Welcome to the August Photography Book Club and our study of Freeman Patterson’s Photography and the Art of Seeing. If you don’t have access to a copy of the book, you can still join in by participating in the exercises and reflections below. If you do have the book, you’ll have a lot more material to draw upon and work with.
For week 1 (August 1-10th), we will focus on the first two sections: Barriers to Seeing and Learning to Observe. Below, I’ve provided a few quotations and exercises that struck me from these sections. (All page numbers refer to the 2011 edition.)
Barriers to Seeing
“The purpose of this book is to help you improve your visual thinking – to observe more accurately, to develop your imagination, and to express a theme or subject more effectively with photographs” (pg. 5).
“Letting go of self is an essential precondition to real seeing … As long as you are worried about whether or not you will be able to make good pictures, or are concerned about enjoying yourself, you are unlikely either to make the best photographs you can or to experience the joy of photography to the fullest” (pg. 7).
In the first section, Patterson provides several photographs taken in or near his home, as well as a description of that “increased sensitivity” feeling one has when returning home and temporarily seeing your familiar space in an unfamiliar light. This week, try to see your home or your everyday surroundings in an unfamiliar way and capture that seeing in your photographs. Or, if you are traveling, capitalize on the unfamiliarity of being in a new place to heighten your awareness.
Learning to Observe
The second section is divided into two main ideas: thinking sideways and relaxed attentiveness. Try one or both of these approaches and share how it impacted your thoughts or photography.
An exercise in thinking sideways: “Draw up a list of some photographic rules; then go out and break them.” So, for example, if you come up with the rule “Always hold your camera steady,” then go out and “Jump up and down in a forest, and press the shutter release as you jump” (pg.27). See how doing something different can teach you something new. Remember that “Your emotional reaction is every bit as important as your rational response” (pg. 28). Or try one of the many other exercises in thinking sideways provided in the book.
An exercise in relaxed attentiveness: “Set aside a minimum of three one-hour periods this week for making pictures … Assemble your basic photographic equipment … Choose something around your home – inside or outside – that you want to photograph” (pg. 37). For each period, spend the first 15-20 minutes sitting down, relaxing your body, and emptying your mind of everything. Only then should you “get up from the chair, pick up your camera, and start making photographs of the object you selected earlier … Stay relaxed, spend all the time you want observing your subject matter, and make only two or three pictures, if that is all you feel like … Simply enjoy yourself” (pg. 37). If you want to push yourself further, try his additional suggestions of spending time focusing your eyes on different details each time or in trying to see thing as only base shapes.
“You will have more ideas for photographs than you ever dreamed possible, and be itching to reveal your new awareness of the world around you” (pg. 40). Do you find this to be true for you?
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Please consider tagging any photographs related to or inspired by this week’s book club with the tag ‘ bookclub-seeing1 ‘ and/or adding your photographs and thoughts about them to this post for discussion. Please also consider joining in the book club conversation with photographers outside of 365 by posting comments or images on the book club blog posts at http://www.archaeofrog.com or by joining the Flickr group: Photography Book Club http://www.flickr.com/groups/photographybookclub/ . (Flickr ‘how to’ details in comments below.)
If you are commenting on an individual’s photograph, please consider clicking on it and then commenting on it directly. If you want to share a comment, thought, or picture with the whole group, then include it on the discussion thread itself.
I will end this week’s post with a word of caution from the book: “Don’t turn them [the exercises] into competitions. Let the incentive be the new ideas they will produce” (pg. 31). So, while there won’t be any formal judging of the tagged pictures, tagging is a great way for others to see and appreciate your work.
Enjoy, and we look forward to seeing your thoughts and images!
For those new to Flickr, here is a bit of an overview about how to join the group and share pictures and thoughts.
Joining the Group:
1. Sign in or set up an account on Flickr (free and you get a terabyte of uploads now).
2. Once signed in, click on or cut-and-paste this link to the group page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/photographybookclub/ (If that doesn’t work, try a search for Photography Book Club in the search bar in the upper right.) Once on the group’s page, you will see a link or button that says ‘Join Group;’ click it.
