Our brain or a vegetable, depending on how we use it. 😁

Once you register and receive your e-book, be sure to check the news about the Digital Collective Exhibition we're developing. This is your chance to be involved in promoting a worthy cause, with the collaboration of like minded members.

"Behind the Seen"

A brief summary of
The Psychology Of Imagery (POI)
by Adrian Lowe

What is this Psychology Of Imagery (POI) thing all about?

Have you ever wondered that after taking that truly magnificent scene,

that you later thought, “Why on earth did I take that?” “What did I miss?”

Well, it’s your subconscious at work recognising subtle elements that make it attracting and engaging, but your conscious mind may not actually recognise and see the same important things. So you snap away not taking full advantage of the subject's uniqueness.
. This book will make it easier for you to consciously recognise and understand what and why certain elements of that scene attract and engage you, before you take that shot, so you can use suitable techniques to capture, and edit, to highlight those important elements.
The bonus is that viewers will also be (subconsciously) attracted, engaged and moved by your image. It's Neuroscience and Psychology at work for you, coupled with technical and editing skills, to go from good to great. Simple.

"It is clear that although the topic is quite broad, you have managed to cover it all without all the waffle. Succinct and comprehensive." Cheri

The Mind's Eye

After nearly 60 years of photography – Adrian’s first job was in a camera store, then with 2 retail stores of his own down the track, a mini lab, darkroom, professional and commercial work, obligatory weddings for years, projects, commissions, curating and personal exhibitions, 25 years of psychology practice and philosophy tutor, with photography lectures, workshops, judging, and mentoring - all these weaving together - Adrian thought it was time to get it all out there in one piece, hence this book.
The best news - No cost, no catches.

Quick demo – I'm sure you'll recognise this scenario. Do you ever wonder why we peer into shadows so intently and why movie producers never get the cops to switch that damn light on when they go into a suspect’s house? Because they know that our primeval instincts regarding basic safety needs, make us look into the shadows looking for danger. So, if we employ dark areas in an image, viewers are compelled by instinct to engage more deeply.

That instinct and others are still with us from our “Neanderthal” days. There are complementary aspects involved too, so this will be described in full in the relevant sections. There are dozens more automatic response mechanisms that affect us in daily life and, for us, elements within images that we can incorporate so viewers are instinctively attracted to, engage with and react to the image. Have a look at the 36 Technique Index.

Did you know that more than 5 billion photos are taken every day as of 2024? So, dare to delve into the world of Behind The Seen revelations, or get lost in the overwhelming number of the same-same photos. Creativity is food for the soul, not just for you but for viewers.

Be sure to check out some example articles in the menu.

Explained in 4 parts with more than 60 articles, you'll have all the tools from first sighting to displaying your images. The articles are in bite size pieces with nearly 300 images as examples from 25 noted photographers who kindly contributed outstanding photos for your inspiration. And some from me. Plus homework of course. It's a long haul that could be described as a long term course.

First:
▪️ Introduction and How to get the most from this book,
▪️ A brief history of photography - How we got here. Have we got it too easy, complacent?
▪️ Gear vs insight.

Part 1: Mind matters.
▪️ Hierarchy of Basic Needs – What’s drives us. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
▪️ The Mindset – Being attentive. Look thrice, think twice, shoot once - repeat.
▪️ Mental and Physical Health - The benefits photography has for you.
▪️ SMART thinking – a process for analyzing/critiquing your and other's images.
▪️ Titles – Another subconscious pointer to attract and engage. Controversial till now.
▪️ 15 Types of photographs – Purpose! Why and how you’re taking that photo. Very important. 53 pages

Part 2: Brainwaves

▪️ Behind the Seen Techniques - 36 articles 149 pages.

▪️ Examples – With full critiques using POI.

▪️ Putting it all together - Ok, now what?

Part 3: Getting it out there in style.

▪️ Style. Who are you really? - Helpful ways of recognising your style.

▪️ Breaking out of a rut - It happens but we'll help you break it.

▪️ Take Mundane Photos - What!? After everything we've been through together!?

▪️ Projects – Themes, Series and Projects. The pinnacle of success and satisfaction.

▪️ Get it out there - On walls, shows, exhibitions, shops, causes.

▪️ Another pic on the wall - the benefits of displaying them on your own walls.

Part 4. Tools and Inspirations.

▪️ The Shotlist – an aid to get that creative streak going.

▪️ Printouts – The SMART process, Techniques and others.

▪️ Acknowledgements - To the noted photographers who were willing to offer their images to this project for your benefit. Mug shot, Bio, and links for inspiration.

▪️ Brainwaves - Detailed neural explanations. 3 examples for the bored or curious.

▪️ References – further reading and references I consider top notch.

▪️ And a surprise - not telling.

No charge - 330 pages and about 300 example images from 24 noted photographers.

Register to get your free full copy. No cost, no catches. It's my way of giving back to the photography community after nearly 60 years of involvement and enjoyment. (You may need to scroll up after submitting to see the Confirmation - and then go to the Welcome page in the Menu at the top right after submitting)
The FB group is on pause for the moment - Then you'll be eligible to join our Members Facebook page to continue your journey with extra articles, post your images and ask for and offer help, all in the POI (why and how) language not just subjective opinions.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse