“The best workers, writers, inventors, composers, etc., are those who are able to see the thing in the mind, and then reproduce it in materialized form.” William Walker Atkinson (the founder of the New Thought Movement) 1930
In this instant world we live in today, Atkinson’s quote may even be more true. Seeing things as they are takes study and time. And who has the time now, right? He felt taking time to “see with the mind” led to wisdom and true understanding. One way I have found to slow down and observe more of life is by taking a camera along.
Sometimes I will take black and white photos to force out the essence from a scene. It used to be that all photographs were in black and white. Black and White is a challenging and unforgiving medium. The results tell you quickly if you have caught the best of a shot. If you made the photo say something, capture a scene, or raise emotion.
After study, I will often color areas of the black and white photograph to highlight what the essence is. What makes it click for me. Painters will tell you that you should consider color first before you paint. It is the appeal to any art work. Early photographers would often paint their photos to add realism and make them more like paintings. Now with the magic of Photoshop, you can do the same thing with a few movements of the mouse.
I like the process of doing this. It improves your selection of what you shoot and causes your mind to give thought to why you took the photo in the first place. Most importantly, it teaches you allot about yourself.
David Young
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