"It is part of the photographer's job to see more intensely than most people do. He must have and keep in him something of the receptiveness of the child who looks at the world for the first time or of the traveller who enters a strange country."
Bill Brandt
For Christmas, my son Will gave me two books about photography...one being technical, The Photography Bible by Daniel Lezano and the other, The Tao of Photography by Philippe Gross and S.I. Shapiro. Over the last several weeks both have provided me with hours of enjoyment.
I must admit, I have spent more time with the second then the first but that's because I'm rather an "unschooled, natural photographer" and see the craft of photography as the abilty to feel or see that which surrounds me with unconstricted awareness.
I understand that to be a true photographer, one must understand visual design and technical knowledge...therefore every now and again I do spend some time with Lezano, but for the most part, I put both books aside and go out and just "see".
Rambling down by the ocean
or silently walking through shipyards
or chocolate mills of the past,
I look through the lens of my camera, and with unconstricted awareness and mindful of even the smallest things, see beyond seeing...capturing images in the moment.
As I look around in the environment in which I find myself, I look for images that have a soul, or stirs my imagination. I look for images that tell a story...that makes me think "thoughts" beyond that which I'm actualy photographing.
As a photographer, I am consciously on the alert or mindful of what I am seeing.
Digging deep within myself, I "leap into the boundless" as Chuang-tzu so aptly said, taking unheard of risks. Yes, I will pay no heed to "No Trespassing" signs....
nor fear the unknown....
in search of an idea...an image....that offers transcendence to my soul.
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Comments: 67
Your pictures are wonderful...
Your shots are truly memorable...why? Because you find unusual perspectives. You go through that fence marked No Trespassers. Good for you, dear.
My best photo ever was of my brother on his hands and knees pushing his forehead against the forehead of a rather mean looking alpha male goat. They both gave up at the same time. Honour satisfied.
I have an abundance of photo opportunities waiting for me over the next 2 days. I'm hoping to find your eye.
Both of my kids are actually much better at it than I am - don't get it from me.
If it's the hair...you are the first to say that. Mom keeps wondering when I'm going to cut it and have a grown-up hairdo!!! Kind of late for that, huh?
Loved the story about you and your brother.
This photo essay is both fascinating and instructive, my friend. I am featuring it in the Chat & Connections Garden Cafe.
Actually the second book is kind of fun...but I can only read a chapter at a time. One of the things I do like about it is the fact it gives you ALL THESE RULES and then they tell you how various well-known photographers have broken them and produced something really interesting. That makes me feel good....since I probably break all the standards rules without even knowing it!
Thanks Quinn for stopping by.
Thank you for featuring this in the Chat & Connections Garden Cafe. I feel honored!
The Photographers Review
When I tire of words or they of me, I turn to the visual for my information and inspiration.
Your books look interesting but I can see that your own appetite for your vision is much more the teacher here.
It's a keeper..would look great as your icon. Bob the one who peeps into the souls of things.
Methinks you are a renaissance artiste. Is there anything you dont do well?
What a compliment..."a renaissance artiste"...I bow to you...really, you are going to make this head just swell and no one will be able to stand me!!!!
As for your last question....that really brought on a belly laugh. I have no idea how to cook or clean house or iron shirts or any of those other things that most people do well. It took me to the 5th grade to learn how to ride a bike and I never did learn how to roller skate. As for skiing, you will find me on the bunny slope or in the lodge taking pictures.
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