Cover photo by HANA-STUDIO
※ Contributed magazine by cizucu-certified writer HANA-STUDIO.
Have you ever looked back at a photo you took and thought, 'Something feels off'? Even when the focus and exposure are perfect, it doesn’t resonate emotionally. In such cases, changing your perspective before focusing on technique might make a difference.
With just a shift in awareness or mindset, both the way you take photos and the final results can change dramatically. And that one photo could become a valuable memory for yourself or someone else 10 years down the line. In this article, I’ll introduce the fundamental concepts behind this idea.
What Does It Mean to Refine Photos?
'Refining' doesn’t mean editing or decorating photos after taking them. It means refining your 'perspective' before you take the shot. For example, in composition, simply 'leaving some space' can naturally highlight the subject.
Photo by HANA-STUDIO
When it comes to light, simply 'finding a softer direction' can make a significant difference. Before diving into technical settings, focus on 'what you’re observing and how you want to convey it.' This approach adds depth and consistency to your photos.
Capturing Memories That Feel 'Timeless'
I sometimes use old lenses or outdated kit lenses. Even without the latest resolution or rendering capabilities, refined photos possess a 'timeless universality.'
Photo by HANA-STUDIO
What’s important is not nostalgia that evokes 'fond memories,' but 'timelessness' that holds meaning and value for anyone at any time. A photo that, when revisited 10 years later, makes someone think, 'That moment really happened,' 'I felt this way back then,' or 'I want to take a photo like this too.'
Taking photos with this mindset connects to creating images that resonate with the future.
Simple Perspective Adjustments You Can Try Now
Practical application is simple. By slightly changing the angle relative to natural light from a window, you can create softer expressions or more striking impressions. When you compose with 'foreground, midground, and background' in mind, your photos gain depth and narrative. Even without special equipment, these 'perspective adjustments' alone can significantly transform your photos.
Photo by HANA-STUDIO
What’s crucial is asking yourself before pressing the shutter, 'What value do I want to leave for the future?' By refining your perspective, your photos can move closer to being 'something special.'
Thinking About Your Future Self and Loved Ones
Photos are not just about 'capturing the moment' but also about 'delivering it to the future.' The photo you take today might become a precious record for yourself or someone else 10 years from now.
Photo by HANA-STUDIO
That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to reflect before you shoot. What kind of perspective will help you create the photo you want to deliver to the future?
HANA-STUDIO
@hana_studio71
