Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

We usually take photos to grab the moment.
A few plan ahead, and wait for the moment to happen.
Fewer still are those who create the moments themselves.

Often these photos are post processed to make it look better.
Some will go further of removing some elements to get the desired look.
Then there are those who would combine several images to create a totally new graphic.

In all these scenes, we consciously look for the right composition, before we press the button.
Instantaneously in snapshots, and more planned and specific as we delved deeper into post processing.

But when one reaches for the final frontier, when one strives to fully edit an image, then one needs to look beyond the good composition.

One would need to Imagine the Photograph.

Imagining the Photo is looking at it from the perspective of the finished image. Instead of consciously looking for the best composition of the present scene, we treat them as a separate element that will fit into the different final photo.

Hence, depending on the target outcome, we may opt to adjust the perspective, lighting, view angle etc. of scene being photographed.

This technique can used to composite individuals into a group photo.


In the sample below, a single box is made into a group with a breakdown of how the shoot was planned.

Although this technique cater specifically to editing, being able to Imagine the photograph is like an open gate to fully understanding and planning a composition, and IMHO, something worthwhile to practice and keep in ones bag of techniques.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Even in cases where I think I can nail the composition I try to leave a bit of wiggle room, just in case some levelling or perspective shift is required. I try to do that habitually. I can imagine that if I was planning a composite it would be even more important to not frame the scene or the individual elements too tightly.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Evan Sharboneau’s book, one on trick photography was inspiring to me years ago. He shows how to do things as you show in your group of guys.
https://trickphotographybook.com/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Your quote, "One would need to Imagine the Photograph". Saw the Pied-billed Grebe, saw the frog, waited.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

That's a very cool photo!

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Thanks for the post, it makes me think and rethink my process.
While I still try to get the pic right with composition, lighting, etc. I still have to cast off those deeply imbedded ideas from my film days when each shot on film cost me $$$.
For the same reasons, I can't get used to "spray 'n pray", which in reality has some very practical applications. So I always shoot "Wide" to leave a generous amount of template material so that I may crop and still get a final 3:2 full-frame format crop of my files. Even my usual 3:2 “Final crop is “Wide” so that in the future I may crop to a different ratio* for different size prints. Sometimes I shoot very wide (all sides) so that I may get a portrait or landscape view. I also shoot wide in some cases to get a different perspective of a scene or several pics from one file. A lot of my "Keepers" are "Made" during post when I have time to study my files, and they have not yet become viable pics. I must admit that that 95% of the time I am not satisfied with anything without some PP. Sometimes I will revisit a file at a later date as my skills increase or if a program is meaningfully updated. Sometimes, if practical, I will reshoot the scene. Finally, I shoot wide when I am on a tour where straggling behind is frowned upon.

* 2:3/3:2 compatible Print sizes:
4x6
6x9
6.67x10
8x12
10x15
12x18
13.33x20
18x27
20x30
30x45
40x60

Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

It’s the difference between taking a photo and making a photo. Big difference. But each approach can produce an excellent photo. One of the pros in our camera club planned a shot for three years in Antelope Canyon, finally got to make the shot and was selling a very large print for $10,000. One of the advanced photographers made a beautiful graphics shot of rain drops on her car's mirror. A real stunner.

MJPerini

One of the truly wonderful things about Photography is that it can be practiced at many different levels and in many different sub specialties and produce rewarding experiences at every level. There is also ALWAYS an opportunity to learn more. If you respect the learning curve, you can always get better.... which only enhances the enjoyment.
In the 1960's I shot B&W news /documentary. Then I moved to Commercial /Advertising in a NY Studio, Then Architecture and finally Landscape.
My Daughter & Wife shoot weddings. When I first got pressed into service as a second shooter, much to my surprise I got my butt kicked. For each client it is a one in a lifetime event with no do overs, there is mostly no control of the locations or lighting, mostly the people involved have no experience being in front of a professional camera. The pace is non stop, and the aim is to create the storybook of a family's dreams. To make every person and location look their best, while looking relaxed and natural. I watched the art of subtle direction.
Being out of one's comfort zone can be exhilarating or a disaster. For me it amounted to Boot Camp and made me a better photographer.
The more you know, the more you know.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Imagine yourself as a successful photographer. Did you take too few or too many great images?

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

Man you know some scary people .

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

I don't need to imagine 'my' photograph, it got made by my friend Arnold Newman some many years ago.

copyright Arnold Newman estate, Portrait of artist/photographer Timothy Summa.

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I dont really know them.
Theyre just everywhere.

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joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Don't know if you're talking about the people - or the mailbox. Maybe both

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA