As photographers, I think it’s fair to say that most of us take our eyesight for granted – no matter how good or bad it may be. The world is ours to capture, our camera the conduit of expression.
When it comes to the creative interpretation of my subjects, it’ll be no surprise to hear that I prefer to record and present my images in a very natural, ‘non-processed’ way. Post-production is kept to a minimum (see here and here for examples of my workflow), colours remain neutral and sharpness is never exaggerated.
I’ve never had the need to wear glasses. But we must move with the times and this past week or so has seen me confirm what I‘ve thought for some time – that my eyes are now tired enough to require a little assistance. Interestingly, the optician believes that the deterioration of my sight has nothing to do with many years spent peering through a viewfinder. I was a little surprised to hear this.
No big deal, and secretly, I must admit to being quite excited by the prospect of my new four-eyed life (sad but true, I’ve always liked the idea of wearing specs. Don’t ask me why).
This process triggered an interesting chain of thought in my mind, within just as few minutes of sporting my new face furniture. My world is now enhanced thanks to a man-made corrective mechanism, in much the same way as Photoshop has the power to manipulate perceived reality for effect within our pictures.
Things now appear to have more ‘snap’, as if I’m seeing the world with just a bit too much sharpening applied (note one of my pet peeves – please do not over-sharpen your images!). On the brightest of days (not too many of those in recent weeks), it’s quite surreal when taking in already-vivid views, but pleasing nonetheless.
As an aside, I also feel like I’m in a first-person computer game, especially when wearing my thicker frames.
Whilst I never doubted the clarity of any images emanating from my camera or computer, I dare say this renewed vision will have a knock-on effect for me. Will it be increased confidence in the quality my work? Will I see the world ‘with new eyes’, as they say?
Only time will tell. For now, though, I’m liking this newfangled focus trickery of mine.
