I love photography, personally taking them and viewing the vision of other photographers. At present I am on an inner journey of self discovery, contemplating content vs technique. Both are relevant. I understand the importance in finding your own photographic genre and stick with it. The aim is to develop a look with a distinctive style that’s your very own. When the viewer sees an image they should know it’s yours. How else will people come to know your work?
Oh great, so now I add black and white to my repertoire. I feel like I see the world in many different ways. When I go out to photograph I let the scene and the image speak back to me. This is especially true in street photography when shooting is more spontaneous.
Case in point, I love to do pans and abstract blurs. I have gotten a nice response to this type of image and some might say just stick with that. The other day I tried to do some, it seemed like the right setup, but my heart wasn’t in it. I shot some that were OK, but I knew deep down I was forcing it, trying to please.
That's when I realized I have to do my own thing, follow my own instincts. I just can't make images I don't have any feeling for or images only please others. Of course I want people to enjoy viewing my photos, who wouldn't? I want to share my vision. I love street photography, I think that is my true passion. But I like the others too... oh no, there I go flip-flopping again...
Now I am beginning to embrace black and white photography. Even though I have dabbled with this in the past, I have a feeling some more of this type are going to emerge. When I convert my photos mono-chromatically something interesting happens. There seems to be a timeless quality. I think the viewer envisions their own hues. There isn’t a prejudicious of the colors that are in an image forming an opinion.
Cigs & Coffee
I posted the above photo in color on my past blog. The color version belonged with that story. But I think it's a stronger image in black and white. I love the contrast of the white smoke against the black cellar door.
NY Morning Cup Of Joe
I love to photograph food carts. What caught my attention was crisscross scaffolding framing the dark silhouetted figure reaching up for her morning cup of joe.
On 88th Street
I saw this gentlemen reaching down to tie his shoe. It was hard for him to balance as he had to hold onto the tree before bending down. Somehow he reminded me of my grandfather so I had to photograph the moment. Sometimes it's just sentimental...
Highline Wedding
So my conclusion? I will just keep letting the images and situations speak to me. I'll let it flow naturally. But I will keep each post to a specific technique, just like it was a gallery showing. Am I wrong? Would love to have feedback on this topic. To me they are all my children but maybe one will come to the forefront. I don't want to make "Sophie's choice".
Susan Marie