As I got a number of positive responses the last time that I did an analysis of how I made the decisions that got me to my particular take of the scene in front of me, I’m doing another post along this vein with a very different image.
Late Summer’s Day
This image is more about discovery than any other factor, as I found this location while driving through the Harvard University research forest in Petersham, MA. There are times when one should not believe all signs; on this fine day, I chose to ignore the ‘Road Ends’ sign. The paved road ended, but a dirt road continued and led me into a forest, where I found this stellar location.
This particular landscape has a lot of beautiful elements to it, but not one stand-out element that I wanted to highlight in this photo. When this is the case, I like to frame the image, such as with the tree on the left and top, the overhanging branch on the right and the tall grass down low. Framing provides a sense of looking into the scene, as it provides depth and a sense of looking into the scene rather than at it.
This rather simple trick is something that dresses up many a scene, whether you shoot it in portrait or landscape mode. I’m looking forward to hearing from you, if you have tried this as well.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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8 thoughts on “TTT – Analyzing an Image”
Great shot and the framing works really well with it, highlighting it beautifully. I’ve done this myself and it works well.
Great shot and framing. Have done this a few times without analyzing. Where I leave the sky is either clear blue majority of the year or grey in winter. Rule of third results in a undefined background and framing helps.
Thank you!! Yes, when you have sky without much variation in it, framing helps tremendously. Rule of thirds definitely helps too, even though I sometimes violate it to create more empty space in the image, as that has the effect of generating a pull on the eye. Lots of possibilities!
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Great shot and the framing works really well with it, highlighting it beautifully. I’ve done this myself and it works well.
Thank you, Miriam! Yes, I agree it’s a very useful technique.
I like that. I try to do it in my landscape paintings. It is like having a curtain pulled aside
Thank you. I like the way you phrase it as pulling a curtain aside.
Great shot and framing. Have done this a few times without analyzing. Where I leave the sky is either clear blue majority of the year or grey in winter. Rule of third results in a undefined background and framing helps.
Thank you!! Yes, when you have sky without much variation in it, framing helps tremendously. Rule of thirds definitely helps too, even though I sometimes violate it to create more empty space in the image, as that has the effect of generating a pull on the eye. Lots of possibilities!
Nice quick tutorial.
Thank you!