The idea for our project “Augmented Eye” transpired when I was shooting on the streets of Vancouver last year. I chose a spot at one of the busiest intersections in the city, a place where I have taken photographs on many occasions. The city life around me was buzzing and visuals were passing by faster than I could process them.
Then something strange happened. As I observed the chaos around me, my brain started to ignore previous patterns and began wandering around as if my visual radar was being reprogrammed to look for new signals. As I sensed this subtle change I made a deliberate effort to scrutinize the area with new eyes to accelerate this happening.
This effort led me to new visuals I haven’t been able to uncover before. I was suddenly operating in a real-world environment enhanced by a new perception of reality. It was as if some elements had always existed but were functioning independently and merging into one vision.
Later I started to ponder this phenomenon and one word that came to my mind was augmented. The term “Augmented Reality” implies a direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented or supplemented by a computer. The purpose of such projections is to enhance one’s perception of reality.
It turned out that prolonged observations of one place caused my brain to skip its usual routine and start searching for an additional element as if it wanted to enhance my reality. Over the course of a year, I explored this idea in the project “Augmented Eye.”
Today I would like to share with you some images that I shot over the last year for this project. You may have seen some of them before on this blog but I think it is important to put them together within a theme. Please note that there is no Photoshop manipulation here, just pure visuals built layer upon layer (nothing to do with PS layers!) from intense observation. They were all taken with the X-series cameras and lenses.
We will be discussing and practicing this phenomenon, among many other things, in the “Streets of Vancouver Photography Workshop” this summer. Those of you who would like to learn more and explore new ways of seeing please join me on the July 28-31 weekend of our Vancouver workshop. Only two spots left. Reserve your spot here.
2017 © Olafphoto. All rights reserved.
Look forward to knowing more….
Awesome work, Olaf!
Doug,
It is always great to hear from you. Thank you so much.
Olaf
Great photos, particularly the ‘ghost climbing snowy stairs’.
And again, inspiring writing and images, thank you.
My pleasure. All the best.
Olaf
Beautiful, the ‘ghost climbing snowy stairs’ in particular.
Great write up and images, as is usual with you.
Thank you so much.
Olaf
Absolutely fascinating
Paul,
I have to admit that despite numerous difficulties I am quite excited when shooting for this project. It quickly became one of my favourites. Thank you so much for your support.
Olaf
I understand completely Olaf Being aware in this way is a gift I like that you are passing it on Makes the whole experience much richet