tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-114774492024-03-18T13:56:53.181+00:00Beyond the obviousThis blog is about Paul Indigo's views on life and photography.Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.comBlogger479125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-18147964118112920802024-03-18T11:07:00.003+00:002024-03-18T11:16:46.564+00:00Why do you take photographs?<p><span style="color: #0e101a;">Have you ever asked yourself why you photograph? It's a question that can be answered with a simple one-sentence answer until you start delving deeper. The answer then becomes increasingly complex and challenging to unravel. I've again undertaken this journey recently, and my answer is below.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx1-WBgUSOoHBa-y6xA9IMmNMdVfb3Fj0G2AeCk-vDRXSMN_pt42YM5o1YjGLyc3obgMY0O2eZgdzHfpJUkbwc9d_jhT4gon8InXnNeOYYHY3yql0P-epjNLpCOWgxR4pgUPuHMriG9WDOeZLTgv8K3yORLvoya6dJ_4Fnj8BoPalRVpjtY2H/s900/341467101_766022591631451_2583546736450275783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="900" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx1-WBgUSOoHBa-y6xA9IMmNMdVfb3Fj0G2AeCk-vDRXSMN_pt42YM5o1YjGLyc3obgMY0O2eZgdzHfpJUkbwc9d_jhT4gon8InXnNeOYYHY3yql0P-epjNLpCOWgxR4pgUPuHMriG9WDOeZLTgv8K3yORLvoya6dJ_4Fnj8BoPalRVpjtY2H/w400-h345/341467101_766022591631451_2583546736450275783_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of Paul Indigo by Magda Indigo. Thanks Magda!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also reviewed my images over the last ten-plus years, selected 30 of my favourite photos, and compiled them into a slide show. This was a challenging task. My favourites change by the day, probably by the minute. Still, eventually, I got to a selection I titled "That's Life." Please click through to YouTube to view the full screen.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mHIPeeYrJ6U" width="483" youtube-src-id="mHIPeeYrJ6U"></iframe></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My approach to people and landscape photography is characterised by a distinctive blend of documentary and fine art techniques. I aim to create images that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through portraiture, I strive to showcase the broad spectrum of human experience. I also explore our perceptions and interactions with the landscape. My choice of subjects is eclectic, often focusing on individuals, allowing for a rich exploration of human narratives and emotions.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At the heart of my practice lies a multifaceted approach. I combine a deep interest in my subjects' stories with meticulous attention to aesthetic and compositional elements. This blend enables me to challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional portraiture, offering viewers a rich tapestry of human experience captured through my lens.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">While it is important to form a connection with my subjects, my methodology also encompasses photographing people without direct engagement to capture fragments of life as it is lived.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I enjoy spending time with the people I photograph, having conversations, and listening to their stories, which helps to capture more intimate and revealing portraits. Subjects often reveal more of their true selves after becoming comfortable in my presence, a process that imbues my work with a sense of depth and authenticity that sets it apart.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My portraits transcend mere physical likeness to tell the stories of individuals, their lives, and the environments they inhabit. I carefully include elements in my compositions that hint at larger narratives, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind the faces and settings. This narrative depth adds layers of meaning to my work, transforming my portraits into subjects that invite contemplation and empathy.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As always, your comments and feedback are hugely appreciated.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Paul Indigo</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBhhUh" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">More images here</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-57820431700544805232023-12-03T14:05:00.001+00:002023-12-03T14:05:43.591+00:00Bananas and Crossings <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3ZPnvMmW6GY_60bOk4SV2j7rWkL9QlVc5id9m9sqorxQU9ER5u8y7yCbymJ0iNQpQndOjXKheTm4lnr3rQ5HsXYRC1Tm48JBAnXrIwhufa6kwOJFiiYLllV9E6jMWSyC7IQebjKSk0M-xCU9s6Pe_JZVt34odML7GIqpOIMMNeyNpVBJYt4f/s2048/DSCF5131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3ZPnvMmW6GY_60bOk4SV2j7rWkL9QlVc5id9m9sqorxQU9ER5u8y7yCbymJ0iNQpQndOjXKheTm4lnr3rQ5HsXYRC1Tm48JBAnXrIwhufa6kwOJFiiYLllV9E6jMWSyC7IQebjKSk0M-xCU9s6Pe_JZVt34odML7GIqpOIMMNeyNpVBJYt4f/w640-h512/DSCF5131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>A man crosses the street with a bag full of bananas. I enjoy photographing at pedestrian crossings because they offer a rich tapestry of urban life and human emotion. The diverse range of people and their interactions provide an endless stream of stories and moments to capture. The striking patterns of the crossings themselves, along with the urban architecture, create a compelling backdrop. <div><br /></div><div>I'm drawn to the candidness and dynamism of subjects in motion, capturing them against the interplay of light, shadow, and colour. These scenes are visually appealing and symbolise life's myriad choices and transitions. To me, pedestrian crossings are more than just parts of the city; they're a canvas where the rhythm and character of urban life are vividly and artistically expressed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul</div><div><br /></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-70532693630659435332023-08-20T12:42:00.002+00:002023-08-20T12:42:19.093+00:00 The Timeless Allure of Black and White Photography<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWET8A9UCfyuEQ0uFoh_XHbCoYpYJ5SbKLabyyLqdgQxSgd80yny5EG7UOmtdY48EkUXGYf_oeBUjiwVl2-l6siHXnJGFh2KfylNMaYtx_tYhUSwgF3MQnQS-eB6pD556zKKOEQOs28QuAxLDSNleqxN_QyKDtns5OqIZtkrmvVP18zlu2IAJ/s2048/DSCF9512%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silhouette of lady with push chair." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWET8A9UCfyuEQ0uFoh_XHbCoYpYJ5SbKLabyyLqdgQxSgd80yny5EG7UOmtdY48EkUXGYf_oeBUjiwVl2-l6siHXnJGFh2KfylNMaYtx_tYhUSwgF3MQnQS-eB6pD556zKKOEQOs28QuAxLDSNleqxN_QyKDtns5OqIZtkrmvVP18zlu2IAJ/w640-h426/DSCF9512%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I wanted to explore why we find monochromatic or black-and-white photography so appealing, both as photographers and viewers. In the dynamic world of photography, where trends and technologies evolve rapidly, black-and-white photography has consistently stood the test of time. Despite the rapid progression of digital imaging, the allure of monochrome images has endured. Let's delve into the reasons behind the lasting appeal and why people continue to be captivated by its beauty.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Emphasis on Composition and Form</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Black and white photography strips away the distraction of colour, allowing the viewer to focus purely on the composition and form of the subject. Without the vibrancy of colour, photographers are challenged to highlight the lines, shapes, textures, and contrasts that shape a photograph. This emphasis on visual elements encourages both photographers and viewers to engage more deeply with the image, prompting them to appreciate the nuances of light and shadow.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Timeless Aesthetics and Nostalgia</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Black and white imagery has a timeless quality that transcends eras. This aesthetic carries an air of nostalgia, often evoking feelings of sentimentality and historical connection. Whether capturing a contemporary scene or a vintage moment, monochrome images create a bridge between the past and present. This interplay between the familiar and the timeless sparks an emotional connection that colour photographs may struggle to achieve.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Simplicity and Elegance</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The absence of colour simplifies the visual experience, allowing the subject's essence to shine through without distractions. The monochromatic palette imparts a sense of elegance and sophistication, enabling the viewer to appreciate the finer details and nuances that might be overshadowed by vibrant colours. Black and white images often possess a certain purity that resonates with viewers seeking a more refined and contemplative experience.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Expression of Mood and Atmosphere</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Black and white photography has a unique ability to convey mood and atmosphere distinctly. The interplay of light and shadow and the stark contrasts can evoke a wide range of emotions, from drama and intensity to serenity and introspection. This versatility enables photographers to create narratives that transcend the limitations of the frame and leave an indelible imprint on the viewer's imagination.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Universal Language</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The lack of colour barriers in black-and-white photography makes it a universal language that resonates across cultures and languages. This accessibility contributes to the widespread appeal of monochrome images, allowing them to communicate emotions, stories, and ideas that are universally understood.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Conclusion</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In a world saturated with vivid colours and digital enhancements, black-and-white photography offers a timeless retreat into the realm of visual purity, emotional resonance, and artistic exploration. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to strip away distractions, evoke sentiment, and capture the very essence of a moment. As photographers, we are drawn to its elegant simplicity, and as viewers, we are captivated by its ability to transcend time and space. In embracing black-and-white photography, we find ourselves not only documenting reality but also creating a canvas upon which emotions and stories can unfold, unburdened by the limitations of colour.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Please share and comment if you found this interesting.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Copyright: Paul Indigo</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For more about my projects and social media links, go to: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</span></a></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-28582490382105428582023-08-12T17:47:00.002+00:002023-08-12T17:47:16.535+00:00The joy of reading<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoxWhhuPkpmET10cEdXDCcE6bGIO9sXgkcR2iKg5xLnF-4sJ0MM0cH-TkTcsYQCA5ZO3zQw9ZllzNmsiWc752OAnTJzGfqv2UI4aWO7PP4XIxTFGdT54xhltca8Rd1dtGLhCB6u9IMNiJY6tWO-9OUE70YZnyHraVcCuJNFh9ANNWGxZ9g_l5/s1024/25321011491_e56cb74cf9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading on a lawn." border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1024" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoxWhhuPkpmET10cEdXDCcE6bGIO9sXgkcR2iKg5xLnF-4sJ0MM0cH-TkTcsYQCA5ZO3zQw9ZllzNmsiWc752OAnTJzGfqv2UI4aWO7PP4XIxTFGdT54xhltca8Rd1dtGLhCB6u9IMNiJY6tWO-9OUE70YZnyHraVcCuJNFh9ANNWGxZ9g_l5/w640-h322/25321011491_e56cb74cf9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In this heartwarming collection, I've had the privilege of capturing the quiet magic that unfolds when people dive into the realm of words.</p><p>These photos show people's genuine, unfiltered reactions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5m-dVqmULuVFcTKSE8s5R22_LbezH7RY1mkO84fHKMJ9wAG5oei189BqE5wPHhrg-lPBt-2ufTjmBSS8sn73C6UIR0YgS92kWVSIXxq-xhsjtwAKeg9_D2igaZcjOchPzG1KYFhF3nAfxkDkWJeW47RtVqzaLoSpsrRihhiN5m6iTVqN9xJj/s1024/33653917158_9ebde5a64d_b%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading the newspaper" border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5m-dVqmULuVFcTKSE8s5R22_LbezH7RY1mkO84fHKMJ9wAG5oei189BqE5wPHhrg-lPBt-2ufTjmBSS8sn73C6UIR0YgS92kWVSIXxq-xhsjtwAKeg9_D2igaZcjOchPzG1KYFhF3nAfxkDkWJeW47RtVqzaLoSpsrRihhiN5m6iTVqN9xJj/w640-h512/33653917158_9ebde5a64d_b%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQAOoZwwLQPpKSkljKQmpLrWil-6Uhz62so2RL31bD62Rs_mw5jwyT45doBYUVi6KqF61qgD6ds2wxpRIWz30bCoTLPHN1FQ7mPDss70yeGTR_7GSE1OvAHMH0gieSep5nV-J0kfrGKsXlwAdlcIvF4Z_NL1PT6rHsdPyKA8NlsTwu4s7sHmi/s1024/48223677707_4c0a924ba1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading a book" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQAOoZwwLQPpKSkljKQmpLrWil-6Uhz62so2RL31bD62Rs_mw5jwyT45doBYUVi6KqF61qgD6ds2wxpRIWz30bCoTLPHN1FQ7mPDss70yeGTR_7GSE1OvAHMH0gieSep5nV-J0kfrGKsXlwAdlcIvF4Z_NL1PT6rHsdPyKA8NlsTwu4s7sHmi/w640-h640/48223677707_4c0a924ba1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaDj21Cjl6UsBzDPYUBs27LC2imKqjzH7CVc1Hvu1w94GBZmUg_I04fyhNHv3zS-Qg59FQUx8cFh9Qi0o-l14Vp6MGaQPikEWUc9Wg-nP4oxqYkXOUSb1J9OqJvRDY3WtDrIdPmoaQZ2hb3-1YGvw4bLP5fOs3CVX3xmB1x7jiXC25rrDUX24/s1024/50038007742_1bd2f5a24b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading in the park under a tree." border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaDj21Cjl6UsBzDPYUBs27LC2imKqjzH7CVc1Hvu1w94GBZmUg_I04fyhNHv3zS-Qg59FQUx8cFh9Qi0o-l14Vp6MGaQPikEWUc9Wg-nP4oxqYkXOUSb1J9OqJvRDY3WtDrIdPmoaQZ2hb3-1YGvw4bLP5fOs3CVX3xmB1x7jiXC25rrDUX24/w640-h426/50038007742_1bd2f5a24b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0eIQRJh2FylK0i_0uqcApwkZX6FDlwn2IIrYbqF8kLjx5P84GSjXlphOj85SKBOWxruO0jrNCdDnJ8cZySY6hLNo-lwMutDUOIaENQ0YHzuJMPjmWgC1fsULQOM6x9v9OFabH5QCMHZnCN5c5dfNYAV1luqdpLPNn3yFJZTRXY3zfPUmkeT8/s1023/50778022663_40733ff3c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading in on the quayside." border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="731" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0eIQRJh2FylK0i_0uqcApwkZX6FDlwn2IIrYbqF8kLjx5P84GSjXlphOj85SKBOWxruO0jrNCdDnJ8cZySY6hLNo-lwMutDUOIaENQ0YHzuJMPjmWgC1fsULQOM6x9v9OFabH5QCMHZnCN5c5dfNYAV1luqdpLPNn3yFJZTRXY3zfPUmkeT8/w458-h640/50778022663_40733ff3c9_b.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p>Reading enriches our lives in countless ways, fostering intellectual, emotional, and social growth. It's a doorway to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives, allowing us to continuously learn, evolve, communicate and connect with ourselves and the wider world.</p><p>The love for reading is a thread that binds us all.</p><p>Explore the full series <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAQQnT" target="_blank">here on Flickr</a>.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Please share and comment if you found this interesting.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Copyright: Paul Indigo</span></p><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><p></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For more about my projects and social media links, go to: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-64523843235738674592023-06-11T11:12:00.005+00:002023-06-11T11:24:09.416+00:00The Yin and Yang of Photography: Spontaneity vs Planning<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs-RvV3I8QTnZ3a8LDoHXEw_gFoJnBcP7xjCBK4EDHtDi5iCN-xJ4icry1YakkmwNlgmv7YrEHNJeftwopszRDH9JXVMIc063B7qNATfK7xZVeVG--4_9fKrDVGeDJXRRx7qrJW2U_g4NiYAscAQOxAbfSD0AUF-niAR0ljypmtLAmTeHFQ/s1023/50367470336_51ee77dd7a_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1023" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs-RvV3I8QTnZ3a8LDoHXEw_gFoJnBcP7xjCBK4EDHtDi5iCN-xJ4icry1YakkmwNlgmv7YrEHNJeftwopszRDH9JXVMIc063B7qNATfK7xZVeVG--4_9fKrDVGeDJXRRx7qrJW2U_g4NiYAscAQOxAbfSD0AUF-niAR0ljypmtLAmTeHFQ/w640-h394/50367470336_51ee77dd7a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christiane Dedeene: Portrait of former dancer at Maurice Béjart Ballet</td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Photography, like life, can be approached in two distinct ways: spontaneity and planning.</p><p>Photographers often categorise themselves as either spontaneous or planned — street or conceptual. I rebel against being put in a box. As you can see from my work, I'll tackle anything, use the best approach, and do whatever I please. I won't conform to a label imposed by myself or by others.</p><p>Let's look at the dance between spontaneity and planned photography.