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.
You cannot be an actor like I am and not have been in some of the worst movies like I have. But I stand before you deeply honored, mighty grateful and just plain gobsmacked.
But then, so far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged his assistants to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial oath.
The ballet world is so competitive, and for no reason. It's not a sport. It's an art. There's no winner.
I'd say, if you want to be an artist, start with your art; start with making great music and it will, hopefully, eventually cut through all of the nonsense that is out there.
As artists, we can help, visually and intellectually, to make people understand that, at some point, we have to accept that it is our collective impact that is putting the whole planet in jeopardy.
When I have had such men before my camera my whole soul has endeavored to do its duty towards them in recording faithfully the greatness of the inner as well as the features of the outer man. The photograph thus taken has been almost the embodiment of a prayer.
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