August 19, 2020 was World Photography Day, (WPD). Does photography really need a “day” ?? With all the means to capture a face, an event or breaking news; photography has become an accepted way of life to communicate, many times in place of language. One need look no further than the numerous social media platforms displaying visual photographs and words. That lack of person to person interaction comes with consequences, however, that is not the central theme to my Blog, nevertheless, a worthy conversation for another time.
I have long thought, because photography originates from a mechanical device, whether it be a film camera, Digital SLR or cell phone, the public is predisposed to believe the photograph is literal and accurate, “if I were there, I’d see the same thing” !! Photographers themselves would be better served if there were a World Creative Photography Day, or more in line with my approach, Creative Visual Artists Day. My intent is to not turn this month’s Story Behind Every Photograph into written words explaining a photograph, rather to highlight my departure from reality and the creative application of what was in front of my camera at a particular moment in time. First, I’ll preface my imagery in the following paragraph.
In my pursuit of wet process film and silver perfection I gave less thought to the creative application of my skills. Then I read the book Net and the Butterfly, I learned that creativity was not something magically God given to a chosen few, rather was born from tireless work in perfecting one’s craft. Removing the mechanics of capturing an image and all its calculations allows the mind to wander or day dream opening a second, little known network in the brain. I wrote an extensive Blog on my application of the Net and the Butterfly and gave a live presentation to an Arts Council in New Haven that is preserved in a YouTube video. Now, understanding creativity was in my reach I have worked much harder on the creative side of my photography skills rather than the application of technique, which had become all but second nature at this point in my career. I decided to share 24 images, each one representing each hour of WPD. All but two images are large Black & White film and two are cell phone captures, each with an eye towards creativity and execution of technique and spacial relationships. I’ve tried to share in one descriptive line the emotions of each moment. Please, let your imagination see what you feel and share a comment if so inclined !!
Midnight WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Lyrical !
1 am WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Geometric !
2 am WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Chilling !
3 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can project Hope !
4 am WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Challenging !
5 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Historic !
6 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can happen Dawn to Dusk !
7 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can turn Ordinary into Extraordinary !
8 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can bring one to Tears !
9 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Majestic !
10 am WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Spontaneous !
11 am WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Seasonal !
12 noon WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Joyous !
1 pm WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Abstract !
2 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Transcend Time !
3 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Breathtaking !
4 pm WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Erotic !
5 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can Freeze Time & Place !
6 pm WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Mysterious !
7 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Brightly Colored !
8 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Grandfatherly !
9 pm WPD…Sometimes Photography can be Suggestive !
10 pm WPD...Sometimes Photography can be Awe Inspiring !
11 pm WPD…Sometimes Photography can be one’s Legacy !
After nailing it over and over again, you may want to check the handle of your hammer.🤗 Great work, keep pushing forward, and keep the passion going!
Thanks so much Bonnie for your always kind and generous thoughts and wishes !!
From time to time I have to delete mails from my mails. I plan to keep this mail to come back to it again and again in order to enjoy your beautiful, wonderful, masterful images.
Very kind and inspiring words, thank you, please stay safe and well in these extraordinary times !!
Steve- I love seeing through your eyes what I do not see myself.
Thank you Paul, very kind sentiment you shared, your words are especially gratifying coming from a photographer with your skills and understanding !!
La creatividad no es espontanea es un proceso, en algunos algo sencillo en otros algo más complejo, dejar que la mente divague, abrir ideas, la creatividad es expresión. En otras artes se puede modificar, escribir y borrar, pintar y repintar, cantar afinar modificar todo eso esta permitido, En fotografía de plata, tomar una foto, retratar una imagen utilizando la luz, la posición de la cámara como elemento manipulación de espacio y forma, todo eso es arte. sigue, mantente en el camino que has elegido, tu trabajo es grandioso, y mantén la pasión, adelante
Creativity is not spontaneous it is a process, in some something simple in others something more complex, let the mind wander, open ideas, creativity is expression. In other arts you can modify, write and erase, paint and repaint, sing tune modify all that is allowed, In silver photography, take a photo, an image using light, the position of the camera as an element manipulating space and form, all that is art. go on, stay on the path you have chosen, your work is great, and keep the passion, go ahead
Thank you Ricardo for reaching out with kind and thoughtful words. Photographers who have a passion for the craft such as you and I will always enjoy the pursuit of new adventures and imagery !!
So much enjoyed this display of your fascinating hobby and dream. These photographs were a pleasure to view. Couple of adjectives that came to mind are serene and idyllic. Thanks for the monthly up. Don & Maggie