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2c8tN_mPXx-66k3CpdndwE04ZQRW5uz9cS4FLUOQbvTtxoll5kM7ra2VZVp5fVMSgS0fs1SQSaBXcTg7wqiLvyZp-b_IpyIMyf8vQ5T_BBrZrunNCvWoJHjJ4bjzVqTpk8Jab-mM-FFVTyqQ9QlKCxlieJM0OiACfXPLtxefn-avT4jNcQ/s1024/48386413816_df554a0ab0_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1024" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2c8tN_mPXx-66k3CpdndwE04ZQRW5uz9cS4FLUOQbvTtxoll5kM7ra2VZVp5fVMSgS0fs1SQSaBXcTg7wqiLvyZp-b_IpyIMyf8vQ5T_BBrZrunNCvWoJHjJ4bjzVqTpk8Jab-mM-FFVTyqQ9QlKCxlieJM0OiACfXPLtxefn-avT4jNcQ/w640-h566/48386413816_df554a0ab0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street performers dancing, England</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Spontaneity is about embracing the unexpected. It involves capturing fleeting moments as they unfold, relying on intuition and quick reflexes. It allows us to stumble upon hidden treasures, capturing moments that may only last for an instant but leave an enduring impact. The results are often raw and unfiltered, revealing the beauty found in the unexpected. This is the joy of my street photography practice.<p></p><p>On the other hand, planning involves careful preparation and arrangement. It's about orchestrating a scene, considering every element and detail. Planning gives us the power to shape our artistic vision. We create images that evoke specific emotions and narratives by arranging and organising various elements. This approach allows for greater control and precision, producing a well-crafted image that tells a deliberate story. It's essential for following a brief or depicting a concept.</p><p>Both approaches have their merits.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpBloe8lkrrXkdQIEeoLS-yXqgOTwMJwxVUN4fFtawzWFe66KiKeII2ggAMlvBaG4CwIlNecyYkDjnDKw7scgyS4SxBjx_z5L2vB1rz0WRGkvk5243vIpguZFqG6GGGwemzAtqGf0J5BSwqe3sWynjQX_VvitE7j3ulueLw1szocu71FLzQ/s1024/50490189316_c484cd59fd_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpBloe8lkrrXkdQIEeoLS-yXqgOTwMJwxVUN4fFtawzWFe66KiKeII2ggAMlvBaG4CwIlNecyYkDjnDKw7scgyS4SxBjx_z5L2vB1rz0WRGkvk5243vIpguZFqG6GGGwemzAtqGf0J5BSwqe3sWynjQX_VvitE7j3ulueLw1szocu71FLzQ/w640-h426/50490189316_c484cd59fd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Passion for Flamenco at the Carmen de las Cuevas school in Granada, Spain</div><br />Ultimately, photography benefits from the dance between spontaneity and planning. They complement each other, contributing unique flavours to our artistic practice. Embracing both allows us to explore the full spectrum of creative possibilities and fully express our artistic vision.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAnewaHsWstkTnu2ElC2bqaLmQdRVPnkJCEJpLxOBtGRijQEIsLEXNwIIdzdTTE4yNCh7-s1Id93Ab0cdRJtxBAHIoyjTsaGzw-BcZTkD6JYtEuh4rp0mv3EEOJrZbTJ_otk0m1eXdLx085uH8Ab8eFgSxJ2EnQedqzCCtVgskM9JgTJJPA/s1024/50156191372_982f2506dc_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAnewaHsWstkTnu2ElC2bqaLmQdRVPnkJCEJpLxOBtGRijQEIsLEXNwIIdzdTTE4yNCh7-s1Id93Ab0cdRJtxBAHIoyjTsaGzw-BcZTkD6JYtEuh4rp0mv3EEOJrZbTJ_otk0m1eXdLx085uH8Ab8eFgSxJ2EnQedqzCCtVgskM9JgTJJPA/w640-h512/50156191372_982f2506dc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet dog water dance, Belgium</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So don't limit yourself. Explore both extremes and use both simultaneously. Even when you've planned everything down to the last detail, be open to the unexpected and embrace the moment.</p></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-59254647709896310412023-06-03T12:18:00.003+00:002023-06-03T12:19:06.321+00:00 Unleashing the power of your photography<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4JiYPR98rjuZ1O-he3vZ6utAwM8YOYZsVeyrcwtjX3vkCjW4QJetPX0eTrrosawROF8bXN8OM7eQ712OUCqZTayC61QKmgsSgYmrVLIqPyDZbKZjzb5F4Nukb3uQm8-qDwuRaRszlLcznBSbVqEbDle2va1zFgIu9KADq-_tD7kFiopKVA/s1275/DSCF9420%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1275" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4JiYPR98rjuZ1O-he3vZ6utAwM8YOYZsVeyrcwtjX3vkCjW4QJetPX0eTrrosawROF8bXN8OM7eQ712OUCqZTayC61QKmgsSgYmrVLIqPyDZbKZjzb5F4Nukb3uQm8-qDwuRaRszlLcznBSbVqEbDle2va1zFgIu9KADq-_tD7kFiopKVA/w640-h426/DSCF9420%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's me. I find self-portraits difficult to do!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Unveiling the soul</h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In this age of endless pixels and fleeting moments, photography has become a ubiquitous companion in our lives. With smartphones in our pockets, we can seize a sliver of time with a simple click. But amidst this deluge of mundane snapshots and superficial selfies, is there a way to elevate photography beyond meaningless documentation? Can we harness its potential to craft profound messages that ignite our minds? </span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">An artistic symphony </span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In photography, we discover a vibrant tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and perspectives. Just as a painter wields brushes to give life to their visions, photographers can channel their creativity through the lens. Each photograph has the potential to tell a story, unveil a social issue, or ignite contemplation on a subject close to our hearts. Photography is an art form, a vivid expression of our innermost selves, capable of weaving tales that resonate with the viewer.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvGM2d2AhhNebUewLM9-XAL-BocO729Yj9M5y2-Y98l0U1Itn4yjWAacIE70Rs7YqYkIElim6BIX5LUYn5UryDckb74ObuOCkXjlg32BT6iWIRdmEl0hWDpS9uIxzAnmqD57hSIUor_uSv8zHrhp4RskYvM0CrisQwpqXVLJ--twqkpa4PQ/s1024/52218603682_500739d796_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvGM2d2AhhNebUewLM9-XAL-BocO729Yj9M5y2-Y98l0U1Itn4yjWAacIE70Rs7YqYkIElim6BIX5LUYn5UryDckb74ObuOCkXjlg32BT6iWIRdmEl0hWDpS9uIxzAnmqD57hSIUor_uSv8zHrhp4RskYvM0CrisQwpqXVLJ--twqkpa4PQ/w640-h640/52218603682_500739d796_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I photographed artist Peter Mukendi for my series on capturing the essence of individuality and self-expression through fashion and colour.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Unveiling the essence </span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Though aesthetics hold undeniable allure, they should not monopolise our lens. Instead of obsessing over perfectly framed landscapes or meticulously arranged compositions, we must strive to capture the very essence of our subjects. Dive deep into the context, unravel the emotions, and embrace the narratives surrounding a scene. By doing so, we transform our photographs into windows that open onto the profound, inviting viewers to connect with the unseen layers beneath the surface.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Universal Language </span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Words may fail, and cultures may clash, but photography transcends these barriers with grace. It is a universal language capable of speaking directly to the human soul. By harnessing this power, we can use photography to communicate ideas and stories to diverse audiences. Let us wield our cameras as tools of change, kindling conversations, raising awareness, and nurturing empathy. Whether shedding light on social injustices, documenting environmental crises, or celebrating humanity's indomitable spirit, photography can ignite transformation.</span><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfcX49qpfkkxHuo2yEbHSLrcr4AvvbxVY19eV6V7wnWaEqDIHXfusMpYlWUMZTp3nIFtMv_Oxm0KFq6DroxYNbwDlf5tbHZwTkfG8MB3fBAqnwGC-f3iC5ScT6rRgJaz2NBWG3laqf18aBYsCJm2dpaDRUlse_g5U2vqxARlC_h2PZnn3vA/s1024/49531133382_7f8ccf7b89_b.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfcX49qpfkkxHuo2yEbHSLrcr4AvvbxVY19eV6V7wnWaEqDIHXfusMpYlWUMZTp3nIFtMv_Oxm0KFq6DroxYNbwDlf5tbHZwTkfG8MB3fBAqnwGC-f3iC5ScT6rRgJaz2NBWG3laqf18aBYsCJm2dpaDRUlse_g5U2vqxARlC_h2PZnn3vA/w640-h512/49531133382_7f8ccf7b89_b.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Girls in Japan from my series "Colour Me Unique: Celebrating Individuality Through Fashion".</div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Intentionality is the key to meaning</h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To create photographs that resonate, intentionality must guide our every shot. It is not about randomly capturing everything that catches our eye but stepping back and contemplating what we wish to convey. Delve into the wellspring of emotions, explore intricate themes, and weave narratives within your images. By infusing intention into our photography, we breathe life and purpose into our creations.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7JpVyDRHLOF-d3A4o6X6SMV1Lpc7Dl_U5zX8T9pswKv1Mgm9NM9NDRKQP1snHD9OUSUBmellpGc1bsMNq0pkuU6ZNqjJ6do-m_WlaLkunaSbdbjrpQgigQbbxHeOOf_pTE9u8JESRTPW20RQxE7fzJ478onAwiiIdWTnqcSM5ifF-O8P_w/s1024/48308676986_50f8b62ce1_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1024" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7JpVyDRHLOF-d3A4o6X6SMV1Lpc7Dl_U5zX8T9pswKv1Mgm9NM9NDRKQP1snHD9OUSUBmellpGc1bsMNq0pkuU6ZNqjJ6do-m_WlaLkunaSbdbjrpQgigQbbxHeOOf_pTE9u8JESRTPW20RQxE7fzJ478onAwiiIdWTnqcSM5ifF-O8P_w/w640-h438/48308676986_50f8b62ce1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extinction Rebellion activists Izzy and Marielle sitting on the pavement on Victoria Bridge in Leeds during a protest.</td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sharing personal stories</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Through the lens, we capture not only moments but fragments of our souls. Photography becomes a platform to share personal stories and intimate experiences. With each click, we connect with others who have traversed similar paths, forging bonds that bridge the distances between us. As we open our hearts and unveil our stories through photography, we kindle a sense of shared humanity and understanding.</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The power of visual catalysts </span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Throughout history, photography has been a beacon of social change. Remember Dorothea Lange's haunting "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/dorothea-lange-migrant-mother-nipomo-california-1936/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Migrant Mother</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" or Nick Ut's "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.136637.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Terror Of War</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"? And Renée C. Byer, who illuminates the human faces of people living in extreme poverty around the world with her project "<a href="http://www.reneecbyer.com/exhibit" target="_blank">Living On A Dollar A Day: The Lives and Faces of the World's Poor</a>". </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">These images stirred global awareness, inspiring action and transforming lives. Using photography to shine a piercing light on societal issues, we can become agents of change, propelling conversations that pave the way for progress.</span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Unleashing meaning in your photography </span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We must not settle for mediocrity in a world bursting at the seams with visual content. Let us delve deeper, using photography as a medium to express what truly matters. By embracing intentionality, delving into personal narratives, and focusing our lenses on subjects that resonate with our souls, we create images that transcend the ordinary. They become gateways to emotions, catalysts for conversations, and sparks for change. Embrace the power of photography as an artistic medium, where storytelling intertwines with visual mastery, and contribute to a visual culture that is both meaningful and impactful.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, fellow explorers of the visual realm, let us unleash our creativity, infuse intentionality into each click, and capture moments that can move hearts, shift perspectives, and ignite transformations.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In a world where a single image can traverse continents in an instant, where the power of storytelling lies at the tips of our fingers, we have the opportunity to make a difference. Embrace the true essence of photography, and let it become a testament to our shared humanity, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS3QhDuXc38Sro02s4_bXLO3vyb58qKxD_9mFLC5hkth8CvOr9D9eqwR0VBEzt3k_3nURYzMnQ7r6VWCoKO3jmk3zaOqnBq1lgSjnQ8rax1FEkiXoalax_VIuBO534Afg4hGC1LhfEZAjBxjJjUBr5B_FAfWmVIFzOJ5CyYpTaQeSyTyThA/s1024/48189840351_6bf8de2619_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS3QhDuXc38Sro02s4_bXLO3vyb58qKxD_9mFLC5hkth8CvOr9D9eqwR0VBEzt3k_3nURYzMnQ7r6VWCoKO3jmk3zaOqnBq1lgSjnQ8rax1FEkiXoalax_VIuBO534Afg4hGC1LhfEZAjBxjJjUBr5B_FAfWmVIFzOJ5CyYpTaQeSyTyThA/w426-h640/48189840351_6bf8de2619_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange turban is often worn to represent courage and wisdom.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Thanks for reading. Please share and comment if you found this interesting.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Copyright: Paul Indigo</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(41, 41, 41); color: #292929; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">For more about my projects and social media links, go to: <a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo" style="color: #d67f3f; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-66187921972884619472023-05-28T17:34:00.002+00:002023-05-28T17:34:46.922+00:00The Curiosity-Driven Art of Street Photography<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UDXoMtlwyE2mPvTIPxNlmUZLZj64M_a4yKP6rb-IsjNTifp959rS1UUk19lmKQHtJlP1NhLh1na3dR1cdgkgqXsvnzJoAh8bTxjTtAtAFgwod3-5QWOY_UBRuIFMBUOL_90DKqfR4DyyTC0A-XyZM5VU1so0d6UAQeJOEBOeS5XIKhYFWA/s1024/52298244741_e1a82ba55d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UDXoMtlwyE2mPvTIPxNlmUZLZj64M_a4yKP6rb-IsjNTifp959rS1UUk19lmKQHtJlP1NhLh1na3dR1cdgkgqXsvnzJoAh8bTxjTtAtAFgwod3-5QWOY_UBRuIFMBUOL_90DKqfR4DyyTC0A-XyZM5VU1so0d6UAQeJOEBOeS5XIKhYFWA/w640-h426/52298244741_e1a82ba55d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The general consensus is that it is hard to define street photography. It means different things to different people. I want to share my perspective and then hear from you, dear reader, what street photography means to you.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For me, street photography stands out as a unique art form that embraces curiosity and instinct as its guiding principles. Unlike photojournalism or conceptual photography, street photography relies on a genuine, unfiltered response to the surrounding environment. It is an approach that transcends preconceptions and embraces the raw beauty of everyday life. </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In this blog, I'll explore the essence of street photography's ability to capture authentic moments and evoke deep emotions within us.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycnajNHf1wLQ1b9eOzfm8nFEBLihgmndMRH7HdyofBcNxAFGz0qIUFUpIPXpueqMrVoD6gYApMrFAnS6-5h53lqcuKioHXIsvAQWPcEBHIoO289HmHa0_9FgNmcDKZghqcXXXyBLK7mBVeZe690De5Joe-OE1SBWqTNIE0BxciZI4rAWt_A/s1024/33653917158_9ebde5a64d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycnajNHf1wLQ1b9eOzfm8nFEBLihgmndMRH7HdyofBcNxAFGz0qIUFUpIPXpueqMrVoD6gYApMrFAnS6-5h53lqcuKioHXIsvAQWPcEBHIoO289HmHa0_9FgNmcDKZghqcXXXyBLK7mBVeZe690De5Joe-OE1SBWqTNIE0BxciZI4rAWt_A/w640-h512/33653917158_9ebde5a64d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Curiosity: The Driving Force</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">More than anything else, street photography is fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the world. A street photographer ventures into the unknown, exploring the bustling streets with open eyes and heart. This curiosity becomes the driving force behind every click of the shutter. I am eager to uncover the hidden stories that unfold before me. I seek to understand and connect with the diverse tapestry of human experiences on the streets.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGbmUUyyWQWkCR65lw5kCzAkudf0ekg1Op5m0xLSUj4IJQkBXUB2vEw_1HNlYRqo9PDjmN5HWOXC1NhZlDf2a-hOV8mc51ZWM1S3VzvMBbmCuvY2SsDvX55d5GDQHwMgQn46x7MbmCbljAwfnBMPVGUPAmrNeQzl35AZ8QEc6MqalpfhWRA/s1024/29905079201_4ef81d2e82_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGbmUUyyWQWkCR65lw5kCzAkudf0ekg1Op5m0xLSUj4IJQkBXUB2vEw_1HNlYRqo9PDjmN5HWOXC1NhZlDf2a-hOV8mc51ZWM1S3VzvMBbmCuvY2SsDvX55d5GDQHwMgQn46x7MbmCbljAwfnBMPVGUPAmrNeQzl35AZ8QEc6MqalpfhWRA/w512-h640/29905079201_4ef81d2e82_b.