Beyond the obvious

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

Christiane Dedeene: Portrait of former dancer at Maurice Béjart Ballet   Photography, like life, can be approached in two distinct ways: spontaneity and planning. 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. Let's look at the dance between spontaneity and planned photography. Street performers dancing, England 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. On the other han

  Yes, that's me. I find self-portraits difficult to do! Unveiling the soul 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?  An artistic symphony  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. I photog