Beyond the obvious

  In photography, there’s more than technical skill or gear; the real art is in connection, storytelling, and moments that matter. In this blog, I’ll explore what I have learned by taking master classes with photographers like Steve McCurry, Joel Meyerowitz, and Albert Watson. One of the surprising outcomes of learning from them was discovering just how closely my  thoughts and practice aligned with theirs although I've always carved my own path. There is something delightful about finding kindred spirits. I wanted to share what I've learnt and remind us of our true practice as photographers behind the lens. Storytelling Through Human Connection A photograph should convey more than just skill—it should capture a story that resonates. Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl does this beautifully, capturing strength and vulnerability in a single frame. Like McCurry, I believe photography should reveal the depth and uniqueness of our subjects. This requires empathy, patience, and a ...

 Photography is more than just capturing moments; it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and portraying the world through the lens's perspective. At the heart of our creative endeavour lies an essential trait: curiosity. This picture shows a man peering through a window cut in the wall of a hoarding around a construction site. He was fascinated by the activity, and I was fascinated by his curious gaze. Curiosity fuels the photographer's journey, propelling us to explore the world with fresh eyes and an insatiable appetite for discovery. Creativity:  Curiosity is the cornerstone of creativity. It compels photographers to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and step out of their comfort zones. Photographers can unlock their creative potential and produce remarkable work by embracing curiosity. Storytelling:  Every photograph has a story to tell, and curiosity is the key to uncovering these narratives. Whether delving into a location's history, connecti...

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. Portrait of Paul Indigo by Magda Indigo. Thanks Magda! 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. 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 a...

  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.  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. Thanks for reading. Paul

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. Emphasis on Composition and Form 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. Timeless Aesthe...

  In this heartwarming collection, I've had the privilege of capturing the quiet magic that unfolds when people dive into the realm of words. These photos show people's genuine, unfiltered reactions. 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. The love for reading is a thread that binds us all. Explore the full series here on Flickr . Please share and comment if you found this interesting. Copyright: Paul Indigo For more about my projects and social media links, go to:  https://linktr.ee/paulindigo