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instinct: The Unfiltered Response </span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Street photography thrives on instinct, bypassing the constraints of conscious thought. It embraces the beauty of spontaneity, enabling photographers to capture unposed, genuine moments. By relying on my intuition, I become attuned to the rhythm of the streets, instinctively recognising when to press the shutter to capture a fleeting scene or an evocative expression. Through this intuitive and spontaneous approach, I'm able to freeze a fraction of time that might otherwise pass unnoticed.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqkaP0WsdYFJrRC-5mbLMc8_4UoD6Ifzznd5-CrYf71Q1moXGBuhnALw9Yqcgc0aCEG7FpU1KD6epAJKt0vNxIVWfAtZY_vAelQhm2-RYeKHzPL2b6QyNcsNDck2yuiAZj2EGkGP-7q9mHJg-G_5oKqtuoddhElb6EYBKwbuihhuY55c8Pw/s1024/49214407116_aeec403d97_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqkaP0WsdYFJrRC-5mbLMc8_4UoD6Ifzznd5-CrYf71Q1moXGBuhnALw9Yqcgc0aCEG7FpU1KD6epAJKt0vNxIVWfAtZY_vAelQhm2-RYeKHzPL2b6QyNcsNDck2yuiAZj2EGkGP-7q9mHJg-G_5oKqtuoddhElb6EYBKwbuihhuY55c8Pw/w640-h426/49214407116_aeec403d97_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Contrasting Traditional Photojournalism and Conceptual Photography</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Street photography diverges from traditional photojournalism's deliberate focus and other genres' conceptual intentions. A photojournalist embarks on a specific journey or story with a predetermined subject to capture and convey. Similarly, conceptual photographers are driven by ideas, aiming to explore complex concepts through carefully composed imagery. In contrast, street photographers embrace uncertainty and the unexpected, remaining open to the surprising narratives that unfold before them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptKWhCrZUOX2jB08-tZIHjVwgmNXYxVp2eA3cqBrI1iQuKPe6XLtBqWDMPysygKiQ97JyFQt2Scr2vR7BIZEZFWdsjhOqn_mFChKvgL6TUAguheXIdhwt8D6yU8O_CQS5ePueyPMILRvy7Wf0ad9Q0ulcmPODU__szBbYLlLLJGwj6lHteQ/s1024/49084422607_98547d20d8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptKWhCrZUOX2jB08-tZIHjVwgmNXYxVp2eA3cqBrI1iQuKPe6XLtBqWDMPysygKiQ97JyFQt2Scr2vR7BIZEZFWdsjhOqn_mFChKvgL6TUAguheXIdhwt8D6yU8O_CQS5ePueyPMILRvy7Wf0ad9Q0ulcmPODU__szBbYLlLLJGwj6lHteQ/w512-h640/49084422607_98547d20d8_b.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Responding Visually: The Art of Observation</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </strong>The essence of street photography lies in the ability to respond visually to the environment. By observing my surroundings with a perceptive eye, I find beauty in the mundane and extraordinary in the ordinary. I seek to capture the essence of a place or a situation, revealing the intricate details that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through my lens, I try to capture the essence of humanity and offer a unique perspective that prompts viewers to reflect on life.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStE0WgjpGEyRmtxFC03wXhFFZr7CWUlga8j-Mi2Q3_3CV8RhqVounA8VhSH5MrxywXqmiLq5MLEK63ucenlj163D_vFcsS8cLKcVCJs2lDcjXLVSMDhPDsVEfMIvP8GGTxccdwnSCwLlcAHo5eb9ihllLzN2DD6JmwygI_M7e7UgwMaX_yw/s1024/51316833771_0f540cc258_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStE0WgjpGEyRmtxFC03wXhFFZr7CWUlga8j-Mi2Q3_3CV8RhqVounA8VhSH5MrxywXqmiLq5MLEK63ucenlj163D_vFcsS8cLKcVCJs2lDcjXLVSMDhPDsVEfMIvP8GGTxccdwnSCwLlcAHo5eb9ihllLzN2DD6JmwygI_M7e7UgwMaX_yw/w640-h426/51316833771_0f540cc258_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Final thoughts</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Street photography is a form of artistic expression that transcends the boundaries of intellect and is driven by curiosity and instinct. It celebrates the beauty of unfiltered moments and invites viewers to explore the rich tapestry of human experiences. By embracing uncertainty and responding visually, street photographers uncover the fleeting stories that resonate with the essence of our shared humanity. Do you recognise this in your own practice? Do you allow your curiosity to guide you and let your instinct capture the magic hidden in the everyday world around you?</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSx78wpjUGmcYgqydkO8l3tXPgvcggOgO-QO65GUVSsGFbMf_pdAi_3w26ooDA7rgdnFXfrHmSPInU-NlUSNc47w3hSGKDmaJuXZMScFA3D8taAlHkuuttLP2bm7CkqrSsMm_NqoU0T6RNy1KYJ4Gkt_6VGWhD0mM_dtnfsGqpJM20ja_kg/s1024/28535157588_f843a7c3e7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSx78wpjUGmcYgqydkO8l3tXPgvcggOgO-QO65GUVSsGFbMf_pdAi_3w26ooDA7rgdnFXfrHmSPInU-NlUSNc47w3hSGKDmaJuXZMScFA3D8taAlHkuuttLP2bm7CkqrSsMm_NqoU0T6RNy1KYJ4Gkt_6VGWhD0mM_dtnfsGqpJM20ja_kg/w640-h426/28535157588_f843a7c3e7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and comment.<br /><br />More to discover here <a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a><br /><br />Writer and photographer: Paul Indigo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-7091846018197464752023-05-20T10:40:00.001+00:002023-05-20T10:42:53.521+00:00Beauty in Unexpected Places: A Photographer's Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3L8zlDWaytF25AQuoPvi_ofiIbOGgSihQwOAfAcUg0pmsvBPvxH2HuewOjqh8niDJb6yNMdAzQzwklhz3gN1JYKt2Deiw9ZiMSvvLRkt2AvAGiCBeqFtx4AUaziVCZ5x3ci36mYw9H-aIdYf_fm3NFXGOX5R9FVEhAChxbME2YtFp-H1w/s1024/27370859780_93e2429c83_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3L8zlDWaytF25AQuoPvi_ofiIbOGgSihQwOAfAcUg0pmsvBPvxH2HuewOjqh8niDJb6yNMdAzQzwklhz3gN1JYKt2Deiw9ZiMSvvLRkt2AvAGiCBeqFtx4AUaziVCZ5x3ci36mYw9H-aIdYf_fm3NFXGOX5R9FVEhAChxbME2YtFp-H1w/w640-h426/27370859780_93e2429c83_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a photographer, one of the most rewarding aspects of my craft is the ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places. Beauty is not confined to grand vistas or extraordinary subjects. Instead, it exists in the ordinary and the everyday.</div><p>Finding beauty everywhere is a mindset—a way of seeing the world through a lens of appreciation and curiosity. It's about embracing the uniqueness of each moment and finding something captivating within it. Whether I'm exploring the bustling streets of a city, venturing into nature's hidden corners, or simply observing the people around me, I strive to uncover the beauty that often goes unnoticed.</p><p>Photography has taught me to see beyond the surface, to delve deeper into the intricate details that make up our surroundings. I have learned to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant colours of a busy market, the delicate patterns formed by nature, and the expressions of human emotions frozen in time. The world is a tapestry of visual wonders waiting to be discovered by those who have trained their eyes to see.</p><p>But finding beauty everywhere is not just about aesthetics. It's also about capturing moments that evoke emotions and tell stories. A photograph can freeze a fleeting expression, convey a sense of place, or hold a particular atmosphere. In doing so, it can inspire others to see the world differently, to pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them in their own lives.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOwoVeUWoh9dMVPtoF0hdWCX5RdM8FzC7xPk6QQsLJCfDibLQlqF3UrVLfMe4itMffixzZkhozKnRTTqupP4dKbsAgMq_0EnwK-zePFxieV0YuM8AEYKPcxTpfV1uh7IzrVpMBVmFyrzGdzoHx-uMIrjOHfNgPbkINJtzj-b-vd9LJ7e0A/s1024/51204108732_7df7da1c20_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOwoVeUWoh9dMVPtoF0hdWCX5RdM8FzC7xPk6QQsLJCfDibLQlqF3UrVLfMe4itMffixzZkhozKnRTTqupP4dKbsAgMq_0EnwK-zePFxieV0YuM8AEYKPcxTpfV1uh7IzrVpMBVmFyrzGdzoHx-uMIrjOHfNgPbkINJtzj-b-vd9LJ7e0A/w640-h426/51204108732_7df7da1c20_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Finding beauty everywhere as a photographer is an invitation to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness. It encourages me to slow down, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the wonders that exist even amid chaos. It reminds me that beauty is not a distant ideal to be pursued but a constant presence, waiting to be noticed and celebrated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxUAsj1XLK4wa5lyfToPqTeYzjXwTejI5i6oKERtpR00fxkjfu0vHunOW0OIea7MX0rXYu-d-iV6LRQSC9zQ90a2Z6H58ojEcx7Xvcm-Qycfb7qiRZlKS3fD-lEby8_v6wi5BadulGH9qqkQft1-49HpOBOkBY9KEliPE1a2s52jMRYHgRA/s1024/46535343014_1bc374f461_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxUAsj1XLK4wa5lyfToPqTeYzjXwTejI5i6oKERtpR00fxkjfu0vHunOW0OIea7MX0rXYu-d-iV6LRQSC9zQ90a2Z6H58ojEcx7Xvcm-Qycfb7qiRZlKS3fD-lEby8_v6wi5BadulGH9qqkQft1-49HpOBOkBY9KEliPE1a2s52jMRYHgRA/w640-h426/46535343014_1bc374f461_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Searching for the beauty in everything as a photographer is a transformative practice that shapes my art and my way of engaging with the world. It has taught me to seek out the extraordinary in the ordinary, embrace imperfections, and celebrate life's diversity and richness. It is a reminder that beauty is not limited to certain subjects or settings but is woven into the very fabric of existence, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to open their eyes and truly see.</p>Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and comment.<br /><br />More to be discovered here <a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a><br /><br />Writer and photographer: Paul Indigo<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgRvXw8bLZXjZ43CidSStmJSa9p3juk_L_uRBIamKWjI-zw0c6lxIjZUJj8RULiQB17HXWrm8LPCJRnD0QhAzeh1w0fnPIunE1eqfuiLx85onPVhe6yYxJnVmskz1sNC21yUZpLRQ2Jxr0u9mYuUn_HrI_ephgaz8HPZ2Czg7j8zp59gg3Q/s1024/50156191372_982f2506dc_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgRvXw8bLZXjZ43CidSStmJSa9p3juk_L_uRBIamKWjI-zw0c6lxIjZUJj8RULiQB17HXWrm8LPCJRnD0QhAzeh1w0fnPIunE1eqfuiLx85onPVhe6yYxJnVmskz1sNC21yUZpLRQ2Jxr0u9mYuUn_HrI_ephgaz8HPZ2Czg7j8zp59gg3Q/w640-h512/50156191372_982f2506dc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-50820814231027577672023-05-13T09:53:00.000+00:002023-05-13T09:53:26.592+00:00Seeing Through Photographs: A Critical Analysis of the Cultural Significance of Images<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYPU8mNmr2O71CkZX2GNRD9G-1vuGkuZbDR4xSz81bMbZtV3Gpv981A-j0zWPHf4cghiNtwnZ1aCsfIJUpIENtf5lYiabc3BF2CHmvI4nS3nEbMPlfzIUK5_TS1QL41ScBI5WYUPPKEc9vFOHu7HLULnQmHb5hxOW5QVpIPFhigsICsUunQ/s1024/50985409507_0cea40642c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYPU8mNmr2O71CkZX2GNRD9G-1vuGkuZbDR4xSz81bMbZtV3Gpv981A-j0zWPHf4cghiNtwnZ1aCsfIJUpIENtf5lYiabc3BF2CHmvI4nS3nEbMPlfzIUK5_TS1QL41ScBI5WYUPPKEc9vFOHu7HLULnQmHb5hxOW5QVpIPFhigsICsUunQ/w640-h426/50985409507_0cea40642c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travelling in a taxi, Japan. Photo by Paul Indigo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Marvin Heiferman, a curator and writer, has contributed to the Museum of Modern Art's online course, "Seeing Through Photographs." In this course, Heiferman offers a unique perspective on photographs, arguing that they are not just visual representations of reality but are also cultural artefacts that reflect the beliefs, values, and social conditions of their time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TirjKCOBT7g" width="320" youtube-src-id="TirjKCOBT7g"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); caret-color: rgb(15, 15, 15); color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The power of photography is more complicated than people admit to," explains author and scholar Marvin Heiferman in a conversation with curator Sarah Meister about the ubiquity and consequentiality of photographic images.</span></div><p>Photography has been around for almost two centuries and has become an essential part of our daily lives. It is a tool we use to capture and document the world around us, but it is also a medium that shapes how we see the world. According to Heiferman, photographs are not just images but also cultural artefacts that carry meaning and reflect the context in which they were created.</p><p>Heiferman's view on photography is that it is a product of its time and reflects the values, beliefs, and social conditions of the society in which it was created. Therefore, to fully understand a photograph, one needs to analyse and interpret it based on its content, style, and intended audience. He emphasises that the context in which a photograph was taken is crucial to understanding its meaning.</p><p>For example, a photograph taken during the civil rights movement in the United States can be analysed for its content, style, and intended audience. The photograph's content may depict a protest or demonstration. At the same time, its style may reflect the visual language of the time, such as black and white or high contrast. The intended audience could be anyone following the civil rights movement at the time, including activists, journalists, and the general public.</p><p>Heiferman also encourages viewers to consider how photographs can be manipulated and how this affects their meaning. Manipulation of photographs can be intentional or unintentional and occur during capturing or developing the image. Heiferman emphasises that these manipulations can significantly alter the meaning of a photograph.</p><p>For example, a photograph that has been cropped or edited may convey a different message than the original image. The context in which a photograph is presented can also affect its meaning. A photograph displayed in an art gallery may be interpreted differently than one used in a news article.</p><p>In conclusion, Heiferman's view on "Seeing Through Photographs" emphasises the importance of critical thinking and contextual analysis when interpreting photographs as cultural artefacts. He encourages viewers to analyse and interpret photographs based on their content, style and intended audience and to consider how photos can be manipulated and how this affects their meaning.</p><p>In today's world, where photographs are abundant and easily accessible, it is more important than ever to understand the significance of photographs as cultural artefacts. We need to be aware of the context in which photos are taken and how they are manipulated to fully understand their meaning. Heiferman's perspective offers a valuable framework for approaching photographs as cultural artefacts and encourages us to be critical and thoughtful viewers of the images surrounding us.</p><p>I'm taking the Museum of Modern Art's "Seeing Through Photographs" course, and it is fascinating.</p>Thank you for reading. Please add your comments and share if you found this article valuable.<br /><br />Copyright 2023 Paul Indigo<br /><a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a><p><br /></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-83222791098575385582023-05-07T12:49:00.005+00:002023-05-07T12:49:40.631+00:00The Surprising Power of Photography in an Image Saturated World<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq-bg_SN73GybCvjAme44MZvD1vOCzOph5udhHxWQRkRHO2aysUUJ6amiOv06fbd5m_lQ4jal1OMXBiIeENpDYySKMsVanfZMbq0MXwoLBt5kvOEsWEOARa5NR4Ipq_Yhtj-rZj08JBVYKQm9cNuUZjZLOTB7jzyxhn61TnEPJLYAvyzMDQ/s1024/14921613709_54019ae720_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq-bg_SN73GybCvjAme44MZvD1vOCzOph5udhHxWQRkRHO2aysUUJ6amiOv06fbd5m_lQ4jal1OMXBiIeENpDYySKMsVanfZMbq0MXwoLBt5kvOEsWEOARa5NR4Ipq_Yhtj-rZj08JBVYKQm9cNuUZjZLOTB7jzyxhn61TnEPJLYAvyzMDQ/w640-h426/14921613709_54019ae720_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of Willem Vermandere in a bookshop. Photo © Paul Indigo</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>In a world where we are bombarded with images constantly, how can photography still manage to surprise us and make us see the world in a new way?</p><p>Social media, news, advertising, and entertainment all rely heavily on visuals to capture our attention. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pictures we see every day. It can be hard to imagine how photography could still surprise us or make us see the world in a new way. But the truth is, photography is a powerful art form that can still surprise and inspire us, even in a world saturated with images.