Imagination- An Art of Seeing

A Photography workshop

by Kaushik Ghelani

    In the realm of observation and imagination, there are complexities that escape our first glance and challenge normal thoughts. This mix of sharp awareness, careful observation, and endless creativity is crucial in fields like arts, science, and media. Photography, which was once niche art, now blends seamlessly into this trio, inviting us to explore its depths with a keen sense of perception. 

           You might wonder why I am beating around the bushes. So let me navigate you through my transformative encounter with the realm of imagination and observation, as facilitated by none other than the esteemed wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Kaushik Ghelani sir. Today's workshop unfolded under the evocative banner of 'Imagination - An Art of Seeing,' encapsulating the essence of the day's photography workshop. 

In this blog I am going to reflect my learning outcome of this workshop.

           This workshop was divided into two sessions. In the first session Kaushik sir taught us the art of seeing and observing. It is about aesthetics, solely depend on how we see it. So the major focus of the first session was of how to see and observe our surroundings. He made us acquainted with the mechanism-various rules and angles of photography. The second session was of practical teaching learning, where Kaushik sir gave us a task to click photos around the campus. After an hour, photos taken by us were critically analyzed by him and the suggestions were also given how could we make the same frame unique with minor changes and also asked the the meaning conveyed through the frame.

Learning Outcome:

According to sir photos can be of two types: 

1. One that is captured by just a chance and 

2. The other one is intentionally clicking by applying the thought process what we want to capture. 

Sir emphasized that everyone can teach you camera but no one teach you photography.  Then he talked about various editing tools, various websites to put our photos.

There are two fundamental rules of aesthetics of photography:

• Always keep your eyes open
• Learn how to see things

These are probably fundamental rules of photography and other visual arts.

So the first session was all about teaching us how to capture photos, where he included various mechanisms of photography including, 

1. Rule of 3rd( 1:3 preposition)
2. Golden point
3. Centre focus rule 
4. Symmetry
5. Geometrical shapes
6. Learning lines
7. Head/Leading room
8. Depth of field

1. Rule of Thirds: This principle involves dividing your image frame into a grid of nine equal parts using two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. The points where these lines intersect are the points of interest. Placing key elements at or along these lines can result in a balanced and visually appealing composition. It also can be seen as three different layer of one photo.

2. Golden Point (Golden Ratio): The Golden Ratio is a mathematical concept often used in art and design. It suggests that certain proportions, such as a line divided into two segments in a specific ratio, create aesthetically pleasing compositions. Placing subjects or points of interest according to this ratio can result in harmonious images.

By Kaushik Ghelani

3. Center Focus Rule: Placing your subject at the center of the frame can create a strong and direct visual impact. This approach works well when you want to emphasize the subject's symmetry or create a sense of stability.

 By Kaushik Ghelani

4. Symmetry: Symmetry involves arranging elements in an image so that they are balanced and mirror each other across a central axis. Symmetrical compositions can create a sense of harmony, order, and calmness in an image.

By Kaushik Ghelani

5. Geometrical Shapes: Incorporating geometric shapes (such as circles, triangles, and squares) into your composition can add structure and visual interest. These shapes can guide the viewer's eye and create a dynamic visual experience.

By Kaushik Ghelani

6. Learning Lines: Learning lines are implied or actual lines in an image that guide the viewer's eye and create a sense of movement. These lines can be straight, diagonal, or curved, and they help lead the viewer's gaze through the composition.

By Kaushik Ghelani

7. Head/Leading Room: This refers to the space in front of a subject's face or the direction in which a subject is looking or moving. Providing adequate head or leading room ensures that the subject has space to "breathe" and move within the frame, preventing a cramped or claustrophobic look.

By Kaushik Ghelani

8. Depth of Field: Depth of field refers to the range of distances in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. A shallow depth of field results in a blurred background and a sharp subject, while a deep depth of field keeps more of the scene in focus.

By Kaushik Ghelani

These principles are tools that photographers use to create compelling and visually engaging images. All these rules are intertwined with each other as well. 

Breathing Space:

Allowing breathing space within each image is of paramount importance, as it plays a pivotal role in conveying the essence of the photograph. Adequate space around the main subject helps create a balanced composition that draws the viewer's attention to the subject while also providing context.

Negative Space:

In photography, it's crucial to consider the negative space within a photo. Negative space refers to the areas around the main subject that are intentionally left empty. Excessive negative space can distract from the essence or story of the photograph, making it important to exclude unnecessary empty areas that don't contribute to the overall message. Have a look at this photo captured by me.