3. As a member of the group, you can now add pictures to the group or comment on the discussions. Click the ‘discussions’ tab at the top to see and participate in the discussions.
4. Once you’ve joined the group, you can get back to the group page later by going to Communities --> Groups List --> Photography Book Club.
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Adding a Picture to the Group:
1. To add a picture to the group, click the ‘add photos’ button next to the group name (on the group page), then you can choose up to five photos a day from your Photostream to add to the group pool. Once you have clicked the photos you want to share, click the ‘add to group’ button, and they will appear in the group pool.
2. To upload pictures initially: click on the ‘upload’ link at the top middle of the page. Then you can either drag-and-drop photos from your device or you can click on ‘choose photos and videos’ and navigate to the location of the photos. After you select photos, click the blue ‘upload # photos’ button, and these photos will be added to your Photostream. Then you can go back to the group page and add them there.
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Adding a Link or the Picture itself to a Discussion:
1. Upload the picture to your Photostream and add to the group pool if you want.
2. Click on your own picture. Underneath it to the right you will see a little button of an arrow coming out of a box. Click on it.
3. Copy the link to the photo or the html code (which will embed the photo in the discussion just like the code in the ‘share’ box does on 365). Then paste the link/HTML into the discussion thread.
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If you have questions, please ask or you can message me on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/archaeofrog/ (From my page, click the three dots in the right side and choose ‘Send FlickrMail.’
To get the discussion started, here is a picture I took while working through two of the concepts for this week – spending time in a limited location and breaking the rules of photography. This was one of a series of shots I took underneath a pine tree in the back yard. What really grabbed my attention was the patterning of the pine cone, so I decided to break the rule of keeping things in focus. I really like how the lack of focus de-emphasized the pine cone itself and really puts your attention on the patterning and shape.
I'm in the flickr group. My book came in but I haven't read it yet. It appears to be signed or at least someone has written "best wishes Freeman Patterson" inside the front cover.
Hasn't come in the mail yet. Wow, I haven't been at flickr in ages!LOL I like the pinecone, as I gaze at the photo it starts to pull me into a kind of dream state.
Here is my first shot. After reading the book, the initial thing that struck me from the first couple of chapters was to just approach an item and not think about what shots you're looking for - also just to take two or three. I love colour in my photographs so the first thing i thought about using as an object was this umbrella. I'm quite happy with the final result as instantly i just stood it up on its end and took a few snaps.
I put a request in the library for the book, but I haven't been called yet. I will be ordering the book sometime soon, but in the meantime, I appreciate the synopsis you included here. I did take out another book which appeared to have the same theme, John Hedgecoe's New Book of Photography. So, I'm going to try reading similar chapters in that one while I'm waiting for the Freeman book. I've got some "must do" things I need to accomplish first today, but when I take a short break from it, I'll be looking for my first subject. I'll post later in the day, but am so impressed with what's been put up so far!
I don't have a Flickr account yet. Not sure I am ready to commit to another site/discussion to follow yet. So, I look forward to the continuing discussion on here.
And here's my first shot as I concentrated on seeing my home in an unfamiliar way. I'd never consciously noticed the differential effect of the sunlight on the colours and patterns and folds of the curtains in my son's old bedroom before, though the curtains must have been there for 20 years!
@archaeofrog thank you so much for putting this book club together,Katie.I feel like I am taking a photography class!So far,the book is wonderful. I have been practicing letting go...and being present in the moment.
As an early childhood educator ,I can so relate to the concepts in the first two chapters!It reminds me of the Pablo Picasso quote: "Every child is an artist. It's a challenge to remain an artist when you grow up."
Tonight I was eating chocolate ice cream as I finished the chapters....so that is what I took a series of photographs of.
I observed the details and just let go.Is it a masterpiece?No.But the point was to experience a new way of seeing and to learn.I did..and I am looking forward to more!
This is one I did last night. I usually go at these sorts of shots more head on focusing on the eyes, but I did a lot of random things from different angles. I kind of like how this one came out.
