The Art Of Previsualization With A Manual Digital Rangefinder!

The Shadow Dancers

The Temple Walls

The Fisherman Casting His Net

The Approaching Boat

The thought of shooting with a manual digital rangefinder without autofocus or a rear viewfinder to check shots can give most photographers the jitters. However, I love it because it keeps my mind sharp, my heart racing, and my soul happy. The Leica M10-D was used with several M lenses like a film camera. Rear viewfinders and tablet previews aren't available.

Loading digital files onto my desktop iMac Pro when I get home is like loading rolls of film into the developing tank. The process is like analog 35mm film, but without smelly chemicals and faint darkroom light.

Until auto-focus film cameras came along, rangefinder cameras used two methods to focus: split-image or double focus alignment focusing screens and manual focus levers like a pendulum clock to get a sense of distance and then calculate hyperfocal distance to maximize depth of field.

Captured Photography: An approaching boat and a fisherman casting his net. The photos use a pictorial approach to give an eyewitness account.

I'll explain the approaching boat picture. I was on a boat leaving the village while the incoming boat returned. My estimate was that both boats went 20mph. It was clear that the approaching boat would be visible from the port (left side of the boat like 9 o'clock) and I was seated on the port side of the boat. Being aware of any background the incoming boat might be passing through in the distance I noticed the lush greenery in the background. I grabbed the 75mm M lens for a compressed look. I zone focused at 8 o'clock or approximately 45 degrees on the M lens. Then I waited for the boat to move into the frame. I made a small adjustment through the optical viewfinder for precise focus. I wanted a wide open aperture with a graduated shallow depth of field.

Here's what goes on behind the scenes of The Fisherman Casting The Net. As we were heading back to the pier, I noticed a fisherman on the bank. It was our local guide who told him to cast his net. He was happy to show off his casting skills.To freeze the net, I used a 35mm lens and a fast shutter speed and like Henry Cartier Bresson I made a decisive moment shot.

Crafted Photography: Temple Walls and Shadow Dancers. Black and white conversions and fine art textured papers were used for both images.

The Temple Walls. Observing the patterns and writing on the walls, I wondered how I could create an image with hidden meanings. For this crafted image, I thought a monochrome image would be perfect. Besides, black and white images focus more on shades, textures, and tones without distracting colors. I think this is especially true in this scenario with the imbalance of color in the sun, sky, and temple interiors. There's something mysterious about black and white, and I love that. I framed the sunlight through one of the buildings using the rule of thirds with my widest lens, the Super-Elmar 18mm. Even though there would be light flares, I knew the end result would be monochromatic and there wouldn't be much distraction. In this picture, you don't see anything in action. It's crafted photography. The image was created during the creation process.

Interpreting The Shadow Dancers. Walking past this ruin wall in the courtyard of Cambodia heritage site Ang Ko Wat, I noticed harsh shadows on the walls. After observing this courtyard for a minute, I got the idea of creating a symbolic image of ancient warriors and worshippers. It would look good in black and white. The image was created in my head, and I took out the camera to record it. Final product was a fine art print on textured paper. The print metaphorically transported me back to the courtyard and made me feel like I was there again. I was truly inspired and satisfied with the outcome of my artwork.

As a photographer, I push the limits of creativity and photographic gear application with the Art Of Previsualization. This method is like having a roadmap to success; it allows you to plan out your route, anticipate potential challenges, and adjust your approach as needed. Happy shooting!