"The Science of Seeing: Understanding Biology and Painting for Better Photography"

Presented by: Chris Schiller

Human eyes and brains are not objective observers of the world. The evolved biology of the eye-brain combination has profound implications for how we perceive photography and art. In this presentation, we will learn about the science of seeing, study how painters have used this understanding, and apply those concepts to analyze and improve artistic vision in photography. 
       
Based on the book Vision and Art by Margaret Livingstone, this presentation will consider examples from painting and photography, including work by the presenter as well as other Club members*, and give a photographer the tools to better transform two dimensional images to appear more three dimensional.

*used by permission

Illustrative GIF by Chris Schiller

Monet's "Impression: Sunrise", shown in color and desaturated

(Image from Vision and Beauty by Margaret Livingstone)

Luminosity and color gradients

(Image from Vision and Beauty by Margaret Livingstone)

BIO

Chris Schiller has been photographing the American West for more than 35 years. Rooted in the film era, and now comfortably pursuing work in the digital age, Chris produces fine art photographs in black and white and color. He has appeared in scores of solo and group exihibits, including at the San Francisco International Airport, and alongside works by Ansel Adams. Chris lives with his wife in the big timber woods of the High Sierra.

Website: schillerimages.com