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.
The great problem was the selection of the readymade. I needed to choose an object without it impressing me: that is to say, without it providing any sort of aesthetic delectation. Moreover, I needed to reduce my own personal taste to absolute zero.
Pictures deface walls more often than they decorate them.
I have a great body, I really do. But I want to be taken seriously as an artist, and wearing anything that shows it off will be a distraction from the music. That's how my signature uniform, my tuxedo, came about. It's classic and timeless. You'll see me in black, white, and a pop of color on my lips. That pop adds a little magic.
I never finished the 'Large Glass' because, after working on it for eight years, I probably got interested in something else; also, I was tired. It may be that, subconsciously, I never intended to finish it because the word 'finish' implies an acceptance of traditional methods and all the paraphernalia that accompany them.
I went into photography because it seemed like the perfect vehicle for commenting on the madness of today's existence.
Writing poetry is such an intense experience that it helps to start the process in a casual or wayward frame of mind.
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