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2X20nS4SnuOdom_sS8SK0cMXymNowAxXJpBhBbzwdxIpmWAx9jMhUzY59cPCYohST7Kv1jG5IUmwRfJg5phAuHzXC3uJYuxOjGdJ6WuT0G76yPBrbuUMXeiCgZpUUUM1HeDPDD6FAKbaQvNjKhJC6IvXy-cWWFCPPmlG4Bu9igebX_p6xQ/s1024/30177622231_78bc5e8d6b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2X20nS4SnuOdom_sS8SK0cMXymNowAxXJpBhBbzwdxIpmWAx9jMhUzY59cPCYohST7Kv1jG5IUmwRfJg5phAuHzXC3uJYuxOjGdJ6WuT0G76yPBrbuUMXeiCgZpUUUM1HeDPDD6FAKbaQvNjKhJC6IvXy-cWWFCPPmlG4Bu9igebX_p6xQ/w640-h426/30177622231_78bc5e8d6b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shoes are on the steep staircase in the Halletoren in Brugge. <span style="text-align: start;">Photo</span><span style="text-align: start;"> © Paul Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>One reason is that it allows us to see the world through someone else's eyes. Every photographer has a unique perspective. They invite us to see the world differently by sharing their images with us. A skilled photographer can make us see the beauty in the mundane, find the art in the chaos, and uncover the hidden stories that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm-khAa80oBMPAh8y2Q7t1ksDEa_sVwg-MYAA4kF1r113WUX_9q0qBD3NoHIzDJ6PPXV-4wxE5IKCJXhI7KssWLNSeZw78JdYnLdkl_ar93pybm5xGZi2fGULAYQLyL_bcocJRRgNhhqcPkYNCwGK5qsJGMjghSVDdOhSiO5qcLTK30zL3Q/s1024/32430779108_a5182210b3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm-khAa80oBMPAh8y2Q7t1ksDEa_sVwg-MYAA4kF1r113WUX_9q0qBD3NoHIzDJ6PPXV-4wxE5IKCJXhI7KssWLNSeZw78JdYnLdkl_ar93pybm5xGZi2fGULAYQLyL_bcocJRRgNhhqcPkYNCwGK5qsJGMjghSVDdOhSiO5qcLTK30zL3Q/w640-h424/32430779108_a5182210b3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The look" from my series celebrating individuality through fashion. <br /><span style="text-align: start;">Photo</span><span style="text-align: start;"> © Paul Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Another way that photography can surprise us is by challenging our assumptions and biases. Photographs have the power to capture moments and people in a way that defies stereotypes and preconceptions. By showing us images of people and places that we may have preconceived notions about, photography can challenge us to think differently and expand our perspectives.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SX7_tnbNKvHvKCwK_tJDwLm0g1FpQrHOn_QF2-FkpZsFFoJxhn6yGZhuYLvl0fP8GA_BqqA37FDCit3nio2J_-pNjD7uVmvSl6nSS_aY7CYEVFI8EKUwlnI4vbehVfs-VpeXXHZsMdzoZOliVqXIJNXm8M5KOOf4m5nsv7Y0FF6AeaiS8Q/s1024/39695620245_dcf410c5af_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SX7_tnbNKvHvKCwK_tJDwLm0g1FpQrHOn_QF2-FkpZsFFoJxhn6yGZhuYLvl0fP8GA_BqqA37FDCit3nio2J_-pNjD7uVmvSl6nSS_aY7CYEVFI8EKUwlnI4vbehVfs-VpeXXHZsMdzoZOliVqXIJNXm8M5KOOf4m5nsv7Y0FF6AeaiS8Q/w640-h426/39695620245_dcf410c5af_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling down. <span style="text-align: start;">Photo</span><span style="text-align: start;"> © Paul Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Photography can also surprise us by revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Photographers can find beauty and wonder in unexpected places by taking a closer look at the world around us. A flower, a rusted door hinge, or a silhouette can become a work of art in the hands of a skilled photographer.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42tJxHJ8QuoX1gmdPQ-8uIvSzL32CXieh7mG7YjnF8gTzGwtHLNnuMnO676ZP_RwexiiKjhKDymHeVEgloBYUPdlNSDBO0Z2jr6QftEfxirtNTRAPjth1cmlbiODuJqJ2hZ9NIbkTZyu-mUo71DW6MWqQyNIUk50i2U-BR51XFTdBqf4HRw/s1024/14179052167_3b3de8642a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42tJxHJ8QuoX1gmdPQ-8uIvSzL32CXieh7mG7YjnF8gTzGwtHLNnuMnO676ZP_RwexiiKjhKDymHeVEgloBYUPdlNSDBO0Z2jr6QftEfxirtNTRAPjth1cmlbiODuJqJ2hZ9NIbkTZyu-mUo71DW6MWqQyNIUk50i2U-BR51XFTdBqf4HRw/w640-h426/14179052167_3b3de8642a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo</span><span style="text-align: start;"> © Paul Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Finally, photography can surprise us by capturing fleeting moments that we might otherwise miss. A moment a hand trailing in water on a boat in a canal, an expression of joy, or a wave crashing on the shore can all be captured in a single moment, frozen in time forever. Photography allows us to see and appreciate these moments in a way that would be impossible without the camera's lens.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfSxROodiPPSkAdZDluRPrEyQOh_KbwDRZAWUT3ERUjtCIphnZppUNUVaDaRPpdRjDdvqWIruZQdmLCaBo2URllKhic3f3z0siBLwzPRdG8LJkoUQX03BmTHp_Vyus5Eul9kiW_XJ3kQbhPQhm9Ju6TQg0LbW8kuJ_umpEUsTTXr7k67Geg/s1024/52115629307_99671b94d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfSxROodiPPSkAdZDluRPrEyQOh_KbwDRZAWUT3ERUjtCIphnZppUNUVaDaRPpdRjDdvqWIruZQdmLCaBo2URllKhic3f3z0siBLwzPRdG8LJkoUQX03BmTHp_Vyus5Eul9kiW_XJ3kQbhPQhm9Ju6TQg0LbW8kuJ_umpEUsTTXr7k67Geg/w640-h426/52115629307_99671b94d4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man with a shopping bag. <span style="text-align: start;">Photo</span><span style="text-align: start;"> © Paul Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Even in a world where we are bombarded with images constantly, photography can still surprise us and make us see the world in a new way. By allowing us to see through someone else's eyes, challenging our assumptions, finding beauty in unexpected places, and capturing fleeting moments, photography is a powerful art form that continues to inspire and delight us.</p><p>Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and comment.</p><p>More to be discovered here <a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArMxE" target="_blank">Celebrating Individuality through Fashion series</a>.</p><p>Writer and photographer: Paul Indigo</p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-38661557642175361962023-05-01T09:40:00.000+00:002023-05-01T09:40:18.680+00:00Capturing the truth: The power of documentary photography to shape public opinion<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwS830WVoGgq04bFEhy4j82f8tve1a85puarenxtpOLEO5xqRSC0fUEf6B7f5my5vyi6bdQ5KurxtJGyXY7mUuC6Stx_xYY-ZQP_46BR_iJ2S3uNILeqG7Lkc4qz8fancpl6zxAq-dvcZAFJFUbaKqudMOJUJXGuQBnnslDy_v1q_usg0jg/s900/341467101_766022591631451_2583546736450275783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="900" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwS830WVoGgq04bFEhy4j82f8tve1a85puarenxtpOLEO5xqRSC0fUEf6B7f5my5vyi6bdQ5KurxtJGyXY7mUuC6Stx_xYY-ZQP_46BR_iJ2S3uNILeqG7Lkc4qz8fancpl6zxAq-dvcZAFJFUbaKqudMOJUJXGuQBnnslDy_v1q_usg0jg/w640-h552/341467101_766022591631451_2583546736450275783_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer, writer and artist, Paul Indigo (Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/magda.indigo.1" target="_blank">Magda Indigo</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #0e101a;">Documentary photography is more important than ever because it plays a critical role in informing and shaping public opinion, particularly in today's fast-paced, information-saturated world. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, we are bombarded with images and information daily. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">From a trusted source, documentary photography counterbalances the often sensationalised and biased coverage of social and political issues. Documentary photography can challenge dominant narratives and foster greater understanding and empathy by presenting a nuanced, humanistic perspective on complex issues.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It can highlight underreported and marginalised issues, giving voice to those who are often ignored or silenced. In a world where many people feel disenfranchised and marginalised, documentary photography can help to create a sense of community and solidarity by bringing these issues to the forefront and inviting viewers to engage with them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Moreover, documentary photography can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and social and political change. By documenting the struggles of marginalised communities and exposing the injustices they face, photographers can help to build public support for policy changes and social movements.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In short, documentary photography is more important than ever because it can shape public opinion, challenge dominant narratives, give voice to marginalised communities, and inspire social and political change. In a world where images and information are increasingly commodified and manipulated, documentary photography is a beacon of truth and integrity, inviting us to see the world with fresh eyes and engage in meaningful ways.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What exactly is documentary photography?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Documentary photography is a form of visual storytelling that captures real-life events and moments with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring action. It can be seen as a visual form of journalism, telling stories through images rather than words. I will delve deeper into the history and significance of documentary photography, the notable photographers and their works, and how it can be used as a tool for social and political change.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The roots of documentary photography can be traced back to the late 19th century, when portable cameras became more accessible, and photographers began to use them to document social issues and political events. The American photographer, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Riis" target="_blank">Jacob Riis</a>, was one of the pioneers of this style. He used photography to expose the living conditions of poor immigrants in New York City in the late 1800s. Riis's book, "How the Other Half Lives," used photography to bring attention to the social problems of the time and helped spark the progressive movement.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Today Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Renée C. Byer, illuminates the human faces of people who live in extreme poverty around the world with her project </span><em style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.reneecbyer.com/exhibit" target="_blank">Living On A Dollar A Day: The Lives and Faces of the World's Poor</a></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/whZq2aeVWG8" width="320" youtube-src-id="whZq2aeVWG8"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another significant figure in the history of documentary photography was <a href="https://www.moma.org/artists/3373" target="_blank">Dorothea Lange</a>, who documented the plight of migrant workers during the Great Depression. Her photographs, such as "Migrant Mother," have become iconic symbols of the era and helped bring attention to the struggles of working-class Americans during that time.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the mid-20th century, documentary photography became increasingly associated with photojournalism and reportage. Magnum Photos, founded in 1947, is perhaps the most famous agency specialising in this genre. The photographers associated with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.magnumphotos.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Magnum</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, such as <a href="https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/robert-capa/" target="_blank">Robert Capa</a>, <a href="https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/henri-cartier-bresson/" target="_blank">Henri Cartier-Bresson</a>, and <a href="https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/w-eugene-smith/" target="_blank">W. Eugene Smith</a>, covered major events and conflicts around the world, often putting themselves in danger to get the shots.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Magnum photographers were known for their gritty, unflinching images that captured the essence of a particular moment in time. For example, Capa's iconic photograph, "<a href="https://www.magnumphotos.com/arts-culture/robert-capa-the-definitive-collection/" target="_blank">The Falling Soldier</a>," depicts a Republican militiaman being fatally shot during the Spanish Civil War. Cartier-Bresson's photographs captured the surreal beauty of everyday life, while Smith's photo essays, such as "Country Doctor" and "Minamata," documented the lives of ordinary people and their struggles.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I highly recommend watching the film Minimata which gives you an interesting insight into his work and struggles.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WP3pKTssw_E" width="320" youtube-src-id="WP3pKTssw_E"></iframe></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Documentary photography is perhaps the most significant art form today, with photographers continuing to use their cameras to capture social and political issues. For example, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastião_Salgado" target="_blank">Sebastião Salgado</a>'s work documents workers' struggles and the effects of environmental degradation. His photographs capture the humanity of those working in mines, factories, and other dangerous occupations, while also highlighting the devastating impact of environmental degradation on communities worldwide.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I highly recommend learning more about </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.amivitale.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ami Vitale</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, named one of her generation's most influential conservation photographers. Take a look at her work documenting the heartbreaking crisis facing the northern white rhinos and her powerful film "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://vitalimpacts.org/pages/remembering-sudan" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Remembering Sudan</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">".</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EWiVBo8IG0Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="EWiVBo8IG0Q"></iframe></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of the advantages of documentary photography is its ability to reach a broad audience and communicate important messages quickly and effectively. A photograph can be a powerful tool for inspiring empathy and action. It can convey emotion and meaning in ways that words alone often cannot. A single photograph has the power to change hearts and minds and inspire people to take action.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Documentary photography can also challenge dominant narratives and provide an alternative perspective on historical events. For example, the photographs of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Parks" target="_blank">Gordon Parks</a>, who documented the civil rights movement, challenged the prevailing stereotypes of Black people at the time. His photographs captured his subjects' humanity and dignity and helped shift public opinion on civil rights issues.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZehOkTyrgY" width="320" youtube-src-id="kZehOkTyrgY"></iframe></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another advantage of documentary photography is its ability to visually record history. By documenting social and political events, photographers create a visual archive of our collective past that future generations can study and analyse. Photographs can provide a window into a particular moment in time, capturing what happened and the social, political, and cultural context of the time.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Documentary photography can also have a therapeutic effect, both for the photographer and the subjects. For the photographer, the act of bearing witness to difficult or traumatic events can be cathartic and help to make sense of the world. For the subjects, being seen and heard can be validating and empowering. Photographs can also serve as a reminder of resilience and hope, even in the face of adversity.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Of course, there are also ethical considerations that come with documentary photography. Photographers must be mindful of their work's impact on their subjects and communities. They must strive to document the truth without exploiting or sensationalising their subjects. Consent is also an important consideration, especially when working with vulnerable populations.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In conclusion, documentary photography is a powerful form of visual storytelling that can inspire empathy, raise awareness, and effect social and political change. It has a rich history, with notable photographers such as Jacob Riis, Dorothea Lange, Robert Capa, and Sebastião Salgado using their cameras to document social and political issues. Today, documentary photography continues to be an essential art form. While ethical considerations must be considered when working in this field, documentary photography remains a vital tool for creating social and political change, giving voice to the voiceless, and creating a visual record of our collective past.</span></p><p>Thanks for reading. Please share and comment if you found this interesting.