There is a lot of ground in this first section. I was a bit lost at times and need to go back and do this in smaller packets. I sort of burned through it because I've spent too long in school and that's always how I approach reading assignments. ;-)
I thought today I would do a sort of take on the familiar things and shoot a bunch of pictures from sitting in my chair and work.
am I on the right track?
I'm more of a numbers person than a letters person truth be told.
So, I read the two sections of the book. A lot to absorb, and a lot that applies not just to photography but life itself - Many times, what is required is not a change in circumstance but a change in perspective. Seeing the images everyone is posting is an education in and of itself. The different interpretations certainly provide so much food for thought.
Breaking the rules of focus while photographing the very focused activity of my cat.I like the surprise of the ball of light near her paw as she was reaching for the string under the cushion.
@nadaa I love the unfocused leaves..the rain looks like glitter. And gives me the feeling of actually being in the rain in way that the focused shots do not.
@darrenboyj Reminds me the quote...do not know who said it.."Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I enjoyed the unfocused utensils because it reminds me of the chaos and rattling movement of my kitchen drawer in a way that I do not think a focused shot would have.
It was fun becoming absorbed in looking for beauty and opportunity in places I rarely venture with a camera..this is a reflection of trees on my husbands car.
It was interesting participating in the "seeing from your pet's perspective " exercise. These challenges have enabled me to see ,and to observe in ways I would not have thought of.Seeing things from other perspectives and keeping my mind open is important in photography ..and in my life.
@nadaa thank you,Nada.I would never have dreamed of looking at a car for inspiration.I am enthralled by the pov from the road in your photograph!
I want to try that...and also picking a single subject and seeing it in new ways as you did with the leaves.I am loving this book!
Yesterday, I looked around my bathroom (as one of the exercises in the book suggested) and found many pretty things including this one. It's been there for a while, but I think after a while you don't see your own space until you stop and consciously focus on it.
I find myself paying so much more attention to detail since starting this project. Water drops are a perfect example. Never before would I have paid so much attention to something like that.
I took a quilting class with Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably a number of years ago, and have never finished the quilt. It's pinned to my design board, and I decided to photograph it today. First, I took photos of it straight on. Then I moved up and down, as suggested in the book. I did not run towards it and click as my attic atelier is too small for that. But then, I realized that the pattern was squares within squares, which called for a rounded shape so I swirled the camera around (can you use that word to describe a camera action?) and practiced various speeds to get the effect of the center flower square being relatively clear but all the ones around it blurred in motion.
New for me, but it reminds me of the creative things that @vankrey is always doing.
Reference photo for what it looks like when not blurred shown here:
http://365project.org/jyokota/challenges-and/2013-08-05
From the 'Chance' exercise - 19 steps from my front door. I certainly felt the desperation he talked about and I nearly gave up, but eventually ended up with nearly 30 shots.
I took a walk downtown at lunch and tried to really look at all the things I see when I take the same walk. I like the way the red on these sprinkler ports stands out from the silver.
well this is shot I liked best of the view from my chair at work. I was goign to do a collage with them but I'm running into the relentless persuit of the daily picture so I haven't had a lot of time to go back and finish everything. So far I've kept up the streak but I have to admit I'm looking forward to year 2 when I can rock back on my heels a bit.
This challenge was based on making the most out of chance opportunities .By tossing a Hula Hoop onto the lawn and investigating what was within the circle. this exercise provided to opportunity to take advantage of a very limited pallet. I had to really focus to find something interesting to photograph. I was hoping for an insect ( of course) but when none appeared I decided to get right down on the ground and see what an insect would see if he were crawling under the clover and dried leaves. :)
I brought my camera to the farm and garden center yesterday. Again, I was amazed at how little we sometimes really see. Our brains see what they expect and stop looking I think. I guess that is what photography is doing for me - retraining my mind to really look at what is there.
Here, I did not even notice the photobomber until I got the image on my computer screen.
I'm off to a late start, but I did manage to spend a half hour in the bathroom (just taking photos.) What struck me was the geometry...the shapes and angles all over the very small room. It was a fun exercise.
