When you say, "Lets go out and take a photo!" do you usually record a scene or create a scene?

This is important for us to all examine if we want to improve our photography. Why? Well if you are a creator you might miss the elements in front of you in your haste to make your creation. If you are a recorder you may forget that you can enhance the scene with a new element added by you.

What got me thinking of this was this photo. I was walking by the grotto at church, when I saw all these elements (frame, ground light, sunlight, perspective and golden rule potential) create a possible composition in the morning light. I then asked myself..but could I build this photo myself?

So this is setting me on a little path of needed enlightenment. Now I have to not only look at scenes for what they are, but evaluate what they could be if I develop my creativity as well as my recording skills.

So what are you? And what does that say about what you need to develop to meet your full potential?

-ehw