Glimpse Definitions

These are important terms that we use in the Glimpse Group. These are not the only meanings associated with these terms but are ones that we feel define the concepts we are looking for in photographs.

Glimpse:

1. A type of photograph consisting of a glimpse, a frame, and a background scene. There may also be a foreground.


2. That area of a photograph which is partially or completely surrounded by the frame and offers a view of the background scene.

The glimpse is the 'point of interest' of a Glimpse photo. It is the most important area of the photo and should be in clear focus (or at least clear enough to recognize details).

Frame:

An object (or objects) in a photo that obscures most of the background scene. Frames may be of any material and take up approximately two thirds of the viewable area of a photo.

The Subject or 'focus of attention' or 'object of study' is the Glimpse rather the Frame. The Frame is vital to a glimpse photograph but it can never be the subject of one.

Subject:

The subject of a glimpse can be almost anything. Partial views of landscapes or cityscapes make great glimpses. Singular objects such as people, animals, buildings, and plants can make good subjects if they are far enough from the frame that the background scene is visible.

Subjects that are too close to the frame interrupt our view of the whole glimpse.

The Two Trees Exercise

Taking a good Glimpse photo is a combination of luck, intuition and preparation. The preparation comes about when we remember to stop viewing the subject as a scene and look for ways to turn it into a Glimpse.

I experimented with different subjects in different environments and found this method to be the easiest.

The Exercise.

Go to a neighbourhood park with several trees or posts. Trees work best because they are randomly distributed and finding two that are the right distance apart is easy.




When you find a group of trees look around for something that will make a nice subject. It doesn't have to be spectacular but it does have to be recognizable.




Once you have chosen a subject (a car in this example) walk around and look at it from different locations. Vary your angle and distance from the subject but keep it framed between two trees.

You may have to try other trees and subjects but eventually you will find a Glimpse to photograph.



You may also find another subject that makes a good Glimpse.



Practicing like this will help you recognize Glimpses.

temple window

temple window
Originally uploaded by alba.

This is one of those photos that seem to pull you into them.

As a Glimpse it does several things right:

• The scene is in focus and draws our attention.


• Nothing blocks our view past the frame. We are free to peek and try to see more.


• The people in the photo add to the scene but don't dominate it.

gate

gate
Originally uploaded by niznoz.

Common scenes in any city can make a good Glimpse. The gate doesn't stop us from wondering what lies beyond or from wanting to have a look.

A Photo Subject's Relationship To The Frame

Many photos that are rejected/removed from the pool have subjects that are too close to the frame (ie - too close to the object that obscures the scene).

A good Glimpse draws our eyes beyond the frame and focuses our viewpoint on the scene. Photos with people or animals in doorways, or at windows, for example, attract our attention and interfere with our perception of the glimpse.

For some interior shots with people or pets: a range of 3ft (1m) from the frame may work. As long as the background is visible and in focus.

A Glimpse is more of a landscape or cityscape type of photograph than a portrait. People and animals can be subjects if photographed properly.


Portal
Originally uploaded by [The User].

Cob interior

Cob interior
Originally uploaded by [The User].

Here is another interesting Glimpse. The frame is unusual and gives the glimpse an otherworldly atmosphere.