I was a bit late getting my copy of the book but have now caught up and read the two sections for this week. I got my camera and went out into our tiny backyard to see what I could find...probably would never have noticed how beautiful these drops of water on the leaves were if I wasn't looking at my environment with a new perspective!
Today I tried 'Thinking sideways' - breaking the holding your camera steady rule by moving the camera up and down and from side to side whilst photographing bushes against the sky. I was surprised at the resulting patterns and colours.
Panning the camera during a local event called Electric Run - Madison
Most of the runners had some form of glow lights while running. More of the series can be seen by clicking on the photo, then click on the left or right arrows in the photo on Flickr.
This is my favorite from week one. I broke the rule of always having the appropriate exposure. I overexposed. However, I got caught up in the light and the color that I was seeing. That came through in this image.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Joining the Group:
1. Sign in or set up an account on Flickr (free and you get a terabyte of uploads now).
2. Once signed in, click on or cut-and-paste this link to the group page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/photographybookclub/ (If that doesn’t work, try a search for Photography Book Club in the search bar in the upper right.) Once on the group’s page, you will see a link or button that says ‘Join Group;’ click it.
3. As a member of the group, you can now add pictures to the group or comment on the discussions. Click the ‘discussions’ tab at the top to see and participate in the discussions.
4. Once you’ve joined the group, you can get back to the group page later by going to Communities --> Groups List --> Photography Book Club.
-----------------------
Adding a Picture to the Group:
1. To add a picture to the group, click the ‘add photos’ button next to the group name (on the group page), then you can choose up to five photos a day from your Photostream to add to the group pool. Once you have clicked the photos you want to share, click the ‘add to group’ button, and they will appear in the group pool.
2. To upload pictures initially: click on the ‘upload’ link at the top middle of the page. Then you can either drag-and-drop photos from your device or you can click on ‘choose photos and videos’ and navigate to the location of the photos. After you select photos, click the blue ‘upload # photos’ button, and these photos will be added to your Photostream. Then you can go back to the group page and add them there.
-----------------------
Adding a Link or the Picture itself to a Discussion:
1. Upload the picture to your Photostream and add to the group pool if you want.
2. Click on your own picture. Underneath it to the right you will see a little button of an arrow coming out of a box. Click on it.
3. Copy the link to the photo or the html code (which will embed the photo in the discussion just like the code in the ‘share’ box does on 365). Then paste the link/HTML into the discussion thread.
-----------------------
If you have questions, please ask or you can message me on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/archaeofrog/ (From my page, click the three dots in the right side and choose ‘Send FlickrMail.’
@bill_fe
@darrenboyj
Great job guys!!
Here's my first attempt. A different, more narrow look at a store front I see almost every day:
As an early childhood educator ,I can so relate to the concepts in the first two chapters!It reminds me of the Pablo Picasso quote: "Every child is an artist. It's a challenge to remain an artist when you grow up."
Tonight I was eating chocolate ice cream as I finished the chapters....so that is what I took a series of photographs of.
I observed the details and just let go.Is it a masterpiece?No.But the point was to experience a new way of seeing and to learn.I did..and I am looking forward to more!
I thought today I would do a sort of take on the familiar things and shoot a bunch of pictures from sitting in my chair and work.
am I on the right track?
I'm more of a numbers person than a letters person truth be told.
It was interesting participating in the "seeing from your pet's perspective " exercise. These challenges have enabled me to see ,and to observe in ways I would not have thought of.Seeing things from other perspectives and keeping my mind open is important in photography ..and in my life.
I want to try that...and also picking a single subject and seeing it in new ways as you did with the leaves.I am loving this book!
New for me, but it reminds me of the creative things that @vankrey is always doing.
Reference photo for what it looks like when not blurred shown here:
http://365project.org/jyokota/challenges-and/2013-08-05
Here, I did not even notice the photobomber until I got the image on my computer screen.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bill_fenske/9426662790/
Most of the runners had some form of glow lights while running. More of the series can be seen by clicking on the photo, then click on the left or right arrows in the photo on Flickr.
Mountain Dulcimer frets
A happy accident.