If you are a true movie buff and you watch all those "Behind the scenes" or "Making of" features that are often included on DVDs today, you have probably noticed something. Quite often the director has some type of small one lens eyepiece hanging around their neck. What is it, and why do they use it? It's called: a director's finder; and the director uses this device to see how the shot is going look thru the lens of the camera.

Why is it that when many people see a grand majestic mountain and take a photo, that it never seems the same as when they were there? Simply put, it's not the same. Man is blessed with the gift of two eyes and this totally changes the perspective than if you only had one eye. Two eyes not only see twice a wide, they also see more depth. It is that combination of seeing two perspectives and combining them in the human mind that gives you an advantage over any modern camera the world has to offer.

Most cameras today, regardless if you are talking film, digital or video only have one eye. Thus great directors realize they can not depend on their own sight alone. This is also why regular photographers, need to use the single eyepiece on their camera, as opposed to always using the LCD screen. One of these, commonly referred to as a "view finder" serves the same function as the director's finder, (to limit perspective). The other makes you use both eyes again which gives you a false sense of what the camera is really seeing.

If you want to see as the camera sees, try this: put thumb and forefinger together on both hands, then put both of those tips together gently. Looking at the world through that small rectangle of space between your fingers is much more realistic than using both eyes. Realizing the camera sees things physically different than you do, is the first photo tip in developing creative vision.

Having a creative eye is like having a creative edge in photography. The next photo tip in having this creative edge is being aware of what type of things forces your eye to look in a certain direction. These things that are commonly referred to in the art world as: "the elements of design" are what separate the Masters from the amateurs in great photography.

Imagine if you will a mountain scene at dusk. The top third is covered with golden orange puffy clouds slowly turning red. Three mountain peaks with the sun setting on the far right side; have a long winding road that starts at the bottom left and leads directly into the bright orange ball of the setting sun. In this image you have: repetition, dominance, leading lines, contrast, size, shape, the rule of thirds and the concept known as creating a "Spot" that all add to the strength of the photo.

If you are not familiar with all the terms listed above, you need to study more about art. I can and have written literately thousands of words on each of those ideas. When people say you have a creative eye, what they are stating is that you see things more artistically than most. Obviously to see more artistically, you need to know more about art. With over 30 years experience in photography I can confidently state, my Art training has taught me more about creating award winning photos, than any photo class I have ever had.

The third photo tip relating to: "Finding your own creative edge in photography", is perspective. If your subject is a 3 year old little girl for example you have several choices. A) You can be boring and take a snap shot from an adult perspective (looking down at your subject). B) You can start being more creative by taking a photo of her from her height. C) You can really start being creative, by using "a worm's eye view" and looking up to her. Or D) you can truly express your creative edge by taking shots from her perspective. A shot of with the puppy looking up in her loving arms and a smile on her face, leaves a lot more to the imagination.

To summarize: having vision, understanding art, and using a creative perspective are things that all photographers need, to develop a creative eye. If you want to push your creative edge even further, explore all aspects of art (I only mentioned a few here.) Open your mind to other media as well. The same things you like about a particular painting or sculpture may be the same things you need to apply to your photography. As with all creative endeavors, practice, practice, practice and enjoy the journey.