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In the world of photography, we often focus so intently on what we can see that we forget about our other senses. We train our eyes to see the subtleties of light, the nuances of color, the intricate patterns, and the fleeting moments that tell a story. But what if we could enhance our visual stories by tuning in to the other senses, specifically, the sense of sound?

Just as we learn to see, we can also learn to listen. When I close my eyes and drown out the visual stimuli, my ears become my guide. The world starts to narrate its symphony, each sound weaving together to create a tapestry of life. The rustle of leaves in the wind, the distant hum of the city, the laughter of children playing in a park nearby - all these sounds become part of the narrative.

The act of listening can be transformative. It can change our perception, offering a richer understanding of the world around us. It's not just about hearing the sounds. It's about listening to them, understanding their meaning, their origin, and their impact. Listening, in this context, is not a passive act. It’s an active process that requires attention and engagement.

And here's where it gets interesting. When I open my eyes again, after immersing myself in the auditory landscape, I find that my perception of the visual world has shifted. The sounds I heard now color my view. They give me a deeper understanding of the scene, adding a layer of richness that sight alone could not provide.

The sound of the rustling leaves, for instance, may lead me to notice the way the wind plays with the foliage, creating a dance of light and shadow. The laughter of children may draw my attention to the joy and vitality of a scene that I might otherwise have overlooked. The hum of the city may make me see the rhythm of urban life, the pulsating energy that lies beneath the concrete and steel.

When I take a photograph, I'm not just capturing an image. I'm capturing a moment in time, a slice of life. And life is not just visual. It's a multisensory experience. So, the next time you're out with your camera, I invite you to try this: Close your eyes, be still, and just listen. Listen to the sounds around you, the subtle and the loud, the harmonious and the discordant. Let them guide your eyes. Let them inform your perspective.

Photography, at its core, is a form of communication. It's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and sparking connections. By integrating the sense of sound into our visual storytelling, we can create photographs that resonate on a deeper level. We can make our viewers not only see but also feel the rhythm of the scene, hear the whispers of the wind, and sense the pulse of life.

The beauty of photography lies in its ability to capture the richness of our world. And our world is not just a visual spectacle. It's an auditory symphony, a sensory feast. By learning to listen, we can learn to see in new ways. We can discover hidden layers of beauty, find new stories to tell, and deepen our connection with the world around us.

So, let's not limit our perception to what our eyes can see. Let's open our ears, tune into the sounds around us, and let them guide our vision. Let's learn to listen, to truly hear, and through that, learn to see with greater depth and clarity. Remember, seeing is not just about using your eyes, and listening is not just about using your ears. It's about using your heart and your mind to engage fully with the world around you.

photography, sound, listening, world, stories, life, eyes, learn, capturing, mackenzie, scene, tuning, symphony, wind, guide, hum, multi sensory experience, intricate patterns, auditory, sense

It's no secret that getting into photography can be both exciting and intimidating. The influx of information, advice, and opinions can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides endless learning opportunities, but on the other, it can become overwhelming and confusing, especially for those just starting their photographic journey.

One major issue that contributes to this feeling of being overwhelmed is the excessive focus on gear and technical jargon found in many photography communities, Facebook groups, forums, and photography clubs. They can be invaluable resources for learning and networking. But too often, the discussions revolve around equipment and technobabble rather than the creative process and the art of photography. This fixation on gear and technical details can lead new photographers to believe that they need the latest and most expensive equipment to create great images. However, we know that this simply isn't true.

Some of the most iconic photographs were created using basic gear, and the photographer's vision and creativity played a much larger role in their success. The truth is, obsessing over equipment can actually hinder one's growth as a photographer. When the focus is solely on gear, it's easy to lose sight of the fundamental elements that make a great photograph, such as composition, lighting, and storytelling. By placing too much emphasis on technical aspects, we risk neglecting the development of our creative skills, which are essential for truly impactful photography. Moreover, the constant influx of new gear and technology can make it challenging for new photographers to keep up. With every new camera model, lens, or accessory release, the pressure to upgrade and stay ahead of the curve can become exhausting and demoralizing.

