The Eyes Have It!

The marina's dark, dank underground walkway was hardly the ideal spot for picture taking. Then a shark met me nose to nose for a quick portrait. The mixed lighting adds an eerie effect to the photo.


What is the most important component in your photographic arsenal? Is it the lens, the flash, the camera body? How about none of the above? The single most important piece of equipment comes to you at no cost and is with you all the time - your eyes! Train your eyes to truly see the world around you. Walking down a city street or along a wooded trail, whether you have a camera with you or not, be on the look out for “the shot”. Seek out patterns, colors, and contrasts. Compose pictures in your minds eye. Begin thinking and seeing like a photographer. Anyone can take a picture. The trick is to capture images that will engage the eye of the viewer. Someone with a good eye can take terrific photos even with an elementary point and shoot camera. Good equipment may expand your capabilities but ultimately it is your vision that will make you a successful photographer.