Looking through the Lens

Lenses are very important to a film director and cinematographer, as well as a photographer. Through the choice of lens, we change the amount of light, depth of field, color, contrast, flow, mood, and movement. In cinematic storytelling, the lenses are carefully chosen, tested and used to intentionally create the desired shots, composition, and ultimate result. Will it be a close up, wide shot, medium closeup, or another? The lens will determine the view. A consideration of filters is another aspect A lens or filter adjusts and determines what the viewer will see or not see. The director, cinematographer and photographer choose the lens best suited for the story. It is their vision that makes that selection.

The same is true with the books and the written word and in the case of coffee table books, with the imagery, as well. What lens do you want to tell your story? The lens is the view of the world you’d like your readers to see. Who’s lens is it-yours, another character’s, a third party’s or your readers’ ? The chosen lens in your book will set the tone, the pacing, the style, cerebral and emotional engagement, reaction, and impact. A discussion of this lens is just as vital when writing a book as it is when making a film. There are stories in which the lens will change with scenes, characters or messaging. Yet, those changes are calculated.

When selecting a ghostwriter, co-writer or collaborator, look for someone that shares your lens or can adjust their lens to yours. It’s also valuable to have someone with a different lens to review and give feedback. In the end, however, it is your vision. You are the “director” of your story and it is you who must dictate the lens and how it’s used.