Technical...artistic...of both, which are you?

[crimbfighter]

I've realized lately I seem to be falling victim to a large divide when it comes to photography. The difference between artistic and technical. I know, based on a lot of work I've seen, that there are people out there that possess both skill sets. I, however, am not one of those people.

I possess a very high level of technical understanding, such as the mechanics of a camera, how everything works and affects the photo. All that stuff, I get. And can apply it when confronted with a specific technical challenge. What I lack, is artistic vision. I have lacked this all my life. I think I have a very underdeveloped ability to look at a real work scene, and envision how it will translate into the photo I want. Or, transversely, envision a photo I want, and figure out how the real world needs to be set up to accommodate.

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve my artistic vision? Has anyone else found they can succeed with only one of those skills, or are they equally important in pushing past an average level? And which do you consider yourself?

 

[NikonNewbie]

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve my artistic vision? Has anyone else found they can succeed with only one of those skills, or are they equally important in pushing past an average level? And which do you consider yourself?

LSD:thumbup:

 

[arcooke]

I've got the eye. Not so much on the technical end yet as far as photography goes, but I'm still learning.

When presented with a scene, I can sit there and sort of form a picture in my head, and see the final product in my head before I take the picture. I kind of zone out when I go into this mode, and block out whatever's going on around me.

I just started with photography a couple months ago, so I'm still learning. That said, I'm not too hot on the technical side of things yet. But, I do also have a technical side (I'm a software developer).. so I don't think I'll have too much of a problem there.

I got my artistic side from my mother's side of the family (many artists on that side). I used to draw a lot when I was younger, then moved onto digital art and spent about 10 years doing the graphic design thing for a living.

Other than art school, or reading books on the topic, I really don't know what to suggest.

 

[NikonNewbie]

I was j/k I dont condone drug use :er:...as for me...I sure as heck dont get the tech part...so I'll have to go wtih artistic...as I was an art major...but once I stopped doing drugs...all my creativity went away.
and thats no joke.

 

[crimbfighter]

LSD:thumbup:

I was j/k I dont condone drug use :er:...as for me...I sure as heck dont get the tech part...so I'll have to go wtih artistic...as I was an art major...but once I stopped doing drugs...all my creativity went away.
and thats no joke.

:lmao: Suuuure, back when you stopped :mrgreen:
You know, it's actually funny, I've dealt with a lot of people on LSD, and it's interesting to listen to them describe their experience while on it. For some people, I'm sure it does increase their creativity. Just not a trip I want to take... :er:

I got my artistic side from my mother's side of the family (many artists on that side). I used to draw a lot when I was younger, then moved onto digital art and spent about 10 years doing the graphic design thing for a living.

I think this is what I'm afraid of... My dad's side of the family has artists. His mother was a fantastic artist. She could draw and reproduce things from memory like it was right in front of her. Unfortunately, I think the artistic gene died with her. Neither my dad nor my brothers got the gene...

I've tried reading some books, but it just doesn't seem to sink in. I'm sure it will come some more with time and experimentation. But then again, the brain is wired how it's wired...

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Creativity is a difficult thing to teach.

I'm from the camp that believes you either have it, or don't.

If you have it, but it was never fostered, it can be brought out. It takes time and patience.

I've been involved in the arts since I was 8 years old.
When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always, "an artist".

Your books will only take you so far. You need a teacher that can ask you questions as you go along. I love working with children in the arts. It's fun to ask them tough questions about what they are doing and making them think. Often, their "answers" amazing. Creativity is a thought process.

 

[Robin Usagani]

None of the above. I just take 1000 pics and hopefully one is a gem

 

[arcooke]

If you have trouble mentally framing a shot.. definitely try doing this.

I know for a lot of people, it's not that they don't have the creative eye, it's that they're simply incapable of drawing out the scene in their mind. If you're able to discern a well framed photo from a poorly framed photo, you've got the eye.. at least a little. Doing this WILL help, and it might even help train your brain into creating the scene mentally, without the help of your hands. And by all means, take your time.

 

[pgriz]

The way we see things and understand them is cultural, in that we attach labels and meanings to various objects. It's a very convenient short-cut, but it also obscures the underlying elements of the object(s). One way to break out is to invoke the right side of your brain. Betty Edwards wrote a book on this (see: Learn to Draw: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain courses), and her method emphasizes the development of five skills, which are perceptual, and carry over well to the photographic realm. I've been introduced to this method by my artist wife, who applies it in teaching art to all age groups. It's a very neat way to SEE apart from what we've been conditioned to recognize.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Great book!

I have it.

Forgot about it though.

 

[white]

I think creativity can be taught, but you have to open yourself up. You can't be the guy who rolls his eyes at poetry or abstract art because you think it is pretentious. You can't dismiss rap as music because it doesn't have a country twang.

Creativity comes easy for me, but I look at a lot of art, and I've been drawing since I was a kid.

 

[mishele]

I'm w/ Bitter a little w/ this. I see the creativity that goes into art as a talent. I can play basketball. I can be taught the ins and outs but I will never be Michael Jordan. You can teach someone what looks good in a photo but they will only be able to COPY what they have been shown. Not branch out and discover their own idea. There is always the exception but most people that don't have the eye have a hard time finding it.

 

[nahtanoj]

is dumb luck an option?

 

[mishele]

is dumb luck an option?

Always.......lol

 

[kundalini]

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve my artistic vision?

Visit museums on a regularl basis. Ask yourself why this or that piece is on display.