Find the Value of Intention Behind Every Shot, Choose What People See

“You don’t take a photograph. You make it.” Do you agree? These are the words of photographer Ansel Adams. He was predominantly known for his black and white pictures of landscapes, (yes, take a moment for a quick look). How many times do we go online and find a great shot, and just wished we spotted it first? That type of thinking sounds green to me. Although being in the right place at the right time can be a massive swing in your favor, not everyone is able to make anything of it. Let alone something great.

On a whale watching boat ride in San Diego, the tour guide ended his narration with a mention of the San Diego skyline. We were on the way back and the skyline was in full view. “One of the most popular pictures of the San Diego skyline was taken on a tour ride just like this. Make sure you to snap a photo, who knows, maybe your image will be sold all over gift shops.” This triggered a chuckle amongst the crowd, and yes, phones went up to get a photo.

But how many snapped photos day in and day out get taken and not much ever comes from it. Not anything for 99% of people. Because an eye, a frame, and taste has a lot more to do with photography than simply being in an opportune setting with the right equipment. A great photographer can be in the middle of nowhere and still make a great photo.

“Pictures are created, not taken.” Is my wrong remembrance of Ansel Adams’ words. But this version of it makes me think of the internet and social media. While we get fed real images painting a fantasy far greater than reality, we’ll show up the same places, disappointed. Wondering how we got scammed. Where’s that clunky fiddle…?

A Walk Along San Diego Bay

So I’d like to share some of my images, where a great photo may not always prove the actual site itself to be as great. On an evening walk– that’s a lie. Running late to a dinner cruise, I found myself stopping every so often to snap a photo in between the crowds. These were on the streets along San Diego Bay. It was evening, but not sunset just yet.

This geometric sphere caught me eye, immediately looking behind me, moving out of the way. I waited for a good moment, aka people not walking by, and took a few shots. I had to find what it was and looking at the people inside, then verifying online, I was disappointed to find it to be a restaurant. Although chic and interesting, I wished it was more of an activity setting. But no, it’s food.

I made sure to keep some of the shadows in. A cool design, it made me think more of a greenhouse or aquarium. An art museum would’ve made more sense. Perhaps I’m thinking of the Indianapolis Art Museum for a similar sphere design. By the water, Ketch Grill & Taps, captures your attention upon sight. I can imagine people even seeing the geometric sphere from afar, and head straight to it. Thinking it was something to do or see. At least, they can experience from within. I never stopped in but admired it.

Its neighbor also stood out as an old-timey (someone must tell me the proper word for this), sail ship. I always call these pirate ships, not sure how historically accurate that is. But seeing this type of ship is a great blast. It looks old but makes you feel young, as those pirate thoughts from childhood pop up. Again, I was running late, but just had to get a picture.

I also made sure to get an idea of scene for a reality check. Snapping the area around, disappointed. Back to my pictures, excited and surprised how the feeling of images can change depending on how you’ve take them. Focusing on the structures themselves, not any of landscape, feels like the start of a journey. The sunlight hitting the subjects bring a force of positivity. The lack of crowds allows your mind to wander, not letting crowds invade.

More ships on my walk and got a bit closer.

These palm trees set the scene, little botanic stars hanging in the sky. This might’ve been at the end of my walk but had time to kill and went for plant life.

Before the dinner cruise, while the sun still made everything cheery. The only other palm tree images was more background. Like this one, another view of the same street on the walk back after the dinner cruise. Not as cheery, but still interesting to see.

Last image I’m going to show is Harbor House Restaurant at Seaport Village in San Diego. If you ever come across it, it’s pretty neat to see this giant house standing on very skinny poles (beams…? I don’t fix things) over the water. Very optimistic vibe with the sun, giving off impressions of a happy home overlooking San Diego Bay.

I suggest you compare against other images of the same thing. Taking a minute to find how exactly you want to frame things. People might just head over, take a few snaps and move on. I think most people get a more complete picture, including the beams. Others opt for a more complete view of the entire building. Much larger than my picture suggests. But you choose in the moment, what’s important and what you’re looking for in the image.

I like to use Google Lens for images I really enjoy. Part of me is optimistic that I’ve caught something most don’t. The other side of me is waiting to see a hundred people taking the same thing. Luckily, I don’t often too many similarities. Sometimes I’ll find someone have a much greater take on the landmark. I admire from afar and think…well, next time.

Take the challenge and compare your photos against the masses.