I’m in one of those periods when my mind is shuffling information chaotically. It does this periodically when I’m studying something new. I just let it go, shuffle on, work on it, whatever it is. Even my nights seem filled with chaotic dreams.
What it’s working on, with some intentional input from my conscious mind, and some good hard study, is photography.
Yes, I’m studying technique (lighting, composition, white balance, etc.). But I’m also studying what’s happening in the “fine art” photography world. I’m no expert, I’ve just begun this pursuit. But it’s reminding me of what I studied and learned (and still am) about poetry:
~ Don’t use clichés.
~ That photo of a flower, so what?
~ What is beautiful?
~ What’s been done already?
~ What’s new about your perspective?
~ Is it honest, authentic?
Questions are raised about the whole nature of aesthetics, art and whether beauty is the point of photography? Is it MY point?
In the elite world of photography, even the winners of the photoblogs awards this year, the photographers are often, may I say usually, not in the category of “wow, that’s a beautiful photo,” but rather in the category of, wow, that is really interesting, that’s a new way of looking at that particular subject.
Here are some examples:
What it’s working on, with some intentional input from my conscious mind, and some good hard study, is photography.
Yes, I’m studying technique (lighting, composition, white balance, etc.). But I’m also studying what’s happening in the “fine art” photography world. I’m no expert, I’ve just begun this pursuit. But it’s reminding me of what I studied and learned (and still am) about poetry:
~ Don’t use clichés.
~ That photo of a flower, so what?
~ What is beautiful?
~ What’s been done already?
~ What’s new about your perspective?
~ Is it honest, authentic?
Questions are raised about the whole nature of aesthetics, art and whether beauty is the point of photography? Is it MY point?
In the elite world of photography, even the winners of the photoblogs awards this year, the photographers are often, may I say usually, not in the category of “wow, that’s a beautiful photo,” but rather in the category of, wow, that is really interesting, that’s a new way of looking at that particular subject.
Here are some examples:
And check out the photobloggie winners.
So, as an artist, within the larger context of the world of the arts, I want to figure out, what is my authentic “voice”? Do I care what's considered by critics GOOD? In poetry writing, in photography. We all have influences, those who have gone before who leave their mark on our work. How do I choose them? How do I make what I love about their work my own?
And then, how do I find an audience who appreciates my expressions? Because after all, I’m not just doing this for myself.
This is the chaos in my brain. But writing it out here helps.
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