</p><p>Copyright: Paul Indigo</p><p>For more about my projects and social media links, go to: <a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></p><p><br /></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-13924725315730861352023-04-16T10:17:00.001+00:002023-04-16T10:30:15.796+00:00Beyond the Surface: The True Essence of Portrait Photography<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2tdOxwhmE5ljoHcHOs1hzjM03TTw4ImzIsUttWK35JChGtdwUMWUlYF363Tkz7g0IWpkPl0rl0YZ8c0JmLyeXpZusfURCOUIrOk4j2nDvs9AwWhCP_9QgCWvpTw0SqhhhK31RdWQhJnG4dXJFA_JBKRhuIvbxe-4pNqaziCzm6IFvN-DYw/s1024/52509896364_e682022705_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2tdOxwhmE5ljoHcHOs1hzjM03TTw4ImzIsUttWK35JChGtdwUMWUlYF363Tkz7g0IWpkPl0rl0YZ8c0JmLyeXpZusfURCOUIrOk4j2nDvs9AwWhCP_9QgCWvpTw0SqhhhK31RdWQhJnG4dXJFA_JBKRhuIvbxe-4pNqaziCzm6IFvN-DYw/w426-h640/52509896364_e682022705_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">As you flip through a glossy magazine or scroll through your social media feed, you come across a stunning image of a model wearing the latest perfume. She exudes perfection with her flawless skin, radiant smile, and captivating gaze. The image seems to whisper, "If you wear this perfume, you can be just as beautiful and glamorous as this model." But have you ever stopped to think about the story behind that image and what it truly represents?<br /><br />As a professional photographer commissioned for an advertising shoot, the model becomes the symbol of the ideal woman, representing all those who look at the advert. She is objectified, reduced to a visual prop that embodies perfection, and the message is clear – use this product – you too can achieve that level of perfection. But in reality, the model is not a real person, but rather a carefully curated image created to sell a product.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this objectification of models in advertising has also seeped into the world of amateur photography. Many aspiring photographers try to emulate the style of these advertising images, turning their friends, family, and acquaintances into mere visual objects. Instead of capturing their true personalities and characters, these photographs often lack life, soul, honesty, and truth. They become shallow representations of the subjects, devoid of their real essence.<br /><br />As viewers, we may appreciate the visual aesthetics of these images, praising the photographer's skills and artistic flair on social media or online platforms. However, a portrait without a soul, devoid of character, is destined to be forgotten tomorrow, just another empty vessel in the sea of digital images.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />So, as a photographer, what should be your driving passion and motivation? Is it the pursuit of truth, the desire for popularity, the obsession with graphically designed beauty, or the goal of selling a product? Or is it something deeper, something that goes beyond the surface?<br /><br />The true essence of portrait photography lies in capturing the real character and soul of the subject. It's about going beyond the superficial aesthetics and delving into the emotions, expressions, and stories that make a person unique. It's about creating images that tell a story, evoke emotions, and resonate with the viewers on a deeper level.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReI8cvlohBLUhqF7K0dL9iciQgMWt1V2Zk9Nh4-XM7xif-K4y82pS-0YMb5YWcbcx88NdVh07mJPqimOU4cfreoMs466Gn43P_FoBCwX9XbkWHrftY03iwse81AeT9AF96MhnsEBfO8MJmIlUT-C_sqUEcXJULwAUJpSnbsu6RgX1xiWdCQ/s1024/34568150283_96ebca1221_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReI8cvlohBLUhqF7K0dL9iciQgMWt1V2Zk9Nh4-XM7xif-K4y82pS-0YMb5YWcbcx88NdVh07mJPqimOU4cfreoMs466Gn43P_FoBCwX9XbkWHrftY03iwse81AeT9AF96MhnsEBfO8MJmIlUT-C_sqUEcXJULwAUJpSnbsu6RgX1xiWdCQ/w640-h426/34568150283_96ebca1221_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magda</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">When you focus on capturing the essence of your subject, your photographs become more than just pretty pictures. They become a window into the soul, a glimpse into the person behind the façade. They become timeless, leaving a lasting impact on those who view them.<br /><br />So, the next time you pick up your camera, challenge yourself to look beyond the surface. Instead of reducing your subjects to mere objects, strive to capture their true essence. Embrace their imperfections, celebrate their uniqueness, and tell their stories through your lens. Because, in the end, it's not about the fleeting trends or fleeting popularity, but about the power of photography to reveal the beauty and truth in the world around us.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I would love to read your comments and please share this post if you found it interesting.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">Paul</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngIKyacZVG-b1SMAK6VlwmwZoIeqQzMSd1fZy8G3Fco8tvIzO7r6KwHqWOqL0kTpSeemKAIxS6aF-EYCWl_vpme5-iT2h5s7N5N_4woYxRCUGlByR76D24sjUmpHe1WvSaCkYz6YdkcJwJE_MGnpy5fMLT4ijftwmEh1Lcu3OtUnyHzgJdw/s2048/DSCF8971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngIKyacZVG-b1SMAK6VlwmwZoIeqQzMSd1fZy8G3Fco8tvIzO7r6KwHqWOqL0kTpSeemKAIxS6aF-EYCWl_vpme5-iT2h5s7N5N_4woYxRCUGlByR76D24sjUmpHe1WvSaCkYz6YdkcJwJE_MGnpy5fMLT4ijftwmEh1Lcu3OtUnyHzgJdw/w640-h426/DSCF8971.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ7B3k0ajrPgS-07cZnimkVz_yVmykzrQUkaSsz4mE2r4k1bmf9sdr3Cy2RkgNY4HlRR61BWfJI4KkBmBQoCP9HLcNl0rRmDGPZ7vf2bxT9asEJIcHA0AJram3Gs-MVw3vyDGRYYWKjfRVNVU6RQtS0aBJ_pDdBnRpVCyiXS9g8pDbfx5qA/s1024/43092475231_974610999a_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ7B3k0ajrPgS-07cZnimkVz_yVmykzrQUkaSsz4mE2r4k1bmf9sdr3Cy2RkgNY4HlRR61BWfJI4KkBmBQoCP9HLcNl0rRmDGPZ7vf2bxT9asEJIcHA0AJram3Gs-MVw3vyDGRYYWKjfRVNVU6RQtS0aBJ_pDdBnRpVCyiXS9g8pDbfx5qA/w640-h640/43092475231_974610999a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarrusi<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ft-1zpc9yS0HUvv_L9mEEewKEmgcduGTX-Nvi2okRrIBrpSfxhLBAnOZYg-IycP-DC8oPeHtcI0rDrya1pxKoq8TvxsO2XoTIJTs0sA3g4bD2NTFC9x6-JECEt1qVfuaFxGPWKXpWvT6pSEH1f0fjOSbKrVfnAmFR8xBZ-_xspj0OxYww/s1024/52673240719_0e3e111888_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ft-1zpc9yS0HUvv_L9mEEewKEmgcduGTX-Nvi2okRrIBrpSfxhLBAnOZYg-IycP-DC8oPeHtcI0rDrya1pxKoq8TvxsO2XoTIJTs0sA3g4bD2NTFC9x6-JECEt1qVfuaFxGPWKXpWvT6pSEH1f0fjOSbKrVfnAmFR8xBZ-_xspj0OxYww/w640-h640/52673240719_0e3e111888_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willem<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODxAuwkbXBwZ1z7EahHR72mxRxoB_m-oPMqZGkvbpIex4p9E3-NQS-L-jM2ewb3udjh7hYDX-hGMhJp4w7gLVemrWIkJMNYbUKUasBx64sQ892-4VfN4VZbWOs9DM08aid1n5kDZwFkslT5-WJTY-sTly2IL5IXwLLNZYbWuwRZPQkTh-Gw/s1024/48266495712_25e1c78fc4_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODxAuwkbXBwZ1z7EahHR72mxRxoB_m-oPMqZGkvbpIex4p9E3-NQS-L-jM2ewb3udjh7hYDX-hGMhJp4w7gLVemrWIkJMNYbUKUasBx64sQ892-4VfN4VZbWOs9DM08aid1n5kDZwFkslT5-WJTY-sTly2IL5IXwLLNZYbWuwRZPQkTh-Gw/w512-h640/48266495712_25e1c78fc4_b.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicky</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFapeiDCAwADxzsYffj2IbKFGM1XKVZPgEbiW7CQbcvCJ3QSSmu7TaXBXMAmXhnizIO2F5FN7-Y91hB6Rw5yNEzT36G5VYcTOuRtnvRQqbUMbs8id5tI8w7mtIZjUAQep0ModHcNMy8nm27u4DtpV2KjNL54JcEJV9wX3_uVyvsnyUlxgyg/s1024/48424615262_a42485531e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFapeiDCAwADxzsYffj2IbKFGM1XKVZPgEbiW7CQbcvCJ3QSSmu7TaXBXMAmXhnizIO2F5FN7-Y91hB6Rw5yNEzT36G5VYcTOuRtnvRQqbUMbs8id5tI8w7mtIZjUAQep0ModHcNMy8nm27u4DtpV2KjNL54JcEJV9wX3_uVyvsnyUlxgyg/w426-h640/48424615262_a42485531e_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacey</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0UbWrtuRVXCVkQ0EansAX134IeYr7-2puqPNa3agJfpQN9GVe-Ev5zkTGRGp4nb9YGSk4QutGQXpRVVqyGM201klCNJrHxBRy-D9LairEhJ-ZDx2qlmGOt6InF5NsHZGQKgVDfQcibKNBIFqOhO3T4DOvRvHCPLA4Ww5TwuRxq8n7MEbmg/s1024/48694234431_cf20d328d1_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0UbWrtuRVXCVkQ0EansAX134IeYr7-2puqPNa3agJfpQN9GVe-Ev5zkTGRGp4nb9YGSk4QutGQXpRVVqyGM201klCNJrHxBRy-D9LairEhJ-ZDx2qlmGOt6InF5NsHZGQKgVDfQcibKNBIFqOhO3T4DOvRvHCPLA4Ww5TwuRxq8n7MEbmg/w426-h640/48694234431_cf20d328d1_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nadine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-47471666025189238732023-04-10T17:20:00.003+00:002023-04-10T17:32:56.313+00:00How understanding behaviour improves your photography<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT352v9xcbDI6BM-Hvfa52tHQ5Vq80VcUi3_LAbZoXU5f1E86qk-D8f-J9tNkI71dDpX5h55RGKyOb185Et_8ubhZiiejGTH3h-dZkhSbSs8tEppSjpdKL3F6oYGPlvYSA7u0zWbkf72HgijEvWocjR8GC6-GpVgJQYCeTqs_yabLr-p4NHA/s1024/28164177109_8227e6673d_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1024" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT352v9xcbDI6BM-Hvfa52tHQ5Vq80VcUi3_LAbZoXU5f1E86qk-D8f-J9tNkI71dDpX5h55RGKyOb185Et_8ubhZiiejGTH3h-dZkhSbSs8tEppSjpdKL3F6oYGPlvYSA7u0zWbkf72HgijEvWocjR8GC6-GpVgJQYCeTqs_yabLr-p4NHA/w640-h568/28164177109_8227e6673d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Encounter on the street in the snow</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>As a photographer, understanding human behaviour is critical to capturing compelling images. Emotions, gestures, expressions, and body language all reveal insights into human behaviour, and our practice as photographers is to capture these nuances.</p><p>To anticipate moments, one must be acutely aware of body language and expressions. We can create a comfortable environment by getting to know our subjects. You can also offer guidance if this does not interfere with your objective. The goal is to capture authentic and natural images that resonate with viewers.</p><p>Creating relatable images is essential to the craft of photography. To do so, we must consider the emotions and experiences of our audience and tailor our images accordingly. This personal touch can help create powerful images that connect with viewers on a deeper level.</p><p>Understanding human behaviour is essential to the art of photography. Observing and studying behaviours can help you create images that capture the essence of the human experience.<br />So let's look at how you can put this into practice.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzN1Paeg9LHRSv6QA2VslVnsI75hU1QdiYnRmnqMdA1GgId_z3hZrNgMvr5I4cFxkrH3wce4A6CgfUzEsD7HHcEkv3fkYrYOTDDjFECnHyZg_d7AzzLnQ4VSTzEGtU6fbJpz9AVlWo2a11r86WAfWEaYtlvK5Rvw4mIAyLYJcOK7X4Z934Q/s1024/48586244501_e5a8592904_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzN1Paeg9LHRSv6QA2VslVnsI75hU1QdiYnRmnqMdA1GgId_z3hZrNgMvr5I4cFxkrH3wce4A6CgfUzEsD7HHcEkv3fkYrYOTDDjFECnHyZg_d7AzzLnQ4VSTzEGtU6fbJpz9AVlWo2a11r86WAfWEaYtlvK5Rvw4mIAyLYJcOK7X4Z934Q/w640-h512/48586244501_e5a8592904_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony’s dog watches while he relaxes and smokes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Anticipating moments</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Anticipating moments is an important aspect of understanding human behaviour. A photographer attuned to human behaviour can recognise when a subject is about to make a gesture, smile or laugh or when they are about to cry. Being able to anticipate these moments will help you capture a photo that evokes emotion in the viewer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">You must observe the subject and know their body language and expressions to anticipate moments. This can help you anticipate moments when your subject is likely to be more relaxed and comfortable.</p></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZQGWxqp_5cQF7sX5J7DyP14bnz_Oy7W0NNS4HdFLFLLp3QgGov1QGijU88achIaEGqS0-Jb0Ra7u39RtYdNwWb3nOGXYUStFveycpdMlc4BSnd4Q86wsHChpp3d2SqJH63kMxWK0KN0dvTRJAqRXPzQBP0reHh80lPAacbaHPUtTntEvDw/s1500/DSCF1287.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZQGWxqp_5cQF7sX5J7DyP14bnz_Oy7W0NNS4HdFLFLLp3QgGov1QGijU88achIaEGqS0-Jb0Ra7u39RtYdNwWb3nOGXYUStFveycpdMlc4BSnd4Q86wsHChpp3d2SqJH63kMxWK0KN0dvTRJAqRXPzQBP0reHh80lPAacbaHPUtTntEvDw/w640-h640/DSCF1287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Togetherness. Ladies on the way to the shop.</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Creating relatable images</h2>Understanding human behaviour can help photographers create images that are more relatable to their audience. People are naturally drawn to images that capture authentic moments and emotions. By understanding human behaviour, a photographer can create images that connect with their audience on a deeper level, making the viewer feel as though they are part of the moment captured in the photo.<br /><br />To create relatable images, you need to consider the emotions and experiences that your audience can relate to. This requires understanding your audience's demographic, interests, and experiences. Tailoring your images to your audience will ensure your pictures resonate with them on a personal level.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPzCweBSlWl-BwYcBYoRjZx86lZYbWiyalARlx0zLbsPB4ZlhsUo5NVDIuqMbdQVi5XQ3m6y8gHq8mjI9kUfK2sBB9dj3G_y4InlKKqwdenhZqqEoWBR4G1KO7xGC8f0DaEugQI3dtc0_RubS9aK3ZC4ky6EX6mGGQ2eIH4v6PO4ZqZwApw/s1024/51141476130_8b696b837c_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPzCweBSlWl-BwYcBYoRjZx86lZYbWiyalARlx0zLbsPB4ZlhsUo5NVDIuqMbdQVi5XQ3m6y8gHq8mjI9kUfK2sBB9dj3G_y4InlKKqwdenhZqqEoWBR4G1KO7xGC8f0DaEugQI3dtc0_RubS9aK3ZC4ky6EX6mGGQ2eIH4v6PO4ZqZwApw/w426-h640/51141476130_8b696b837c_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweeney, with his catch of the day</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Creating a comfortable environment</h2>Many people feel self-conscious when being photographed, and a photographer who understands human behaviour can help put their subjects at ease. Creating a comfortable environment by talking to them and getting to know them better enables you to capture more authentic and natural expressions, resulting in more impactful images.<br /><br />Build a rapport with your subject as quickly as possible to help them feel more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-VdgmzuWxTcUTXJzjLaa3zhYULe_Z8Y9zfGlxeBtifdeL3aWA1lU3ISpC-JtqACFp3rwD1hJB2B-q3CYy1Ce_RC5NSoMauRDrKfgK-lS6bekNT-hU9nehsX31FLzZrqYiGPdj0UgKhWbN_IibUVBER7IS1MG2GXY-D2Fkk3Yy__Jk9dGFQ/s1024/49849010388_936e5661bc_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-VdgmzuWxTcUTXJzjLaa3zhYULe_Z8Y9zfGlxeBtifdeL3aWA1lU3ISpC-JtqACFp3rwD1hJB2B-q3CYy1Ce_RC5NSoMauRDrKfgK-lS6bekNT-hU9nehsX31FLzZrqYiGPdj0UgKhWbN_IibUVBER7IS1MG2GXY-D2Fkk3Yy__Jk9dGFQ/w640-h640/49849010388_936e5661bc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple I met in Japan posed for a portrait.</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Summary</h2>Understanding human behaviour is crucial for photographers who want to create compelling and impactful images. By anticipating moments, creating relatable images, and creating a comfortable environment for their subjects, photographers can capture powerful images that connect with their audience on a deeper level. As a photographer, studying and observing human behaviour is vital to improve your craft and create truly memorable images.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading. Please comment, like and share if you found the above useful and interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul</div><div><a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-78779785305313112462023-03-20T12:53:00.006+00:002023-05-15T07:25:44.739+00:00Colour Me Unique: Celebrating Individuality Through Fashion<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD_fXM3uvBdNpP3dovl3KF0hG6pJIXxsXpMMGcExb8ziGaMZwKtedhHCvCy0tR-uPyiq0HWiDW765Z8hcdXIRLe17oUEcNAxmJcaB8L4joz4x3ZXPMtDo82NdN_lfsVAAnCIXEVVVkTgGyyW34XmvjP47WdI9Ktb5rs8722_5epiifIVYtQ/s1023/50224670978_c61b1c30d6_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD_fXM3uvBdNpP3dovl3KF0hG6pJIXxsXpMMGcExb8ziGaMZwKtedhHCvCy0tR-uPyiq0HWiDW765Z8hcdXIRLe17oUEcNAxmJcaB8L4joz4x3ZXPMtDo82NdN_lfsVAAnCIXEVVVkTgGyyW34XmvjP47WdI9Ktb5rs8722_5epiifIVYtQ/w426-h640/50224670978_c61b1c30d6_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashion with attitude (full story <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArMxE">here</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I wanted to share my latest personal project with you and get some feedback from you, dear valued reader.<div><br /></div><div>In today's world, individuality and self-expression are highly valued, and one of the ways people choose to express themselves is through fashion. The clothes we wear can speak volumes about our personality, mood, and even our individual journey. Each of us is unique, and the way we dress reflects that. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">View the full series of images on <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArMxE" target="_blank">Flickr here</a>.</span><br /><br />As a photographer, I wanted to capture this essence of individuality and self-expression through fashion and colour. In this series of portraits, I aimed to showcase a diverse range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds, highlighting their unique styles and personality.