Reality, or more precisely, perception, can be a tricky thing. An open mind and open eyes are key.
I never know what I’m going to find when I wander… head up, eyes open, camera ready. Oh, and the most important component, an open mind. Historic downtown Columbia, South Carolina, is a great place to wander. Lots of interesting uses for old storefronts, fun restaurants and lots of eclectic stores with lots of local flavors. It was a very pleasant afternoon with Elise’s brother and sister in law ending with a very tasty beer. Sometimes I am not good company as I find myself left behind due to something shiny or wandering in a completely different direction because “I wonder what’s over there?” I often blot other things out as I take in the sights in front of me, noticing as much as possible. It’s like a one-pointed meditation. I start to see shapes and lines, as I move I watch how they come together. Is it an interesting shape in itself or does it frame something, what happens when I move one way or another? What happens with the light; does it get interesting or go flat. Take a shot move a little take another… Don’t chimp… stay focused on the subject. Sometimes it works and I get an interesting image. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I don’t take the shot and sometimes I delete it at home. This seeing comes from an intuitive knowing, a gut feeling of whether I have it or not.
