The Craft of Seeing: A Photographer’s Journey to Vision

Dec 9

Photography isn’t just about snapping moments. It’s the craft of looking deeper, of seeing what others might miss. Whether you’re working with a high-end DSLR, a mobile phone, or an old film camera, it’s this ability to see differently that transforms simple shots into striking imagery.

1. Beyond the Obvious

It starts with slowing down. In a world rushing past, details go unnoticed: how sunlight flirts with leaves, the ripple of rain across glass, or the way buildings clash against a brooding sky. A photographer’s task is to spot these fragments of beauty.

Take a moment. Pause. Let the scene settle. Study the edges, the patterns, the way light and shadow dance. What’s happening here that others might miss? Find it.

1. Finding What’s Hidden in Plain Sight

The first step? Slow down. In today’s rush, we often overlook the subtle beauty around us: how light filters through a canopy, the rhythm of raindrops against glass, or the sharp contrast of modern buildings under heavy skies. These details tell stories. As a photographer, it’s my job to notice them.

Pause for a moment. Look closer. Trace the lines, the interplay of light and shadow, the textures beneath the surface. What tale is waiting to be told?

2. Light: The Language of Photographers

Without light, there’s no photograph. It shapes, defines, and gives life to your subject. Mornings and evenings cast a warm glow, painting subjects in soft, golden hues. Midday light, though harsher, brings bold contrasts, while overcast skies create an even, muted palette.

I experiment; observe how light strikes a surface, dances off water, or creates drama through backlit silhouettes. Watch how shadows stretch, how reflections shift. Photography isn’t just about capturing light—it’s about understanding its dance.

3. Order from the Chaos

Life is messy. Photography, in many ways, is about finding structure in that chaos. Composition helps us frame the madness into something meaningful. Think about leading lines, symmetry, or negative space—they’re tools, not rules.

But here’s the trick: know when to break the mould. Balance is important, but tension can speak louder. Don’t let conventions box you in. Trust your instincts. Let emotion guide the frame.

4. Photography with Feeling

A technically flawless image can still fall flat. It’s the heart of the photo that draws people in. A sense of nostalgia, joy, melancholy, or awe—these are what linger.

Before pressing the shutter, pause. Ask yourself: What am I feeling in this moment? What do I want others to feel? Photography isn’t just about recording—it’s about connecting.

5. Training Your Eyes to See

Seeing is a skill, not a gift. It’s something you cultivate over time, with deliberate practice and a bit of patience.

Shoot daily: Everyday scenes often hold the greatest beauty.
Shift your perspective: Get lower. Climb higher. Tilt the lens. Look differently.
Set limits: Use one lens, stick to one location, or focus on a single colour. Constraints breed creativity.
Seek inspiration elsewhere: Films, paintings, and even architecture can teach you about light and composition.

6. Imagining What Could Be

Great photographers don’t just see what’s there—they see possibilities. A puddle reflects the sky. A shadow becomes a guiding line. Photography is about reimagining the ordinary, flipping expectations on their head.

This takes curiosity. Be open to surprises. A fleeting moment, a twist of light, or an unexpected detail often holds the magic.

Jason Spoor