\/a><\/li>\n
    6. Why Do You Take Photos?<\/a><\/li>\n
    7. Do You Like Your Own Photos?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      I always make excuses for myself in my photography. I always think my equipment and camera is the limiting factor. I feel that I have a creative genius inside\u00e2\u20ac\u201d wishing to come out. But I feel I cannot unlock that inner-genius without the agency of a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good enough\u00e2\u20ac\u009d camera.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27795\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}