What Do You Like About Photography?
I wonder…what do you like about photography? Keep reading and leave your comments at the bottom of this blog post. I’d be curious to hear what you have to say!
OK…so the top photo on this page is of the biker bar called “Hogs and Heifers,” which used to be on 859 Washington St. in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. When I took that photo a while ago, virtually no one was able to guess what and where it was. That was part of the appeal of the photo when I took it–it didn’t “look” like the neighborhood where it was located. Quite the contrary! We were staying in a hotel directly across the street which is at the base of the High Line in Manhattan. There are also a bunch of trendy clothing designers and stores in the area which made the scene even more bizarre to me. So, as Judy and I were walking northward, I stopped and “engaged” the two guys on the left and took 3 or 4 frames of them reacting to me. (You might even notice the “residual finger” on one of the guys which was actually a playful gesture toward me as the other guy laughed) I really had “fun” finding and taking this photo and felt like I caught something special.
Imagine our surprise when we went by there again a few weeks ago, while visiting the new Whitney Museum which is located about two blocks away, to take another look…and saw what had happened! Gone! They’ve moved out and the space is going to be transformed into a retail location.
It’s amazing to me how many times something like that happens. That is, we take a photo of somebody or something and it becomes a record of the moment and of the past. Even a mundane photo of a building in a neighborhood is vulnerable to change or removal! And our photos become reminders of a bygone experience or observation. Let’s call that feature #1. And I’ll list some more:
#1 — Making a record of our lives, our experiences, and the world around us, either inadvertently or on purpose.
#2 — Observation of something ironic or whimsical that we want to share.
#3 — Keepsake of someone that we want to keep and have.
#4 — A creative expression where we’re trying to make an image that demonstrates a feeling. Artsy!
#5 — The act of taking photos helps increase and improve our observation of the world around us.
#6 — Capturing a scene is challenging and exciting.
#7 — The gear is cool.
#8 — Taking photographs can be relaxing.
#9 — Photographing people helps open the door to increased personal interaction.
#10 — Photography is a fascinating and interesting topic.
So, take a look at the list and please let me know what you think about what I included, from your perspective, or may have left out. What is important to you…what do you like about photography?
I really think we are living in the Golden Age of Photography. More people are taking more and more photos than ever…and regardless of their merit or quality, And, I am assuming it’s all good because people seem to enjoy the process and their results than ever before. Don’t you agree?
Here’s a woman, above, that I HAD to photograph! How can you let someone like that walk by without taking their photos? Look at the colors in her hair, her clothes, and even the mustard on the hot dog behind her. Not to mention…her purple lips and wild glasses. I just went up to her and told her how great she looked and asked if I could take her picture. Besides, if you dress like that, you’re probably itching to get some positive attention, eh?
But, why did I take this photo? Is it a record? Is it about the gear? Etc. Probably easy to determine it’s because I think her appearance represented something whimsical I wanted to share.
But, it’s clear that not every photo of mine is motivated by the same factor or feature. That’s probably the same with almost everyone and every circumstance…right?
Here’s an arty interpretation of a local scene I photographed a while back. It’s an old service station I used to drive by that always looked so interesting to me with all the power wires surrounding it. I did get a bit creative with it, adding more gritty texture to the dark and cloudy sky. To my mind, I captured it as I saw it. Then, I went back and, it was gone. Now the photo has become a record of what once was. You never know!
So, please tell me, what do you like about photography? Leave comments below.
A couple random thoughts:
Photography makes what is invisible visible.
Photography places something ordinary onto a pedestal.
Excellent observations, Jonathan.
Thanks for adding these to the discussion!
The change of the “Hogs” storefront is so shocking, and sad in a way because I always liked your original storefront photo with the “Hogs”, and although your original storefront photo of the “Hogs” might last forever, it seems as if we’ve now lost part of a real world for which we had a smiling affection.
I also think the insights described in Jonathan’s random thoughts are right on–at least with respect to almost all of your work Steve.