So how can we address this issue and refocus our attention on the artistic side of photography? First and foremost, it's essential to remember that gear and technical knowledge are just tools that help us achieve our creative vision. They should not be the sole focus of our photographic journey. Instead, we should strive to develop our artistic eye and storytelling abilities, which will ultimately set us apart from the crowd and make our work truly stand out. Next, when participating in photography communities, we should actively seek out and engage in discussions that revolve around the creative aspects of photography. Share your favorite images and discuss the emotions they evoke, the stories they tell, and the techniques used to create them. By doing so, we can foster a more balanced and enriching environment in these communities. Furthermore, when seeking advice from more experienced photographers, don't be afraid to ask questions about their thought processes, artistic choices, and the challenges they faced in their own creative journeys. There's so much to learn beyond just camera settings and gear recommendations. Finally, it's important to remind ourselves that the learning curve in photography can be steep, and that's okay. Becoming a great photographer takes time, patience, and perseverance. Don't let the overwhelming amount of information and opinions out there discourage you. Stay true to your passion and focus on honing your craft one step at a time. In the end, photography is a beautiful art form that allows us to express ourselves, capture memories, and share our unique perspectives with the world. By placing more emphasis on the creative process and less on the technicalities, we can rediscover the joy and passion that initially drew us to photography.

We would like to thank our readers and listeners for subscribing to our content and supporting thoughtful discussions on the ever-changing landscape of photography. If you enjoy audio podcasts, we highly recommend tuning into "The Art of Seeing".

When Photoshop was created in 1989 by John Knoll, he could not have foreseen the impact it would have on the world of photography. Its ability to alter, manipulate, and create images has raised concerns about the authenticity of photos and their potential misuse. However, as with any tool, it is the intent of the user that ultimately determines its impact. Today, we face a similar debate with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in photography. Some photographers argue that AI is killing the art of photography, but it is essential to remember that AI is just another tool, like Photoshop, that can be used to enhance creativity and artistry.

he Dark Side of Shooting on Manual Mode: Could this be the reason why you are not progressing as fast as you think you should. Photo Mentor Minutes is a series, which is aimed at helping photographers to see like an artist. The video challenges the idea that shooting in manual mode will make you a better photographer and outlines three reasons why this is a myth. I discuss why manual mode does not make you a better photographer, why shooting in manual mode does not allow you to be more creative, and it is not necessary to have creative control, as other camera modes such as aperture priority, shutter priority, program, and auto can be used to achieve creative results. The video highlights the importance of building confidence and focusing on results rather than technical details to produce successful images. The upcoming episodes in the series will cover the biggest myths about why your photography is not improving and provide solutions to overcome these issues. Lee Love, is a commercial photographer and mentor with decades of real-world experience in the field.

Photo Mentor Minutes - Episode 1 Each episode explores the process of becoming a more Creative and Successful photographer.  

This episode begins by asking the question, "Why do you want to be a photographer?" and then explores the different types of photographers and their motivations for taking photographs. 

There are generally three types of photographers, and understanding what type of photographer you are can help you to develop your skills and improve your work.  Traditional methods often focus too much on the technical aspects of photography and ignore the creative side. 

The STEPS program takes a different approach, encouraging photographers to learn the language of visual storytelling and explore their creativity.   To learn more about this Unique method and become more creative visit: 

 Photo Mentor Academy 

https://PhotoMentorAcademy.com/steps

This unique system is designed to take you from being a Camera Owner to a Creative Artist. From a button pusher to Photographer with Vision. 

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- Instagram: http://Instagram.PhotoMentor.tv

- Twitter: http://Twitter.PhotoMentor.tv 

Music Used on the Show is from Artlist. Sign up and get 2 Extra Months FREE https://is.gd/F3qL3u

Join me every Friday night at 9:00 pm est for LIVE Q&A for New  Photographers. This is the show were I Educate, Encourage and Mentor you in your photographic journey. Whether that is just as a hobby, a part time job or full time career, my goal is to guide you through the Artistic as well as the Technical aspects of all things photography.

Watch the Video on Youtube.PhotoMentor.tv or Facebook.PhotoMentor.tv

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In This Episode I answer Your Questions on:

Join me every Friday night at 9:00 pm est for LIVE Q&A for New  Photographers. This is the show were I Educate, Encourage and Mentor you in your photographic journey. Whether that is just as a hobby, a part time job or full time career, my goal is to guide you through the Artistic as well as the Technical aspects of all things photography.

