The Powers of Observation

Powers of Observation is defined as "the ability to see things that others may not."

In my line of work as a professional photographer, it's obviously important to possess such powers, but what about you?

How do you feel about your own powers of observation?

With all of the distractions thrown at us daily: phones buzzing, nonstop emails, multitasking demands, do you find it's hard to focus?

My military career taught me to pay attention to details, especially that Commanding Officer (CO) who constantly barked "don't bring me anything for signature without the instruction attached!" Which, of course, also meant I had to read said instruction and be able to defend my position. Observation, in that environment wasn't optional, as a junior officer, it was survival. 

As I transitioned out of the military, I found myself harnessing this skillset and now it's serving me very well. It has helped me slow down, notice the finer points that others may gloss over, and tackle challenging issues with clarity.   

But if you didn't grow up with rigid instructions and a barking CO, how do you develop your powers of observation?

Seeing Before Pushing 

I was recently invited to give a presentation to a local Alexandria gardening club about how to improve their photography skills in the garden or in general.

The goal wasn't to turn them into professional photographers but to make them become more observant before ever pushing the button.  And since most of them were using cell phone cameras, the tools in their hands weren't complicated, the challenge was in how they looked at the world. 

I started the presentation with light. Before you think about capturing the subject, ask yourself: Where is the light coming from? Is there enough? Too much? Is it soft or harsh?  Is it behind your subject or illuminating it directly?  

Once you become aware of light, you will suddenly see how it shapes everything, flowers, people, the mood and environment.

Next we talked about composition. Some in the photography industry call these "rules" but I prefer to think of them as guidelines.  The rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, these aren't meant to restrict you but to give your eye a place to start.  It's about moving beyond the default "stand there, shoot at eye level" approach and training yourself to see from different perspectives.

Observation as a Practice 

Here's the thing: observation isn't just for photography. It's a practice that can change the way you move through life. When you pause long enough to notice details, the way light falls across a table at breakfast, the expression of a colleague's face during a meeting, the shift in someone's tone of voice, you gain insight.  You begin to understand situations more deeply and respond more thoughtfully.

Observation sharpens creativity, strengthens problem solving and deepens relationships.  It's a skill that you can only develop the more you use it.

Sharpen Your Observation

Here are a few simple exercises to help sharpen your powers of observation without the use of a camera.

• Find five things you've never noticed before. The next time you walk into a familiar room, pause and look. Notice small details, a scratch on the table, a reflection in the window, or the way a shadow falls.

• Change your perspective. Sit, crouch, or look up.  A shift in an angle often reveals something new.

• Observe without judging. Pick an object or scene and simply notice: color, texture, light, placement without deciding if it's "good" or "bad." 

For my fellow photographers, here are a few exercises you can try with your camera.

• Chasing Light & Shadows. Create a series of images showing your subject in a silhouette, shadow or a unique light. 

• Frame Within A Frame. Create a series of images that frame a subject within a frame.

• Find Your Subject in Reflections. Create a series of images that have reflections using water, glass or other reflective materials.

Try one of these exercises this week, and you may be surprised to see what comes in focus.  

Next time you step outside, walk into a room, or even scroll through your phone...pause. Notice. Ask yourself what others might be missing. 

Observation is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Do you consider yourself observant, or do you feel like life's pace has dulled that skill? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.