Yes…sometimes those recorded memories can be a bit melancholy. But, perhaps nice to have a tangible record.
Thx, Paul!
Photographs:
Make my heart smile
Allow me to remember
Keep me grounded
Make up for not being in the moment
Fantastic additions, Jackie! Glad to see these.
Remember the old lyric from a rock song of the 70’s…”Time keeps on slippin’ slippin’ into the future…” (Fly like an eagle, Steve Miller Band)….well, as we get older we’re increasingly aware of that reality, and some of us replay that sobering song snippet in our minds all too often…but photography–now that’s a way to stop time in its tracks! Another thing to like about this art form, for which you have a real talent. You make time stand still. Thanks.
It’s true that some old photos can be sobering reminders of the past. But, sometimes they are joyous reminders, too. Your point is accurate, though…a photo does stop time in its tracks. The question is whether or not that is the motive of the photographer. I think I do that sometimes…at least I try. But, as in the case of the biker bar photo, that was not my original intent. However, the passing of time and change of scenery (literally!) gave it a new purpose.
Thanks for your comment, Mike. Always an interesting insight!
For me, the excitement in photography is to give myself an assignment for a subject. Then going out to create and convert what is in my mind for my yes to see it and capture it in my camera. for example giving myself an assignment, photograph Eagles. Then I do my research and found Eagles come to Lock and Dam 14 in Le Claire, Iowa during late December and January. Very rewarding for me capturing Eagles fishing for food and pulling fish out of the Mississippi River.
Wow! What a great project. You certainly created a special challenge that is very rewarding. And a clear demonstration of what you like about photography, Stan. Thanks for sharing that.
This may be a golden age of photography for some but for me – an inept camera user at best – it’s just another day. What I do like about photography is that I like being in a world with those of you who are good at it.
One does not have to be a “photo taker” for this to be the Golden Age! On the contrary, the viewer gets the benefit of that, too. That is, more images and more access, amazing creative tools with increased capabilities, broader access, etc. And, if you’re interested, there is by far a better supply and availability of learning resources than ever before!
You seem to have the interest…maybe the next challenge and outlet for you, Dave!
I am currently culling boxes of old photo prints and deciding what is precious enough to keep in archival storage boxes or place into old fashioned albums.
Looking through them is bringing back great memories of times, people and places. I have a feeling I will be saving more than tossing. It’s just a matter of organizing those photos that never made it into albums. Love your thoughts Stephen.
SO glad you’re doing that job! I’d much rather take pictures than sort through them.
Albums…we still need them. With real, tangible photos! It’s fun to look at them, from time to time. And it’s fun to make new ones.
Of course, I’m glad you love my thoughts!
What a standard! It takes experience and insight behind the lens to
capture these instants and make them accessible to all. Keep up the
random stroll and the capture of humanity unposed and open.
Fred…I’ll try. I enjoy walking around randomly with my camera, looking for things to photograph. I feel as though I see better when I have my camera. Sometimes, mundane things I photograph take on a different purpose than I had originally intended…such as the biker bar! I didn’t know it was about to close and be redeveloped.
I appreciate your observation.
Stephen your photos always amaze me. Love how pictures tell stories!
That’s so nice, Debbie! Thanks.
I also love how pictures tell stories. Very interesting stories sometimes!
Sorry I am late to this excellent post. And now you didn’t make me do this! :). I photograph because it feeds my soul. I must photograph. By this I mean it is my connection to the world whatever or wherever that may be. If in Cuba, it is my connection to the people and a record of the place. If in Yellowstone or Death Valley, it is my connection to the earth, and again a record of the place. To me photography has been the vehicle that has helped me to be much more connected. The photographs are just the residue of the experience… some are good some not so much, but the act of making each image connects me more deeply.
Great to read your insights and reflections, John. Your photographs reflect what you have said…”it feeds your soul.” And a connection to the world.
Glad you stopped by!