The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?
Edward WestonRead
I see my finished platinum print (in the viewfinder) in all its desired qualities, before my exposure.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the importance of envisioning the final outcome before starting a creative process.
Edward Weston's quote emphasizes the significance of having a clear vision of the desired result before undertaking a task, particularly in photography and art. By visualizing the finished product, the artist can make informed decisions during the creation process and guide their efforts toward achieving that vision, highlighting the interplay between imagination and execution in the artistic journey.
In practice
In an art class, to encourage students to visualize their projects: 'As Edward Weston said, you must see your finished work before you start.'
The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?
The photograph isolates and perpetuates a moment of time: an important and revealing moment, or an unimportant and meaningless one, depending upon the photographer's understanding of his subject and mastery of his process.
Why limit yourself to what your eyes see when you have an opportunity to extend your vision?
Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.
I start with no preconceived idea - discovery excites me to focus - then rediscovery through the lens - final form of presentation seen on ground glass, the finished print previsioned completely in every detail of texture, movement, proportion, before exposure - the shutter's release automatically and finally fixes my conception, allowing no after manipulation - the ultimate end, the print, is but a duplication of all that I saw and felt through my camera.
People who wouldn't think of taking a sieve to the well to draw water fail to see the folly in taking a camera to make a painting.
A painting in an interior spreads joy around it by the colors, which calm us.
I never weary of great churches. It is my favorite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral.
I realised that I had always been writing things that other people wanted me to write and not what I really wanted to write, so I felt like I was losing my way.
I have been doodling with ink and watercolor on paper all my life. It's my way of stirring up my imagination to see what I find hidden in my head. I call the results dream pictures, fantasy sketches, and even brain-sharpenin g exercises.
When I'm writing a new play, there's a period where I know I shouldn't be out in public much. I imagine most people who create go through something like this. You willfully loosen some of the inner straps that hold your core together.
To disappear your complete self into a character is quite difficult. I've tried it 85 times, and I've succeeded two or three times.
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