In our technologically driven world, even those who are not “wired,” have a device that allows them to easily capture the moment. Aunt Anne’s 75th birthday (big heart), your son or daughter’s first smack of the baseball (a future major leaguer or team owner), a college graduation (the places you will go), a recognition ceremony (nice job), scenes along the hiking trail (awesome waterfall), a BBQ with friends (good times)…you get the picture (pun intended). Those phones, tiny cameras, and GoPros help make it happen and so easily. And the stories they tell and preserve! The joy of sharing!

Now compare your pictures with those in magazines, newspapers, hanging in a gallery, and taken by the best of the professionals. Why do those photographs make you realize that your pictures are not the same? Something is missing. Sure, our pictures are good and suffice but we see the possibilities. We want more!

Enter the process of rationalization – the difference is the device, yes, they have a better camera with more megapixels, a better lens, and that recently released off-camera flash. Really? With the state of widely available, relatively cheap technology, the device is not deserving of the credit normally afforded. So if not the device, what is the difference? What is needed to make a picture into that awe-inspiring photograph? I want more!

One of the most important differences is the “eye,” the awareness, the presence, the visualization of the possibilities brought by the person behind the camera. “Picture” you behind that camera but in a different state. You can now realize the totality of the soon to be captured “picture,” and leverage that awareness to perform at a higher level in order to produce a photograph.

Learning how to become more aware, present, and positive as a permanent state, and learning new strategies will help not only your electronic capturing of images but serve you well in professional endeavors, social settings, and family.