Seeing with Your Heart

When you look at a scene, how are you looking at it? Do you only see what is visible? Or do you also see what you’re feeling — what’s not visible?

The above photo is not exactly what existed the evening I photographed this lovely scene. That is, the contrast was lower; and the saturation was not as vivid. The horse also was not as “perfect” as he appears here. And while I did not fabricate the light or its angle, I did enhance it; and I strengthened the shadows.

Because I wanted to reproduce what I felt while photographing this scene, I’ve taken the liberty of greatly enhancing and retouching the photo.

So I’ve made this image what it literally was not, and yet what it was to me, emotionally. Strictly speaking, I could not submit this image for editorial purposes, precisely because I have modified it beyond acceptable editorial guidelines.

If, however, your goal is to speak from your heart with your photography, then you may feel free to “manipulate” your images accordingly. You just need to understand when you cross the line from editorial into personal expression — and how that may affect the use of your photos.

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