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSj5UwtspfummZYidhPhAw7dL5MYjml5u60-r2HGQuqO4yXmi-f2sHMsNVYIHmM6A9JaBGVpQfKHIm2w5hSRufH7-z3BK6cFPAGCT-UEED8YQroKlNBTUsjf6nTs4zUA44MPaT9B4x4ig3VMC-4zANZUE7Y3XBW3Yfg5NIkq2R3Gcv-Q7rg/s1024/51333061934_f9e4eeabd2_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fashionably dressed girl and guy." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSj5UwtspfummZYidhPhAw7dL5MYjml5u60-r2HGQuqO4yXmi-f2sHMsNVYIHmM6A9JaBGVpQfKHIm2w5hSRufH7-z3BK6cFPAGCT-UEED8YQroKlNBTUsjf6nTs4zUA44MPaT9B4x4ig3VMC-4zANZUE7Y3XBW3Yfg5NIkq2R3Gcv-Q7rg/w426-h640/51333061934_f9e4eeabd2_b.jpg" title="Fashion" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /><br />My subjects come from all walks of life, and I wanted to showcase the beauty and power of their individuality. The way we dress is a form of self-expression, and I wanted to capture that in a visually stunning and emotionally evocative way.<br /><br />Each photograph was shot in available light, allowing the subject's personality and style to shine through. The use of vibrant colours, textured fabrics, and accessories helped to create a visually rich tapestry that highlighted the unique beauty of each individual.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUGB27igPUPiVC3kktiSeKdSQNVSb6L7L0BOI2PG8nYgd_8MuImA1xgwyQuyd5Nqt-p0X7tuwgX-ssIj3rk-YLRSihGz3_0Vh4IAxSGd4J2pP39lF108n33xLHZ71V1DYwdwXVigbazgUGfCwnBEu-f0YtCJP2d8pt1_z3oZ4RVYrf6a1Yw/s1024/48866140831_facc990a5e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Man in brightly coloured outfit" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUGB27igPUPiVC3kktiSeKdSQNVSb6L7L0BOI2PG8nYgd_8MuImA1xgwyQuyd5Nqt-p0X7tuwgX-ssIj3rk-YLRSihGz3_0Vh4IAxSGd4J2pP39lF108n33xLHZ71V1DYwdwXVigbazgUGfCwnBEu-f0YtCJP2d8pt1_z3oZ4RVYrf6a1Yw/w480-h640/48866140831_facc990a5e_b.jpg" title="Fashion" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /><br />From the brightly coloured hats to the boldly chosen accessories, each subject exudes confidence and pride in their personal style. Embracing our individuality and celebrating ourselves is essential to self-care and personal growth.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0V2PkR1ceBwSwYU6T0F7ud_YrHCOe0td6W2U9ILhjN0w1f94Z41QZUCfWJPkBZMSnsKNomxPy4xLiJlhnv9n-171dXVGFtdaKH4UcsPC5j0VPf8dKY7u9C1pUuIHI8MrMQ6Yuhy6FnZtXFTjySxy9zCLV-JXZTlUV-YgDLdExB-desuI8A/s1024/36094029612_8af6968949_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue hair" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0V2PkR1ceBwSwYU6T0F7ud_YrHCOe0td6W2U9ILhjN0w1f94Z41QZUCfWJPkBZMSnsKNomxPy4xLiJlhnv9n-171dXVGFtdaKH4UcsPC5j0VPf8dKY7u9C1pUuIHI8MrMQ6Yuhy6FnZtXFTjySxy9zCLV-JXZTlUV-YgDLdExB-desuI8A/w480-h640/36094029612_8af6968949_b.jpg" title="Lady with blue hair" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />Through this series, I aim to inspire others to recognise the beauty in our shared humanity while embracing our uniqueness and self-expression through fashion. We all have a story to tell, and our clothing choices are just one of the ways we can share it with the world.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue7ux2-R8K7kJ80KZGuy8CWg7aKHQTPQ68mkdi9Hcw4NigFrTTipqEXGh2vOdhREO6fhgHwllON3daQA2CjfwY6oZbxxXWxtLG0ne184CwYh5RurZN-DDUPeS2m7UTxbiEMMZ96L1ue8VMh9LOZFC1aybQqlF8EUZ8OErzBZPo3MmoXEV7A/s1024/43461944514_09bf82d72c_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red beret" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue7ux2-R8K7kJ80KZGuy8CWg7aKHQTPQ68mkdi9Hcw4NigFrTTipqEXGh2vOdhREO6fhgHwllON3daQA2CjfwY6oZbxxXWxtLG0ne184CwYh5RurZN-DDUPeS2m7UTxbiEMMZ96L1ue8VMh9LOZFC1aybQqlF8EUZ8OErzBZPo3MmoXEV7A/w640-h480/43461944514_09bf82d72c_b.jpg" title="Smiling with red beret." width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br />The series of portraits I have captured is a tribute to the individuality and self-expression people celebrate through their clothing choices. Each subject is unique, and their personality and style are reflected through their fashion. I hope that these portraits inspire others to celebrate their individuality and embrace their unique style as a form of self-expression.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8-Hp6MzrqjEWdadvFzDQa17_v78Z2WEao3t390eTsad6prg6cwMXzfSB2_D7rX57onM0rlcZdlUhkHz8gTurgNsF4_8dFSFi9Z7DdxwruF2HxtM5aZvJoVnNZsMkBKOsZoMg2fYMwtVOVxJw-2QY9B9CLLG1r9k6lQzfsUODgTqXhDHWKg/s1024/32430779108_a5182210b3_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lady with unique style." border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8-Hp6MzrqjEWdadvFzDQa17_v78Z2WEao3t390eTsad6prg6cwMXzfSB2_D7rX57onM0rlcZdlUhkHz8gTurgNsF4_8dFSFi9Z7DdxwruF2HxtM5aZvJoVnNZsMkBKOsZoMg2fYMwtVOVxJw-2QY9B9CLLG1r9k6lQzfsUODgTqXhDHWKg/w640-h424/32430779108_a5182210b3_b.jpg" title="Expressing personality through fashion" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j8dIgQjHBZhEUmZXhTjg5uNR0jNHQF_lcVX-gdNJ4XuAtVEBo02q5Jyblo4t1d7LWXqR20zR8JVvvxr_nNURvDjJ3Em8JPZjn_S0WSijW5xEMX5GfqCHoSUf6fmN1X1at1lK8G6ymMse_3s1A5FZKxdPhTzu-vNtbfbVmy0d0FOIOCfQrA/s1024/52637206524_b76625575e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Out for a walk with her dog." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j8dIgQjHBZhEUmZXhTjg5uNR0jNHQF_lcVX-gdNJ4XuAtVEBo02q5Jyblo4t1d7LWXqR20zR8JVvvxr_nNURvDjJ3Em8JPZjn_S0WSijW5xEMX5GfqCHoSUf6fmN1X1at1lK8G6ymMse_3s1A5FZKxdPhTzu-vNtbfbVmy0d0FOIOCfQrA/w426-h640/52637206524_b76625575e_b.jpg" title="Fashion" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfC4ArCN2eAPrv05J2qlWsAk8kbNPX-ladaXoDaVM6JeFJggo06pvRFe81Vp2VBe8Zjsr2D51yMBgjpXLAF8XSJkqHuT_KYLbc9FWHtp2zDZ4jl8lFIomQmVIV9SgJFZkkkE_pNHgTra-A3PoMC-3W8vvnyk_NU9NVmOkCRW045Brej35AQ/s1024/41250424792_4df115969e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Man with pink beard and hair" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="742" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfC4ArCN2eAPrv05J2qlWsAk8kbNPX-ladaXoDaVM6JeFJggo06pvRFe81Vp2VBe8Zjsr2D51yMBgjpXLAF8XSJkqHuT_KYLbc9FWHtp2zDZ4jl8lFIomQmVIV9SgJFZkkkE_pNHgTra-A3PoMC-3W8vvnyk_NU9NVmOkCRW045Brej35AQ/w464-h640/41250424792_4df115969e_b.jpg" title="Fashion" width="464" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>View the full series on <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArMxE" target="_blank">Flickr here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment and share.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul</div><div><a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></div></div></div></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-78570525410831063762023-03-18T11:10:00.005+00:002023-04-01T11:59:07.636+00:00 Embracing Japanese aesthetics: Nine principles that will change the way you think about photography<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqh4RK5LrugPcV6WOCzZ0v2V9JmNheHzcnQk7JYNQadH0SKUzj9AHlcaB_r4KBieC8VRJFVQGpUOp-PFoX1FWi-TxLd-8Tfj6lXCPgTFHTLyIw-8-Th9DaJIujGplEcfq17l-OAGQvjSGJIGmz8v9Q7WJSsQP1Micu-KqkUhQa9VzW0Ls6w/s1024/50828191278_afedccb1fe_b.jpg"><img alt="Japanese calligraphy explained during a tea ceremony." border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqh4RK5LrugPcV6WOCzZ0v2V9JmNheHzcnQk7JYNQadH0SKUzj9AHlcaB_r4KBieC8VRJFVQGpUOp-PFoX1FWi-TxLd-8Tfj6lXCPgTFHTLyIw-8-Th9DaJIujGplEcfq17l-OAGQvjSGJIGmz8v9Q7WJSsQP1Micu-KqkUhQa9VzW0Ls6w/w640-h512/50828191278_afedccb1fe_b.jpg" title="Japanese calligraphy" width="640" /></a></div><br />From the refined elegance of tea ceremonies to calligraphy and the simple yet complex beauty of Zen gardens, Japanese aesthetics offer a unique perspective on the nature of beauty and its relationship to our environment, emotions, and sense of self. <br /><br />But can we apply these aesthetics to photography? In this blog, we'll explore nine fundamental Japanese aesthetic principles and seek to answer this question. <br /><br />First, here's a summary of the Japanese aesthetic principles we will cover:<div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Kanso: The principle of simplicity, clarity, and cleanliness.</li><li>Fukinsei: The principle of asymmetry, irregularity, and balance.</li><li>Shibui/Shibumi: The principle of simplicity, understatedness, and refined elegance.</li><li>Seijaku: The principle of stillness, silence, and tranquillity.</li><li>Datsuzoku: The principle of spontaneity, freedom, and detachment.</li><li>Yugen: The principle of mystery, depth, and subtlety.</li><li>Shizen: The principle of naturalness, spontaneity, and harmony with nature.</li><li>Wabi Sabi: The principle of embracing imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of the natural world.</li><li>Iki: The principle of subtle elegance is achieved through simplicity, understatedness, and nonchalance.</li></ol>Applying these Japanese aesthetic principles can give photographers valuable insights and inspiration for creating simple, authentic, harmonious images. <br /><br />However, most photographers will intuitively find themselves drawn to one or more of these principles, recognising them in their work without necessarily being aware of the specific principles themselves. In this sense, the principles serve as a helpful framework for understanding and articulating the qualities that make specific photographs especially powerful or inspiring. Ultimately, whether applied consciously or subconsciously, these principles offer a valuable perspective on the nature of beauty and its relationship to our environment, emotions, and sense of self. They can enrich our appreciation of photography and the world around us.<br /><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT-Kro1GPq59lzyZwvUeOfgZ_p9LsWUS2Tyz8biZGwdiHSLbdylAelSoWoR4Nw5SoTw04EJST7pU9B0mzFw1hrEpMEQXjwcSexmLP1gI7E_MCZRKH5Kg7jIC-76zY2vvSbBp9w37u1uMQbft9_t06vVY0qs7OezKkseWY79QkRFehcSb3fQ/s1024/49477205536_39a070634b_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Geiko in Kyoto." border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1024" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT-Kro1GPq59lzyZwvUeOfgZ_p9LsWUS2Tyz8biZGwdiHSLbdylAelSoWoR4Nw5SoTw04EJST7pU9B0mzFw1hrEpMEQXjwcSexmLP1gI7E_MCZRKH5Kg7jIC-76zY2vvSbBp9w37u1uMQbft9_t06vVY0qs7OezKkseWY79QkRFehcSb3fQ/w640-h454/49477205536_39a070634b_b.jpg" title="Geiko" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">Datsuzoku (脱俗)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Kanso (簡素)</h2>Kanso is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasises simplicity and minimalism. It is often associated with Zen Buddhism, and it is a popular design principle in Japanese art, architecture, and culture. Kanso is closely related to other Japanese aesthetic concepts such as shibui, wabi-sabi, and iki. It is an aesthetic that values clarity, cleanliness, and unclutteredness. It seeks to communicate the essence of an object or a scene through its essential form.<br /><br /></div><div>The concept of kanso can be a valuable tool for photographers seeking to create powerful, impactful images. By simplifying a photo's composition to its essential elements and using negative space, limited colour palettes, and other techniques, photographers can create images that communicate the essence of a subject or scene powerfully and effectively.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Fukinsei (不均整)</h2>Fukinsei is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasises asymmetry and irregularity. It is a fundamental principle in Japanese art, architecture, and design. Fukinsei translates to "imbalance" or "unevenness," but it is not meant to be a negative quality. Instead, it is seen as a way to create a sense of movement, spontaneity, and naturalness.<br /><br />When it comes to photography, applying the concept of fukinsei means embracing the imperfections and irregularities in a scene or subject.<br /><br />The concept of fukinsei can be a valuable tool for photographers seeking to create visually engaging and dynamic images. By embracing asymmetry, irregularity, and natural imperfections, photographers can create photos with a sense of movement and vitality that can capture the viewer's attention and imagination.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Shibui or Shibumi (渋味)</h2>Shibui, or shibumi, values naturalness, restraint, and refinement and seeks to communicate a sense of calmness and harmony.<br /><br />When it comes to photography, applying the concept of shibui means creating simple, understated, and elegant images. It involves using minimal elements to convey the essence of a scene or subject without overwhelming the viewer with unnecessary details or distractions. <br /><br />Shibui can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create simple, elegant, and calming images. Using minimalist compositions, subtle colours and lighting, and natural textures, photographers can create photos that convey a sense of harmony and balance and evoke a feeling of calmness and tranquillity in the viewer.<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Seijaku (静寂)</h2>Seijaku can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create simple, soothing, and peaceful images. Using minimalist compositions, subtle colours and lighting, and incorporating elements of nature, photographers can create photos that convey a sense of stillness and tranquillity and evoke a feeling of calmness and serenity in the viewer.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Datsuzoku (脱俗)</h2>Datsuzoku is a Japanese concept that refers to breaking free from conventions or traditions. Datsuzoku values individuality, creativity, and non-conformity. It seeks to inspire people to break free from traditional ways of thinking and acting.<br /><br />The concept of datsuzoku can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create unique, creative, and nonconformist images. Using unconventional angles and perspectives, experimenting with unusual lighting techniques, and incorporating unexpected elements into the photo, photographers can create photos that stand out from the crowd and create a sense of individuality and creativity.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Yugen (幽玄)</h2>Yugen is a Japanese aesthetic concept that refers to the subtle, mysterious, and profound beauty that lies beyond what is visible or expressed directly. Yugen values depth, complexity, and nuance. It seeks to inspire people to explore life's profound and mysterious aspects.<br /><br />The concept of yugen can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create evocative, contemplative, and profound images. Using shadows and darkness and the bokeh technique, photographers can create photos that suggest something beyond what is immediately visible and inspire a sense of wonder and contemplation in the viewer.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Shizen (自然)</h2>Shizen is a Japanese aesthetic concept that refers to a natural, organic, and spontaneous approach to creativity. It values simplicity, authenticity, and harmony with nature, and it seeks to inspire people to create in a way that is intuitive and unforced. <br /><br />Shizen can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create natural, organic, and harmonious images. By taking a spontaneous and unforced approach, using natural light sources, and incorporating elements of nature into the photo, photographers can create photos that convey a sense of ease and naturalness and inspire a connection to the beauty of the natural world.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Wabi-sabi (侘寂)</h2>Wabi Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept celebrating the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and the natural world. It values simplicity, modesty, and a profound appreciation for time passing. <br /><br />The concept of wabi-sabi can be a powerful tool for photographers seeking to create images that embrace the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. By capturing objects with a sense of history or wear and tear, using a minimalist approach to composition, and incorporating elements of the natural world, photographers can create photos that convey a sense of authenticity and depth and inspire appreciation for the passing of time.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Iki (粋/いき)</h2><br />"Iki" is a Japanese aesthetic concept that can be roughly translated as "chic" or "stylish." It is often associated with the Edo period of Japanese history, a time of significant cultural and artistic development. Iki is characterised by an understated elegance, a refined simplicity, and a certain nonchalance that is both effortless and alluring. In photography, the iki aesthetic can be expressed in several ways.