Watch the Video on Youtube.PhotoMentor.tv or Facebook.PhotoMentor.tv

Keep Up to date on the news, ramblings and opinions off the Photo Mentor

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In This Episode I answer Your Questions on:

- I’ve been doing product photography and wanted your advice on whether I can use these to market my photography.

- What do recommend for collecting payments that is not too expensive?

- I would like add hair and makeup to my sessions. Do you recommend clients go to their salon? How does this work?

- Thinking of upgrading from a Nikon D5600 to either Nikon D750 or Nikon Z6 mirrorless...???

- Someone gave me a tripod but I photograph people so would you use a tripod to do that?

- I was considering going to a mirrorless camera, what are you thoughts ?

- I shoot with a Canon T6 and indoor my pictures have been coming out grainy. Am I doing something wrong ?

- What is the etiquette for taking pictures at a wedding if the couple has hired a photographer ?

- I am looking for someone to be a mentor/review some images and provide honest feedback.

- Any tips on how you make your clients/models comfortable? I’m a naturally awkward person and would love to hear how you put people at ease.

- If I'm looking for sharp quality in a camera, is it the digital sensor or megapixels I'm looking for?

- What tips can you give me when shooting night photography?

- Could you recommend one lens for a beginner with a Nikon wanting to do a maternity shoot what would you suggest?

- What speed light do you recommend for a Nikon D750?

- Anyone have the Nikon 105mm or the Tamron 90mm? Looking for a good macro lens, which do you prefer?

- When I import a photo to Lightroom it automatically adjusts the image. Then the image changes and doesn't look as good the initial image.

- Another photographer in my town is messaging my clients saying if they ever need a photographer to let her know. What’s your opinion?

- I'm trying to post pictures from a shoot on my photography page but it keeps messing the order of the pictures up. What do I do??

- I can't upload images from SD card! Help !

- About 95% of my photos are never edited. I like people to see exactly what I seen. Any thoughts on that?

Join me every Friday night at 9:00 pm est for LIVE Q&A for New  Photographers. This is the show were I Educate, Encourage and Mentor you in your photographic journey. Whether that is just as a hobby, a part time job or full time career, my goal is to guide you through the Artistic as well as the Technical aspects of all things photography.

Watch the Video on Youtube.PhotoMentor.tv or Facebook.PhotoMentor.tv

Keep Up to date on the news, ramblings and opinions off the Photo Mentor

Facebook - photomentortv
Instagram - photomentortv
Twitter - photomentortv

This Week I answer Your questions:

- Can you make the background blurry in Lightroom ?

- My sister and I are going to take pictures in the snow. Could you recommend activities for candid and positioned pictures.

- How do you watermark your photos?

- Beginner Question but what is your opinion on Canon or Nikon? Pros and cons?

- What’s the best lens for low light photography so you don’t need to boost up the ISO so much to avoid grainy images? I am interested in shooting concert photography.

- Can you recommend a relatively inexpensive telephoto lens for wildlife?

- I see so many people say “kit” lenses are crap? Why and should I buy different lenses to start learning?

- I started to try to learn photography in October with Nikon D 5000. Should I upgrade with full frame yet?

- I am doing a close up product photography. What lens would you recommended for a Canon 6D mark II?

- What you recommend between Canon EOS 5D Mark IV & Canon EOS R

- Can someone tell me the difference between 35mm and a 50mm prime lens? Looking at getting one or the other for pictures of the family.

On this episode I will offer advice on your images. This is First Friday Feedback where on the First Friday of the Month I do photo reviews.

The reviews are handled anonymously and judged on Composition, Technical and Subject.
If you would like to submit your images for next months review, visit PhotoMentorAcademy.com/photoreviews

Join me every Friday night at 9:00 pm est for LIVE Q&A for New Photographers. This is the show were I Educate, Encourage and Mentor you in your photographic journey. Whether that is just as a hobby, a part time job or full time career, my goal is to guide you through the Artistic as well as the Technical aspects of all things photography.

Watch the Video on Youtube.PhotoMentor.tv or Facebook.PhotoMentor.tv