The theory is that people are either left-brained or right-brained, meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you're mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, you're said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you're thought to be right-brained.
Not that I needed to confirm it, but, I did neurofeedback (NFB) and proved I am incredibly right-brained. Neurofeedback, also called Neurotherapy or Neurobiofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly electroencephalography (EEG), to teach self-regulation of brain function. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure activity, with measurements displayed using video displays or sound.
So, logically, you would come to the conclusion all professional photographers are right-brained, right? Well, not exactly.
Early on, my starting point with photography was f/stops, shutter speeds, exposure meters, or any of the other left-brain camera or software variables. I was "consciously competent" I knew how to work the camera and choose settings for the photograph I wanted.
Today, my camera settings are still important but, I am now "unconsciously competent" meaning it has become a habit rather than a "checklist". This is right-brained photography. When I come up with an idea, my right-brain tells the left-brain what to do and it usually listens..., not that I don't occasionally capture a completely black image.
Before any shoot, I visualize the shots I want. I create a storyboard of the entire session. Being extremely visual, I see the shots before I take them. I see the colors and the composition of the shot. When I get to the editing desk, I have images I can work with and turn them into beautiful photographs.
A right-brained photographer has to force the mastering of technical knowledge through a variety of means. Typically, this means online training in video format. We are the people that read the first page of the instructions then just figure the rest out. Sitting in a classroom environment for us is like, well, painful. We are the ones who appear to be totally checked out.
The first right-brained photograph I took was about 30 years ago. It was a company golf outing and I was using a B&W disposable camera. After getting the film developed I had a shot of a golfer putting and the ball was on the very edge of the whole. The picture drew a lot of attention and of course, the question was, "did it go in"?
I didn't realize it then but, I was already a right-brained photographer. The very reason I love capturing the moment in my photographs. Sure, I like the interior architecture shots too but, capturing the true person is my favorite. I get great satisfaction from seeing the results.