Ah, if only clear vision was truly possible for 25 cents that would indeed be a bargain.
What is clear vision?
I believe that as far as photographers are concerned it is an an understanding not only of the images we capture, or create if you will, but also what it is we are attempting to convey with those images. A mood perhaps, an emotion, a dramatic landscape or a simple documentary record of a person, persons or place.
Never mind that this should all be in the "mind's eye" before we press that shutter button, it should be known and understood before raising the camera to the eye.
Describing how he works the composer Marc-Andre Dalbavie said;
“I have the piece finished before I write”
This is something photographers should strive for, the finished print should be in the mind before the shutter is pressed.
How do we arrive at this point?
Well, it does take a lot more than inserting 25 cents and turning a dial.
First and foremost a solid understanding of cameras, lenses and light are absolute requirements without which it is extremely difficult to attain the level of self-assurance and confidence upon which a cler vision can be based.
Observe, if you will, someone "chimping" or "machine-gunning". What messages do these actions send?
Does the person behind the camera have so little experience or trust in their abilities that instant verification is required?
Does he or she not know or trust the equipment?
Does he or she have any clue what happened when the shutter was pressed?
In the case of "machine-gunning", did he or she not know what image he or she wanted?
I do believe that any photographer worth his or her salt should have a very clear idea, a sense or dare I say it, VISION of what the image actually is before they press the shutter.
Anything less is a stab in the dark or a guess.
