Thinking, some photos
Comments(4) I have not posted in a fair time to this blog. Lots of reasons. Mostly about just thinking about stuff. The old shots and the new ones.
Photography as an art form is about thinking.
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For some strange reason, I like this photograph done at Loch Stack in Scotland. Why? I dunno. Perhaps it is the depth, that mountain range sure pops off the screen.
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And, I like this one, done in Northumberland, England. Why? I don’t know. I sorta like the contrasts of the foreground with the Castle in the background, and the wonderful pink clouds hanging over the Castle.
And this one.
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Perhaps it was the moment. Two Gannets in a courtship thing.
And this one.
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Just three megalithic stones from Scotland.
What do they have in common? I dunno. But I like each for what it is.
Perhaps a lesson. Light sometimes finds us, sometimes it pleases us, sometimes it doesn’t.
It is the magic of what we do.
I can’t help but wonder if your thinking has been influenced by your reading of other blogs. Lots of discussion as to what is good and bad. What is the value of having trusted friend who can offer valid critique.
What I hear you saying is what I believe is essentially the bottom line… if you like it, that is all that matters. If so, AMEN!
Now if you are trying to make a living with photography? That is a whole different story. Then it becomes important to know what your market likes and will buy. And that typically screws up the fun, creative and joyful part of what we do. Nuff said on that!
Oh, I like each shot posted just like you. Why, I dunno… cause I do.
Hi Bill
You said “Photography as an art form is about thinking” but of course that applies to ALL art forms, it’s a given. As an art form photography also has deal with a multitude of other factors as well, from technology to technique and then the universal considerations of composition, style, form, colour etc (the aesthetic). If it were just the thinking that makes photography photography, then we’d fall flat
My approach is (fluidly) Passion for subject – Immersion within that subject – Meaningful Experience of that subject THEN Thought about WHY I need to photograph it, sometimes it’s much better to simply enjoy the moment than ruin it with a camera – THEN Pre-visualisation of the final printed image (I know this instinctively now, it’s not a conscious thing, but that comes with experience). Subconsciously I will be firstly considering the beauty and dynamics of the COMPOSITION, secondly exposure (and choice of control) and possibly thirdly, the need for any filtration.
Back in the studio the CONSCIOUS head is back on, deliberating very carefully over the small series of images from the day to decide which to really work on. The orchestral dance of dodging and burning is instinctive and intuitive and goes back onto the subconscious as it has more to do with emotional feelings and passions for the memory the file holds.
In summary, thinking about your photography is vital and fundamental, but the passion for your subject, and the aesthetic considerations are EQUALLY as important in a winning image. If you throw bias one way or the other the image is likely to fail.
I can’t totally agree with John above, though I know where he is coming from, but there IS appalling photography out there, whether we like to admit it or not. Just as there are lousy cooks who can make a meal, it does not mean we will enjoy it or that they are master chefs simply because it tastes OK
For those of us living and breathing photography day in and day out, and for those who have really chosen to study our peers and immerse ourselves in the art, it is VERY clear when a picture is a facile failure whether the creator knows it or not. I therefore still applaud you Bill for choosing to analyse what you are doing rather than just snapping BUT don’t let go of your love and passion for the subject, ever and don’t forget the absolute thrill of the medium you are using. Both are essential to your success.
Hi John,
Actually, I may have mislead my readers with this post, for you see there is a common element among the four photographs. Meaning: A fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity.
When I applied the common element, the results were that I liked each photograph, and I could not explain why.
If I had done something else, the four photographs would have been radically different, and would not have appealed to my artistic self. One must satisfy one’s own need for expression before one can hope to satisfy another viewer’s eyes.
It is about thinking. And, if one is satisfied with the result, it is all that matters.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Glyn,
Yes, it can be rather subjective, and perhaps subconscious workings, and too, it has lots to do with harmony. If we are not in harmony with what we do, we should stop doing it.
In my view, too many photographers get caught up in a check list of stuff and end up taking perfect photographs that express absolutely nothing.
Here, I sought to apply a common element to the four graphs that resulted in images that were pleasing to me. And for me that is enough.
Best regards,
Bill