As a photographer, there is nothing more important than being able to reveal your photographic soul through your images. Sometimes we get caught up in quite meaningless aspects of photography. The amount of money we spend on camera gear. The size of the sensors in our cameras. Our choice of lenses. The software programs we use in post. Comparisons of trivial differences between pieces of kit. While these things may help us create our images, they are not integral parts of our photographic soul.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
Our photographic soul is revealed through our choice of subject matter. And, by how we choose to compose our images. The lighting that grabs our attention.
Our compositions give viewers insights on how we see and interpret the world around us. The emotions of a photographer can be laid bare by the work that they create. Our work can be close up and personal.
What attracts our eye… reaches into our photographic soul. We reveal the contrasts we experience in our lives.
We can see symbols of restraint and restriction… and the importance of freedom.
Sharing small details can speak volumes about craftsmanship and the pride that people take in their work.
Sometimes we are moved by tragedies in our midst. Of a profound sense of loss.
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 22.9mm, efov 61.8mm, f/8, 1/125, ISO-160
To be human is to experience emotions. Sometimes reactive.
At other times deep-seated and ominous.
Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 234mm, efov 632mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-400
We can see the innocence and promise of youth.
Or the wisdom that comes with age and experience.
We can share our appreciation for the delicate balances found in nature’s creations.
Or in the juxaposition of human creativity.
We can document how we interact with the world around us and are dwarfed by its power and natural beauty.
Finding whimsy and humour may be a part of our photographic soul.
Our interpretations of subjects can venture into abstract realms, that may not be appreciated by others.
Capturing the emotions associated with those that have departed can be a celebration of a life that was.
Each day we have the opportunity to see our world differently and share our photographic soul with others.
There is a risk in sharing our work, as others may not see and understand the same meaning in the images we create. At times that may cause us to feel alone with our creations.
Not caring that we are alone is at the core of our creative freedom, and is the gateway to our photographic soul.
Each of us is only here for a very short time. Let all of us have the courage to share our creations without fear or reservation.
Technical Note:
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Image were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
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