In this photo at the bottom left, you will find unnecessary space. But now look at the same cropped photo:

This this you will find the photograph with no negative space and thus looks eye-catching.

Breaking Rules:

While understanding and applying photography principles can undoubtedly enhance your work, it's essential to remember that breaking these rules creatively can lead to unique and captivating results. Pushing the boundaries and experimenting with unconventional approaches can yield visually engaging outcomes that stand out.

Narrating the Story Through a Photo:

One significant aspect emphasized by our instructor was the art of storytelling through photography. A well-crafted photograph should have the power to convey an entire story with just a single glance. As evident from the start of this blog, the intention was to weave a narrative rather than merely reporting events. This approach, suggested by our instructor, involves capturing not just what we see, but also what we think and feel while taking the photograph.

At the conclusion of our first session, Kaushik sir assigned us a task: to capture five photos and submit them after the recess. We ventured into the university campus, with our newfound knowledge and understanding of photography techniques. This practical session put our comprehension and creativity to the test, challenging us to apply the techniques while infusing our unique storytelling perspective into each photograph.

I first went to the department's terrace, where I aimed to depict the contrast between nature and human construction, symbolized by the juxtaposition of trees and a cement building. 

The second photo I captured shows two distinct perceptions. 

In the depicted image, a group of birds is sitting on a building rather than on trees. This scene gives rise to two contrasting interpretations. On one hand, it could symbolize human encroachment on natural habitats, where birds are compelled to seek shelter on man-made structures due to diminishing tree cover. On the other hand, it could signify the adaptation of certain bird species, such as pigeons, to an urban environment where they increasingly find shelter and nesting sites on buildings rather than traditional tree branches. This duality of meaning prompts us to reflect on the complex relationship between urban development and the natural world, highlighting both the challenges and resilient adaptations that coexist in our shared environment.

I also attempted to take a photo of a butterfly using my camera lens. However, it proved to be quite challenging because butterflies move swiftly in various directions. Some of my classmates were successful in capturing butterfly photos, but I struggled to do so. The most important lesson I learned is that patience is essential when trying to photograph insects, birds, or animals. Additionally, it's crucial to be mindful of our own movements to avoid disturbing them or their surroundings.

During my attempt to photograph a butterfly, I encountered another issue. Instead of getting a clear background and a focused butterfly, I ended up with a blurry butterfly as the main subject. 

This mistake rendered the photo unusable, unfortunately. This experience highlighted the significance of refining my techniques and focusing on the right elements to create impactful photographs.

In essence, this early experience in the course highlighted the interplay of technical knowledge, patience, creativity, and respect for subjects when narrating stories through photography.

After attempting to capture various photos, I asked sir and discussed the challenges I faced. In response, he shared some basic pictures that he had taken around the university campus—the same location assigned to us. That Pictures were rich in meaning and techniques. This interaction helped me realize that when starting out, it's not essential to immediately tackle difficult shots. Instead, I could begin by photographing everyday objects while applying the techniques I had learned. These foundational experiences would guide me forward.

As sir wisely advised, photography is a field where personal exploration is key. As I mentioned earlier in this blog, it's not possible for anyone to impart all the knowledge you need. Learning in photography is a continuous journey, and growth comes through ongoing experience. According to sir, one of the ways to progress is by critiquing our own photographs. I am pretty sure that we've developed the habit of assessing our own work critically, which is a valuable skill in photography.

Following this, we all assemble for the second session. During this session, sir reviewed the photographs we had taken and offered valuable advice on how to enhance our photography. He emphasized the importance of capturing photos in a way that clearly communicates the subject's story and meaning, making it easily understandable to viewers.

Moreover, during the session, three numbers were given to the good photographs. Avni secured the first position, Dhruvi from the Life Science department came in second, and Drashti claimed the third spot. This acknowledgment added a layer of motivation to our learning experience.

The workshop ignited our creativity and expanded our visual perspectives. Equipped with fresh insights, we are now poised to infuse each photograph with an artistic essence. Our goal is to create narratives that go beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary, capturing moments that resonate with depth and significance.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Kaushik sir for imparting invaluable photography skills to us. A special note of thanks goes to Vaidehi Hariyani ma’am for organising this workshop. I am also grateful to Dilip Barad sir for his constant encouragement to excel in diverse domains. The event also witnessed the presence of students from the life science department, and I extend my gratitude to them as well.

{Words: 1858

Images: 22

Videos: 2}

Thanks for Visiting..