My life as a photographer has given me the opportunity to look at the world as an observer. The consequence being that I cannot be both the observer and the active participant at the same time. I use the adjective active because photographers no matter how impartial make decisions that effect how a viewer sees what the photographer photographed.
The decision of what lens I use, where I stand to get the best angle, how I ultimately process it, the size and usage all will have an effect on the final image and consequently what the viewer feels. So I do participate, just not upfront.
A bullet kills once a lens kills over and over. I’m not sure who spoke those words, but with that in mind the photographer is very much part of the action.
But are photographers artists? Do I deserve credit as an artist because I saw and photographed Pussy Willow, or today’s post of rain on pine needles? These things were not created by me, I just happened to observe them. I’m not saying photographers are not artists. Some make beautiful constructed photographs. In fact it wasn’t too long ago that I spent hours printing in the darkroom to make a print that I found perfect. Maybe I was an artist then, but now, I don’t think so.
These days, I just think of myself as someone with a camera pointing out things others have missed because of busy schedules or limited resources. Enjoy.
The decision of what lens I use, where I stand to get the best angle, how I ultimately process it, the size and usage all will have an effect on the final image and consequently what the viewer feels. So I do participate, just not upfront.
A bullet kills once a lens kills over and over. I’m not sure who spoke those words, but with that in mind the photographer is very much part of the action.
But are photographers artists? Do I deserve credit as an artist because I saw and photographed Pussy Willow, or today’s post of rain on pine needles? These things were not created by me, I just happened to observe them. I’m not saying photographers are not artists. Some make beautiful constructed photographs. In fact it wasn’t too long ago that I spent hours printing in the darkroom to make a print that I found perfect. Maybe I was an artist then, but now, I don’t think so.
These days, I just think of myself as someone with a camera pointing out things others have missed because of busy schedules or limited resources. Enjoy.
Posts
2 comments:
By one definition who I like, an artist is a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination.
Now you tell me, are you an artist?
If you are sensitive about everything that surrounds you, and you take time to place the picture in certain angle, light etc. to create an image that is functional in your mind, did this characteristics defined you as an artist?
nice!
Post a Comment