Beyond the obvious

  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...

  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. 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.  In this blog, I'll explore the essence of street photography's ability to capture authentic moments and evoke deep emotions within us. Curiosity: The Driving Force 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 f...

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. 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. 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 tape...

  Travelling in a taxi, Japan.  Photo by Paul Indigo 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. "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. 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...

  Portrait of Willem Vermandere in a bookshop. Photo © Paul Indigo 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? 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. My shoes are on the steep staircase in the Halletoren in Brugge.  Photo  © Paul Indigo 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...

Photographer, writer and artist, Paul Indigo (Photo by Magda Indigo ) 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. 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. 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 ...

  Chris 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? 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. Unfortunately, this objectification of models in advertising has also seeped into the world o...