<br /><br />One way to incorporate the iki aesthetic in photography is through composition. Iki compositions are often simple yet elegant, focusing on negative space and subtle details that convey a sense of understated sophistication. Another way to express iki in photography is through the use of colour. The iki palette tends to be subdued and neutral, with muted tones and subtle variations in shade and texture.<br /><br />Iki photography often captures the beauty of the mundane, elevating everyday objects and scenes to a level of artistry. It embraces imperfection and authenticity, valuing the natural beauty of things rather than striving for perfection or idealisation.<br /><br />Overall, the iki aesthetic offers a unique perspective on beauty that values simplicity, refinement, and authenticity. By incorporating this aesthetic, photographers can create stylish and meaningful images, capturing the beauty and elegance of the world around us in subtle and alluring ways.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90s0iaQwI6NvolpcvX-hjFWCYPS6aXzoB0MLoEld6ADV1Xvds34uAL9MGK9yZJQjc0aANwsYPjHQZaqI-L2D-xaTZ4szZZ7G3didzXpanCT8zJ5ZxJ-lM3oixa1fwvXEJ8_yG_4bJwtZ5k9iTO4rw58LVEcdw8AsLspx0MGNwTl7dXyORHg/s1024/51108879848_cd7aff6aa0_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90s0iaQwI6NvolpcvX-hjFWCYPS6aXzoB0MLoEld6ADV1Xvds34uAL9MGK9yZJQjc0aANwsYPjHQZaqI-L2D-xaTZ4szZZ7G3didzXpanCT8zJ5ZxJ-lM3oixa1fwvXEJ8_yG_4bJwtZ5k9iTO4rw58LVEcdw8AsLspx0MGNwTl7dXyORHg/w640-h426/51108879848_cd7aff6aa0_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">Seijaku (静寂)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: left;">Practising the principles</h1>I hope you find these insights useful when you review your images and think about your photographic practice.<br /><br />It's worth noting that the above is a western interpretation of Japanese aesthetic principles. Any translation will miss nuances and subtleties that form part of Japanese culture and understanding. A polite Japanese reader may add some thoughts in the comments below.<br /><br />These aren't rules to follow. The principles are applied to photography, which has its own inherent aesthetic dictated in part by the medium. Hopefully, the principles will open new doors of inspiration for you, dear reader, as they have for me. I have been fascinated by Japanese aesthetics for a long time and practice <a href="https://paulindigo.blogspot.com/2023/03/practicing-zen-of-photography.html">the Zen of photography</a> in my work.<br /><br />Thank you for reading. Please add your comments and share if you found this article valuable.<br /><br />Copyright 2023 Paul Indigo</div><div><a href="https://linktr.ee/paulindigo">https://linktr.ee/paulindigo</a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-64943039946616399762023-03-12T21:09:00.000+00:002023-03-12T21:10:18.530+00:00What is street photography?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcRrYBEGRcFk9ua84LZbjxdkirO0T2F00WQdcVsIM-s5UFAdV4QmhDEhxkk7Tt0b5v_dot-rQxfw-F_ADdq5aHlPQSaNrc_knidl8CXbFP4BiIlLIA-uTQxDRAL8kiNXhsbs9LDGZuiMcH3U9HeOr1M9J1IYsvUPnHASYBb13u6vnAI8mVw/s1024/52567910598_ca64ed2bd8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Returning from the shop" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcRrYBEGRcFk9ua84LZbjxdkirO0T2F00WQdcVsIM-s5UFAdV4QmhDEhxkk7Tt0b5v_dot-rQxfw-F_ADdq5aHlPQSaNrc_knidl8CXbFP4BiIlLIA-uTQxDRAL8kiNXhsbs9LDGZuiMcH3U9HeOr1M9J1IYsvUPnHASYBb13u6vnAI8mVw/w640-h640/52567910598_ca64ed2bd8_b.jpg" title="Street photograph" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">She nipped to the shop in her nightgown to buy some washing detergent. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>A lot of people try to define street photography. Here is my view.</p><p>Street photographers often aim to document the human condition and the social, cultural, and political aspects of the places and communities they photograph. Street photography can be spontaneous and candid, with the photographer capturing unplanned or unscripted moments as they unfold, or it can be more planned and staged, with the photographer seeking out specific subjects or compositions to photograph. </p><p>Street photographers typically capture images of people, architecture, and other elements of the urban environment, often with an emphasis on capturing the atmosphere and energy of the place. Street photography can be documentary, capturing real life as it unfolds, as in the case of the lady returning from her errand, or more artistic and expressive, exploring themes and ideas through photography.</p><p>It is also amusing to see the reactions of the guys in the scene to the lady and me.</p><p>Thanks for reading.</p><p>Paul</p><div><br /></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-85000221487841096932023-03-05T13:36:00.006+00:002023-03-05T13:36:42.128+00:00Practicing the Zen of Photography<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-1_cwv1AMWVu6fUNrIg6c7h1PM3EPFWCyYSaL3rEAABAos5f8cdiadqv1mIHH_5r3bxP4Y9ZKpCl_OARF8a8BS1QPTm_IFvr7iV5TNDwWAmuGE7ZuaOgxPSZFPo-FCf6umyzVl5bDMUxrI-6e4IN9oPjQKBGRkdcmGI03C89TmUIl89W1w/s1024/49346584671_ff8681edc6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-1_cwv1AMWVu6fUNrIg6c7h1PM3EPFWCyYSaL3rEAABAos5f8cdiadqv1mIHH_5r3bxP4Y9ZKpCl_OARF8a8BS1QPTm_IFvr7iV5TNDwWAmuGE7ZuaOgxPSZFPo-FCf6umyzVl5bDMUxrI-6e4IN9oPjQKBGRkdcmGI03C89TmUIl89W1w/w640-h426/49346584671_ff8681edc6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned the corner and saw this light pouring across the veranda at Kenninji, the oldest Zen Buddhism temple in Kyoto, Japan. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is the Zen of Photography?</h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Zen of photography is a way of approaching photography that emphasises mindfulness, simplicity, and the present moment. At its core, it is about using photography to cultivate awareness and connect with the world around us.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of the fundamental principles of the Zen of photography is to approach photography with a beginner's mind. This means letting go of preconceptions and judgments and approaching each moment with an open and curious attitude. It is about seeing the world with fresh eyes as if seeing it for the first time.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another important aspect of the Zen of photography is to focus on the moment. This means being fully present and engaged in the act of taking a photograph and not getting caught up in thoughts or distractions. It involves letting go of the past and the future and fully immersing oneself in the present moment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Simplicity is also a vital element of the Zen of photography. This means using minimal equipment and techniques and focusing on capturing the essence of a scene rather than getting bogged down in technical details. It is about distilling an image down to its most essential elements and allowing the beauty of the moment to shine through.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ultimately, the Zen of photography is about using photography for personal growth and self-discovery. By approaching photography with mindfulness and intention, we can deepen our connection to the world around us, and gain a more profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How do you practice the Zen of Photography?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Accomplishing the Zen of photography requires a deliberate and mindful approach to taking photographs. Here are some steps that can help you cultivate the Zen of photography:</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Slow down:</b> Take your time when taking photographs. Pause, breathe, and take a moment to connect with the present moment.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Observe:</b> Use your senses to observe the world around you. Notice the details, the light, and the colours. Pay attention to the textures and patterns.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Let go of expectations:</b> Avoid preconceptions and judgments about what a photograph should look like. Allow yourself to be open and receptive to what is happening in the present moment.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Simplify: </b>Avoid overthinking the technical aspects of photography. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of a scene by using minimal equipment and techniques.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Connect:</b> Use photography as a means of connecting with the world around you. Connect with the people, the animals, the landscapes, and the architecture that you encounter.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Practice:</b> Like any skill, the Zen of photography requires practice. Make time to take photographs regularly, and use each experience as an opportunity to deepen your connection with the present moment.</span></li></ol><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><br /></span></span></div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By following these steps, you can begin to cultivate the Zen of photography, and use photography as a means of mindfulness and self-discovery.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Thank you for reading. I welcome your comments. Tell me about your own practice and journey in photography.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Paul Indigo</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-22548336827796638952021-01-25T19:58:00.004+00:002021-01-25T20:04:31.215+00:00Understanding wabi-sabi and photographyWabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that has fascinated many Westerners who have tried to encapsulate its meaning in a neat definition. <br /><br />I have delved into its meaning as I learn more about Japan as I explore the country and culture in my photographs.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdXK1XBKhWo/YA8feaUlgpI/AAAAAAAAKzM/8OhxK2uy0C0c7wp_3M5078Yfck_CBRzpACNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-6995.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdXK1XBKhWo/YA8feaUlgpI/AAAAAAAAKzM/8OhxK2uy0C0c7wp_3M5078Yfck_CBRzpACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/pi-6995.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levels going down to the dry stone garden in Keninji, Kyoto.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><br />In Japan, the concept is well recognised, but I think Japanese people are comfortable with a more vague and ambiguous notion of what it means.<br /><br />The ideas and definition of wabi-sabi have changed over the centuries and continue to evolve. Literal translations are not useful, and as far as I know, you can't look the word up in the Japanese dictionary. The closest literal translation you can probably get is something like 'humble simplicity'.<br /><br />Based on what I have read, here are some of the key concepts that seem consistent and inform my vision of what wabi-sabi means:<br /><br /><b>Impermanence</b> - everything is in a state of continual change. Nothing remains the same.<br /><br /><b>Imperfection</b> is a state to be celebrated and appreciated because it reflects impermanence in the world and nature and is, therefore, the hallmark of authenticity. Wabi-sabi recognises the acceptance and usefulness of the aesthetically imperfect but perfectly functional.<br /><br /><b>Beauty</b>. As an aesthetic concept, wabi-sabi celebrates the beauty of an object or experience, and as such, it must result in aesthetic appreciation and admiration. Wabi is about appreciating the humble things in life.<br /><br />When thinking about applying wabi-sabi to photography, I find it challenging to hitch it to a, for lack of a better phrase, 'creative manufacturing' process. Wabi-sabi is an experience that is incidental to the creator and the viewer of a photograph.<br /><br /><b>Authenticity</b> and a recognition of the imperfections and transcience of reality are core concepts. <br /><br />Here's an example to illustrate this. Suppose I took a photo and forgot to change my ISO, resulting in a grainy, gritty image that enhanced the photo's mood, a misty landscape. According to the photography manual, it may not be technically perfect, but the mistake/accident has contributed to the image's beauty. In so doing, I've produced something which viewers recognise as beautiful. In that case, we may have created a wabi-sabi experience. <br /><br />However, I have read about photographers in pursuit of 'creating wabi-sabi' who deliberately introduce imperfections into their photos. In my mind, this is the opposite of wabi-sabi as it is faked and therefore not authentic. <br /><br />One example I read about which illustrates wabi-sabi references Japanese pottery. A tea bowl is broken and then glued together. The mend is visible and part of the life of the bowl. It is no longer perfect but is still appreciated and admired. To return to the photographic example, deliberately introducing imperfections is akin to deliberately breaking the tea bowl and then sticking it together to 'create' wabi-sabi. To me, this approach to trying to manufacture wabi-sabi illustrates a naivety and lack of understanding.<br /><br />It's important to note the context too. From the tradition of making samurai swords to calligraphy, poetry, and graphic arts through to architecture, cuisine, the tea ceremony, and outstanding engineering and technology achievements, Japan pursues perfection relentlessly. Wabi-sabi is definitely not about celebrating errors and things that have faults through bad craft. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf1g94PSM0Y/YA8g51Hg4DI/AAAAAAAAKzY/pNbR0Sd5wHgHiu1-NAGnafw5XdafrjqcACNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-6811.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf1g94PSM0Y/YA8g51Hg4DI/AAAAAAAAKzY/pNbR0Sd5wHgHiu1-NAGnafw5XdafrjqcACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/pi-6811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keninji Temple in Kyoto.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />I don't think you can manufacture wabi-sabi images. However, photographing humble and simple things, that reveal the natural passage of time and using a muted palette would fit the aesthetic sensibilities. <br /><br />Wabi-sabi is a state of appreciation for the world around us which recognises the subtleties, the tiny details, the imperfections, the transcience and impermanence of all things living and material while being mindful, attentive, humble and thoughtful. You will know wabi-sabi when you have that moment of recognition and reflection.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9PyjKo56z4/YA8hvbvQK8I/AAAAAAAAKzk/znH3G437EJYPrlvKR8rwKGxnQHKADEsmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-5823.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9PyjKo56z4/YA8hvbvQK8I/AAAAAAAAKzk/znH3G437EJYPrlvKR8rwKGxnQHKADEsmwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/pi-5823.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the wall of a Samurai house in Kanazawa.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />It's also important to note that Japan's philosophical discipline corresponding to Western "aesthetics" only started in the nineteenth Century. Aesthetic ideas derived from tradition include mono no aware (the pathos of things), wabi (subdued, austere beauty), sabi (rustic patina), yūgen (mysterious profundity), iki (refined style), and kire (cutting).<div><br /></div><div>Till soon and thank you for reading, commenting and sharing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul</div><div>Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography/">https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.indigo2photography.com">www.indigo2photography.com</a></div></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-33024400963412568602020-09-20T10:31:00.004+00:002020-09-20T10:31:25.708+00:00Photographing a dancer<p>We spent a wonderful afternoon doing a photoshoot with ballet instructor Christian Dedeene at dance school Rose De Leyn in Brugge, Belgium.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTEW5XI9iio/X2ct98VIgAI/AAAAAAAAKwY/tLsaPrUQ5E4J2ZP45xQe9Bjo0Q92tiI2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-9474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dancer" border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTEW5XI9iio/X2ct98VIgAI/AAAAAAAAKwY/tLsaPrUQ5E4J2ZP45xQe9Bjo0Q92tiI2ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/pi-9474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78C-SQ5X_qo/X2ct9_sb90I/AAAAAAAAKwg/zjEP6iphQG4XDUKW8OWKLkWnP7ovJ1jAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-9480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dancer" border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78C-SQ5X_qo/X2ct9_sb90I/AAAAAAAAKwg/zjEP6iphQG4XDUKW8OWKLkWnP7ovJ1jAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/pi-9480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFqBppjSTyg/X2ct97a-W8I/AAAAAAAAKwc/yIN3xYnECEUC6TzI-bYmm9MzagFfShrmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-9547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dancer" border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1100" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFqBppjSTyg/X2ct97a-W8I/AAAAAAAAKwc/yIN3xYnECEUC6TzI-bYmm9MzagFfShrmQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h246/pi-9547.