Viewpoints (2024)
07th April 2024
With two simple springtime pictures I hope to show you how a story can change, simply by altering where you stand. I was visiting a private garden to see and enjoy a beautiful magnolia in flower. My first picture, (not shown), featured a long shot of the whole tree in its setting. That is the one most people would take, possibly followed by a closer shot of a bloom or two. I looked at the latter but found it challenging to isolate a specific specimen. But I looked around for alternatives which appealed to me. Picture 1 was the result.
By going closer and including a portion of a path, the flowers became more prominent. There was also a hint of a path. But that added feature was incomplete and inconclusive. So I moved my viewpoint once more, by just a pace or two, until I had my second picture.
I found this second picture was more rewarding. Let me tell you why.
The more complete view, in the second picture, immediately starts to tell a story. The path takes you on a visual journey in a way that was missing in the first picture. It leads to a hint of the property, but leaves much to the viewer's imagination. That is important. It helps to engage the viewer in a way which is missing in the first version. In fact, I always aim to engage the viewer visually. It is a challenge, not easily met. But very worthwhile trying to achieve.
Then, just as I was finishing my photographic session, a house-cat arrives and inspects the object of my curiosity. So, a final grab-shot proves that you have to be ever-vigilant for the unexpected opportunity.
All three pictures were taken on my Leica CL, fitted with my winter standard zoom lens, the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 L-mount.
Post-script
My analysis is a personal one and is subjective. There is no right or wrong conclusion. It is perfectly possible for a viewer to reach a different choice. Please express your views and reasons freely. We can all learn from each other.
By going closer and including a portion of a path, the flowers became more prominent. There was also a hint of a path. But that added feature was incomplete and inconclusive. So I moved my viewpoint once more, by just a pace or two, until I had my second picture.
I found this second picture was more rewarding. Let me tell you why.
The more complete view, in the second picture, immediately starts to tell a story. The path takes you on a visual journey in a way that was missing in the first picture. It leads to a hint of the property, but leaves much to the viewer's imagination. That is important. It helps to engage the viewer in a way which is missing in the first version. In fact, I always aim to engage the viewer visually. It is a challenge, not easily met. But very worthwhile trying to achieve.
Then, just as I was finishing my photographic session, a house-cat arrives and inspects the object of my curiosity. So, a final grab-shot proves that you have to be ever-vigilant for the unexpected opportunity.
All three pictures were taken on my Leica CL, fitted with my winter standard zoom lens, the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 L-mount.
Post-script
My analysis is a personal one and is subjective. There is no right or wrong conclusion. It is perfectly possible for a viewer to reach a different choice. Please express your views and reasons freely. We can all learn from each other.