Page 18 - NyghtVision Magazine Volume 4 #2

nalized and conveyed through the created image. A Respond
Being in the moment, gives one the chance to
create a unique and powerful image. The Meth-
od was developed as a way to understand what it
takes to produce a unique, emotionally powerful,
high quality image, and to make it repeatable and
teachable.
The Method has five steps; Observe, En-
gage, Respond, Create and Detach. In the initial
Boot Camp class each step has a very thorough
explanation of its purpose, context, content and
execution. I am using a simple outline of the
steps to demonstrate the value of The Method as
a teaching tool. (The first BootCamp class lasts
3 to 5 hours and is filled with technical, artistic
and philosophic insights - it is not the intention
of this outline to represent that experience.)
The Method’s steps are as follows:
A Observe
What day is it? Where am I (latitude, lon-
gitude)? What time is it? What is the light an-
gle (complimentary angle)? What is the range of
light? What is the volume of light? What set-
tings will produce the best image? This technical
assessment answers some important questions,
while providing an introduction to “ thinking “
about the image.
A Engage
What is happening in the environment around
you? What are the activities? The people, build-
ings, structures and nature all provide input to
create an environment that we feel mentally and
emotionally.
18 | Jim Whiting
You are part of the environment. How do you
feel? Connect with the mood/emotion of the sur-
roundings or subject. Be human. Be vulnerable.
Experience the mentality and emotion. How can
you create an image that expresses what you feel?
A Create
Express the emotion through image compo-
sition, angle of view, focus technique, and other
options. Create the interest and Press the shut-
ter.
A Detach
Let it go. Move on to the next subject, and re-
start the Method at a point appropriate for you to
create the next image.
As I reviewed my learning, I became enamored
with the idea that this method and these same
steps, if modified, could be adapted as a way to
assess and improve many of life’s experiences - to
provide a structure for thinking through a situa-
tion, a problem or life’s issues. Over time and a
few iterations, I have developed a description of
how it can work. The modified Method can be
used prior to a conversation (with anyone - wife,
children, friends), in planning a presentation, or
prior to a business meeting, and in virtually any
situation. It has given me a way to think about
interactions in a new and very beneficial way, or,
as explained in the House of NyghtFalcon's state-
ment of purpose, See the World Again. For the
First Time. Now, I will describe the steps a bit
differently to demonstrate how they can be used.