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bow_76yXox4/X2ct-Xu1sJI/AAAAAAAAKwk/hszVMXfbLkclgWlVndh9VmdIkZmv4SQ5gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/pi-9584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dancer" border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bow_76yXox4/X2ct-Xu1sJI/AAAAAAAAKwk/hszVMXfbLkclgWlVndh9VmdIkZmv4SQ5gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/pi-9584.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I worked with Christian as he free-styled an impromptu choreographed piece for me. He was moving quickly. I worked with the available light, going with the flow. Technically it was challenging as I tried to balance keeping the ISO as low as possible against a high enough shutter speed to keep everything sharp. </p><p>I think our collaboration produced some interesting images. These images tell a story and are some of my favourites because of the gestures and intensity. </p><p>Before becoming a dance teacher, highlights of Christian's career included five years as solo and star dancer with Maurice Béjart's company. Béjart was one of the greatest choreographers of the last century, and Christian says he learnt a vast amount from the maestro. Christian regularly performs his own choreographed pieces. </p><p>We first met, 24 years ago and recently teamed up again. We are looking forward to collaborating in the future. </p><p>I love photographing dancers.</p><p>Till next time.</p><p>Follow me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography/">https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography/</a></p><p><br /></p>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-78124599962191999762020-06-27T18:08:00.003+00:002020-06-27T18:11:24.079+00:00Will buying a new camera improve your photography?<br />Firstly, there are no shortcuts. A camera is a simple recording device. You point it at something. Click. It records what you aimed at, and that's it. Simple as it sounds, improving photography is only about improving what is happening in that rectangle, whether you're looking through the viewfinder of the most expensive camera in the world or a box brownie. All through the age of photography from the first cameras through to film and then digital cameras, beautiful images have been made. Images that have stood the test of time and are as exquisite today as they were the day they were made.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZIMAk5wO78/XveG9Ls2anI/AAAAAAAAKuM/EC5yXCSt-EoBaDx-sCTEIn-M405dppZrACK4BGAsYHg/s1024/45959155911_4e6bd15845_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hunter Penrose camera" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZIMAk5wO78/XveG9Ls2anI/AAAAAAAAKuM/EC5yXCSt-EoBaDx-sCTEIn-M405dppZrACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/45959155911_4e6bd15845_b.jpg" title="Hunter Penrose camera" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><font face="times" size="2">Ever complained about the weight of your camera. You need a transit van rather than a camera bag to move this Hunter and Penrose camera around. Never mind slipping a Smartphone camera in your pocket. As big as two fridges Hunter and Penrose camera was carefully restored by documentary photographer, Ian Beesley, and is now displayed alongside his exhibition of photos at Salts Mill.</font><div><br />The truth is a camera; whatever brand or type will not improve one's photography. The latest technology gives us superb image quality, beautiful colours, pin-sharp images, big files that you can print poster size (if you are so inclined), easy modes to save you working out exposures and fast shutter speeds to capture the action. The latest cameras do one thing. They make it easier to get a technically high-grade image. But they do not make it easier to compose a shot, see the light, choose a moment and capture something meaningful, emotive and beautiful.<br /><br />Photography is an art. The camera lens looks both ways, outwards and inwards, revealing the artist as much as it shows the world we see. You can get lucky and make a great image once or twice but to consistently make exceptional images takes much more. More than experience, more than technical knowledge, more than an eye for design, although all of those contribute. Great photos are the result of a passion for perfection and a deep understanding and love for your subject matter. They are an expression of who you are as an artist, your experience and your world view.<br /><br />Enjoy the journey because none of us ever reach the destination. There is always more to see, improvements to make and things to learn. If it were easy, it wouldn't be interesting. Everyone I know who is at the top of their game in the world of photography feels the same and the older we get, the humbler we are and the more we understand how vast this world is and how little we know. Yet it boils down to standing in front of something interesting and making sure that every element in that small rectangle is meaningful.<div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul</div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography/">https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo.photography/</a></div></div>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-1046488545853944422019-09-16T16:50:00.002+00:002019-09-16T16:57:56.573+00:00Important notice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5jn3VpRkTg/XX-8Tjg6_QI/AAAAAAAAKRY/UFhXmqLtQKYUb3a_mQVE-itvIyPvNDMzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pi--18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5jn3VpRkTg/XX-8Tjg6_QI/AAAAAAAAKRY/UFhXmqLtQKYUb3a_mQVE-itvIyPvNDMzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/pi--18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Notice on a ferry. This image is manipulated. The word 'anything' was replaced with the word 'anyone'. </span></td></tr>
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The notice on the ferry said that passengers were forbidden from throwing ‘anything’ overboard. I rarely manipulate images, but I couldn’t resist a spot of fun in Photoshop.<br />
<br />
However, there’s also something else that I want to communicate. It’s easy to manipulate images and video. We should question everything we see and hear because dark forces are at work. People are using social media to shape public opinion. Check every story with at least two sources. Include sources with a proven record of journalistic integrity.<br />
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Photographers also need to be more transparent about image manipulation (beyond the typical image enhancements). I think photographers should tell people if they have manipulated their images.<br />
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Till soon,<br />
<br />
Paul<br />
<br />
Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo">https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo</a>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-58919951461214738482019-09-15T11:30:00.001+00:002019-09-15T11:31:41.528+00:00The three questions professional photographers ask<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAO0HlPZ2WI/XX4fjLDHDzI/AAAAAAAAKQo/Q6r4PjpKa4E_iYGqMyAYTygR41xoqyArgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pi-6938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAO0HlPZ2WI/XX4fjLDHDzI/AAAAAAAAKQo/Q6r4PjpKa4E_iYGqMyAYTygR41xoqyArgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/pi-6938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Follow me on Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">@paul.indigo</a></td></tr>
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As photographers, we walk around seeing the world in a different way to other people. Something catches our eye and triggers our interest. We decide to lift our cameras and take a shot. A photographer with a professional approach will ask themselves several questions before lifting their camera. <br />
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Three key questions I always ask myself are:<br />
<ol>
<li>What specifically in the scene caught my eye?</li>
<li>Is it really worth photographing?</li>
<li>How can I make a stronger image to communicate what’s important to me? </li>
</ol>
There are, of course, many other questions you ask as you make a series of decisions which lead to the final image. You work the scene. You think about how the light will change, different angles and perspectives and you keep going until you’ve revealed the essence of what you want to communicate. Once you have the first shot, you look for ways to make an even better image. You keep going through this process until you’re sure you’ve got it. <br />
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Curiosity and self-critical dissatisfaction are vital drivers in the creative process. Complacency is the enemy of great photography. Keep asking questions, keep working for better answers, hold a passion for seeking perfection, and you’ll take better images.<br />
Till soon,<br />
Paul<br />
<br />
Follow me on Instagram <span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo" target="_blank">@paul.indigo</a></span>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-3658722078629274752019-09-07T10:35:00.001+00:002019-09-07T10:36:45.634+00:00What I learnt again about photography from Sarrusi’s hat<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vPUGqt1NRg/XXOHjv9K9EI/AAAAAAAAKPc/xDMKXDbN2Sg31QVm3U77Gx7gA_lgzQkCQCLcBGAs/s1600/pi-3141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vPUGqt1NRg/XXOHjv9K9EI/AAAAAAAAKPc/xDMKXDbN2Sg31QVm3U77Gx7gA_lgzQkCQCLcBGAs/s640/pi-3141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarrusi and his hat</td></tr>
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I approached him on the market at his stall because his hat caught my eye. I’m sure you can see why. At first, Sarrusi was not keen on being photographed. But we chatted. Eventually, he agreed after a bit of banter. The first portraits were quite austere and serious, and then he cracked and I got his lovely engaging smile.<br />
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Patience, kindness and understanding are things every photographer should pack, along with lenses and cameras.<br />
<br />
Till soon,<br />
Paul<br />
<a href="http://www.indigo2photography.com/">www.indigo2photography.com</a>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-86767160915522941072019-02-10T16:45:00.003+00:002019-02-10T16:45:56.931+00:00What's the difference between snapping and composing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjo1dycbgnA/UMkbzWksMUI/AAAAAAAAJqY/oTLwe8x7IYgG3OpZIA5lYonsKp-KdXfYACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/PI-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjo1dycbgnA/UMkbzWksMUI/AAAAAAAAJqY/oTLwe8x7IYgG3OpZIA5lYonsKp-KdXfYACPcBGAYYCw/s640/PI-24.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">81 Bo Kaap</td></tr>
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What is the difference between a random snap and a careful photographic composition?<br /><br />The answer may not appear obvious at a glance. Uncovering the joy of carefully crafted photography requires effort. The viewer must engage with the image. Sadly, too often in our hyper-speed online and social media world, images are swiped past in a split second.<br /><br />The carefully crafted image loses out but so does the viewer, missing the joyful discoveries that await someone who takes the time to really read an image. Today, image consumption is akin to flying over the grand canyon in a jet at the speed of sound. If you really want to enjoy the view you've got to sit on the canyon rim for an hour and watch the sun go down.<br /><br />I'll try to illustrate why 81 Bo Kaap is not a random snap. The first reason is something the viewer will not know. The photographer, me in this case, pre-visualised the image. I didn't just lift the camera and press the shutter button. Walking toward these ladies I saw the potential for an interesting image and I started a conversation. At the same time, I was looking at their surroundings, the light, shadows and angles.<br /><br />The first thing that struck me, besides their friendly demeanour, was how well the dress of the lady on the left blended with the background. Perhaps I could have asked the lady on the right to step out of the frame but this was such a spontaneous moment. I didn't want to spoil it by trying to choreograph a shot. The mood could have instantly changed. Wherever possible I try to shoot what I find, without interfering. If I had interfered I might have lost elements like the lady on the left's hand gesture and its shadow.<br /><br />I saw the shadow and the 81 on the door, moved to position this element in an interesting way and line up the edge of the gate with the wall join - all split-second decisions that photographers make to enhance a shot. Ultimately it is these small details that help achieve a composition that works and is pleasing.<br /><br />And there you have it. The difference between a snap and composing an image is:<br /><ul>
<li>an element of pre-visualisation (even if it just takes a second)</li>
<li>asking yourself what can I do to make this image better?</li>
<li>attention to detail </li>
<li>alert visual awareness to the possibilities in the scene</li>
<li>empathy with your subject, so you preserve the fragile moment that caught your attention in the first place</li>
</ul>
I'm under no illusions. Many viewers will see this image and just flick past it, mistaking it for just another snap, others may pause and decide they like it but will not be able to pin down exactly why, and a few will read the image and see how it all fits together - and that is the real pleasure, as a viewer, unlocking the puzzle, until you 'get it'.<br /><br />Enjoy making images and enjoy reading them.<br /><br />That's all for now,<br /><br />Paul<br /><br /><a href="http://www.indigo2photography.com/">www.indigo2photography.com</a>Beyond the obvioushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698822210164295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11477449.post-34744524497685343962019-01-27T12:45:00.000+00:002019-01-27T16:29:25.678+00:00How do you make a good photographic portrait?How do you make a good photographic portrait? The answer is both simple and complex at the same time. The simple essence will probably surprise you.<br />
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<br />
If I had to write a book about it then I'd cover all the usual topics. Lighting, composition, choosing the right lens, using depth of field and thinking about the background and how you use colour and tone. All have a role to play.<br />
<br />
We could also discuss the softer side. How you build rapport with your subject. And how to collaborate.<br />
<br />
The truth is none of the above things really matter when it comes down to the essence of what makes a good portrait. Don't get me wrong. They all contribute as stepping stones. They add finesse and enhance. They improve the aesthetics and make it easier to take a good photograph. Other photographers may admire your technique. But good technique does not make a good portrait. Certainly not in the eyes of of the wider public.<br />
<br />
So, what does make a good portrait. Simple. The expression on the face, in the hands and in the body language of the person you're photographing. Seeing their humanity. This is what we all relate too.<br />
<br />
You can have all the camera gear in the world, be an expert in technique, photograph someone in an amazing environment but if people do not relate on a human, emotional level to your portrait, it will never be a really good portrait. The more people your portrait resonates with, where they recognise themselves, reflected back in shared humanity, the more powerful the portrait will be.<br />
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There you have it. The 'secret' to making a good portrait.<br />
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Comments welcome.<br />
<br />
Till soon,<br />
Paul<br />
Follow me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo/">https://www.instagram.com/paul.indigo/</a><br />
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