The Lens Illumination Technique builds a rich, multi-layered narrative scene by directing attention to specific 'elements' of the narrative scene that are relevant to the story being told.
The technique is known as Lens Illumination because it applies a specific lens to these differing facets or attributes of the scene – e.g. the internal state of a character, the external setting, themes that enhance the narrative, tensions between characters, and so on. It then throws light – different qualities and direction of light – on these details by asking a series of questions that guide the reader's focus.
How does 'Lens Illumination' Work?
The concept involves developing written passages by constructing a series of varying viewpoints of a situation in the way that alternate camera angles – and differing types of lens – are used to develop a film.
Then 'illumination questions' are then asked that shine light on the essential elements of the scene; the different angles and quality of the 'lighting' will highlight features that best contribute to the narrative – presenting them metaphorically in a ‘specific light.’
The process is analogous to film lighting, where different position, strength, and nature of the lighting will emphasize specific detail.
Illustration: Asking the Illumination Questions
To build the narrative below, specific Lenses (Subjects) are selected and Illumination Questions are asked to generate starting points from which the text is developed.
Lens A: The Internal State
Focus: The protagonist's motivation.
Illumination Question: What specific internal condition is required for the protagonist to abandon her previous constraints and finally take a risk?
The Answer: She must be facing failure. Only then does the unthinkable become possible.
Lens B: The Intersection (Setting & Character)
Focus: The meeting of two contrasting worlds.
Illumination Question: Where do the worlds of tailoring art and blue-collar necessity collide, and who populates that space?
The Answer: A Town Hall annex. Anjali (the theorist) meets Eileen (the pragmatist) over "Duchy biscuits".
Lens C: The Vocation as Metaphor
Focus: Character voice and behavior.
Illumination Question: How does the protagonist's professional skill (tailoring) translate into her listening style?
The Answer: A tailor looks for fine detail. Anjali listens by waiting for the client to "recover the thread".
Lens D: The External Catalyst
Focus: The conflict.
Illumination Question: What specific economic mechanism is threatening the status quo of the secondary character?
The Answer: A holding company demanding a return on investment. The "family" owners are now pressured to be profitable.
Lens E: Sensory Atmosphere & Foreshadowing
Focus: The mood.
Illumination Question: What background noise fills the silence, and what specific visual detail foreshadows the coming change?
The Answer: The wind rattling an extractor fan. A woman with striking red hair who represents the "outsider's eye".
Illustration: The Narrative from The Tailor
By weaving together the answers to the questions above, the following narrative passage was created using the Lens Illumination Creative Technique:
With her dream of 'fashion design by successive alteration' now at risk, Anjali gave herself permission to do those things that only become conceivable when one is facing failure. It was in her 'Geometric Form and Perspective in Dress' workshop in the town hall annex that Anjali met Eileen, mother of three at home and personal assistant to the Factory Manager at work. The names of Anjali's workshops were designed to appeal to those Townspeople either prepared to consider radically different perspectives on dress or, at the very least, with a curiosity driven by pressing need. Eileen was prepared, pressed and in need.
'I work in one of the last weaving mills in Wetledale,' Eileen related over the fashionable Duchy biscuits which Panya had described as 'certainly conducive'. 'We are wool weavers, mixing local and imported wool. I am a Personal Assistant to the Factory Manager. We were partly owned by a holding company, which took the decision to buy out the other shareholders and take control. This decision was expensive, and now the family that owns our factory looks for a return. We cannot continue as we are. We must become more profitable.'
A good tailor is a good listener. The fine detailing on a stitched hem, or an embroidered lapel, can only be achieved by pinpoint attention and an informed decision as to where to next place the needle. Anjali waited for her first real client to recover the thread of her story, whilst ensuring that there were enough Duchy biscuits on Eileen's china plate.
The wind, rattling the extractor fan in the consulting room's small window, lulled. Eileen continued. 'The representatives of the Danish owners came to view the weaving mill's operations last week. They were accompanied by a lady with striking red hair. It is rumoured that she will take over the running of the factory. The Owners feel they need an outsider's eye to make the significant changes that are required to achieve the profits they now crave - and which they have already written into their business plan.'
Lens Illumination in combination
Other techniques that work well in combination with The Lens Illumination Technique.
- The Core Question – defines the problem a section of text is trying to solve.
- Avenues – builds passages that add precise and complementary detail to the narrative.