“At the root of creativity is an impulse to understand, to make sense of random and often unrelated details. For me, photography provides an intersection of time, space, light, and emotional stance. One needs to be still enough, observant enough, and aware enough to recognize the life of the materials, to be able to ‘hear through the eyes.” – Paul Caponigro
Hopefully I’m learning to be a listener. It is at the heart of any solid conversation. We cannot communicate well if we are only a talker, we have to be a listener as well. It seems that Paul Caponigro is saying we need to be listening to all that is around us to bring forth creativity in our photography.
I would also like to share a link to David LeLand Hyde’s post from Thursday. I suggest checking it out.
Mike Johnson has an interesting post about what he considers is the difference between a photographer and an art photographer. Bear with me as I ramble for a bit about the first part of his statement: being a photographer. As most of you know my posts are not very long or deep so this ramble will be the same.
He starts by saying a photographer is someone who takes photographs. That definition makes me a photographer as, well as you. Many of us who tote a camera with us are regularly asked the question, “Are you a photographer?” My answer to that question has evolved over the years. There was a time when I had no problem telling people I was an engineer. I would then be placed in the box they have defined as an engineer. At some point in my life there was an awareness I only worked as an engineer. Who we are is much larger than any box people have placed us in. So, now when someone asks if I’m a photographer I have no problem saying yes while inside I know I am much more than just a photographer.
I concur with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin; we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. As spiritual beings photography is one of many ways for us to participate in this human experience. It is a wonderful way for us to be a more active and vital part of our world. Photography is a passion, a love, a creative outlet, a form of expression and a teacher.Through photography we are able to experience the world around us with new eyes and gain a respect for all of life.
There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don’t be bitter because you can’t record it. Sit down, drink it in. and enjoy it for what it is! – DeGriff
I’m not sure if there is a sunset that is not glorious. I can’t remember when I was unable to drink one in and and enjoy it. They are all glorious. I admit some sunsets may show more color or rays of light than others but they all move us to some degree.
I’m beginning to know all the country roads east of the airport by name, where to park my car, how long it takes to get there and the best times to be there. If this keeps up I may get to know all the farmers and their dogs.
Some of the therapeutic value of photography is the time in nature creating images. I say therapeutic because these moments nurture my spirit. I so love a sunrise, whether I have my camera or not, just because they bring a rest and peacefulness to me. I also have those places that call me repeatedly to come and experience them, wanting to touch something deep within me.
I have been living out here in Ohio now for over a year, time sure has flown by. I’ve had enough time to feel comfortable here, settled in. Yet, with my children, grandchildren and long time friends back in Colorado, I do miss them. The landscape is so different out here and one thing I miss is the the wide open space the plains of Colorado provided. I also miss those places of familiarity like this farm.
This image is of the same farm as this image only taken on different days but just about the same location.
