The Joy of Light
“Light makes photography. Admire it. Love it. But, above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”
I have always felt that photography, in the right hands, is an artform. However, sometimes it is hard to tell when, and how, the craft of photography can become an art and whether a particular image meets that criteria. I have often thought a lot about this in my own photography. And that is the subject of this Blog: how do I find the Art in Photography and how do I know when I have found it?
I hope you find my thoughts on the subject entertaining and, occasionally, informative.
You will notice that I have not included a way for you to directly engage in comments or argument about my comments. I don’t want to be in the position of having to police comments or censor people views or way of expressing themselves. I am too old for that. However, if you wish to engage with me directly go over to the “Contact Me” page and drop me a line. I try to answer all of the comments I receive and If I find feedback that helps me develop my own thinking I will write about it here.
A Point of View
Photography, like life, is a matter of point of view. And sometimes the best photos are taken by looking at something from a unique perspective. For instance, the other day I was trying to emulate a photographer I admire very much by the name of Denis Colette. His...
Thinking of Water
I came across some images the other day that caught my eye. And as often happens that started a chain of thought. I'll deal with those images in a minute but first we have to take a step back before we can go forward. I have noticed of late a plethora of articles and...
Words to Remember
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange taken in 1936 as the depression raged across America I receive a newsletter every so often from the “Digital Photography School” out of Australia. I can’t remember signing up for it but that doesn’t surprise me. I spend a good deal...
The Italian Gardens
I have set myself a new project: to photograph the Italian Gardens in Hastings Park in Vancouver. I spoke of projects in my discussion of the Sofitel Grand Hotel in Amsterdam earlier. By setting goals one imposes discipline and fosters a...
The Old is New Again
When I began this website I was concerned about art and photography and how they are related. I knew that not all photographs are art, but I also knew that some of them were. And it made sense to me that If I want to make art with my pictures I had better understand...
The World of Fantasy
I'm not sure that 'The World of Fantasy' is a good title for this observation. But what else do you call it? Maybe the word 'Art' is enough. What we are about to discuss is not portraiture in the strict sense and certainly not landscape art. It is the art of something...
In the Fog
I like the fog. (Susan says I am always in one!) In British Columbia we are lucky to have misty days and to me they are full of mystery and peacefulness. Everything is so soft and easy on the eye and familiar scenes are made new and...
Projects are Important
It is important to set goals. This is especially true in photography. When we are engrossed in a hobby we enjoy it is easy to drift in the enjoyment of the moment but at the end of the day have nothing to show for it! But what goal? Well, that is where setting...
Photography Galleries
I think for most of the people one sees taking pictures, photography is a pastime. It holds a fascination that is unending, but more than that, it seldom becomes. We read magazines or take on line courses to become better, but we are limited by our printers to the 8”...
My Third Camera
I am certain that this discussion of my old photographic equipment is an absolute bore for you. But I'm having a blast. This is old stuff I have not thought about for decades and I am enjoying it. It is like looking back at one's trail of footprints in the snow; I can...
Images are All Around You
I have been asked where I find the images I take. People actually think that somehow I go places they don't and find subjects they never get to photograph. But that is far from the truth. Actually, I don't go on special photographic expeditions: I just carry my camera...
Ship of State
Have you noticed how a scene will connect with something within you; you look at it and you don't want to pull your eyes away; you photograph it and you keep returning to the image; your mind keeps going back to it. It is different images for each of us. We all see...
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