Having been lucky enough to grow up in a household where the camera was ‘always there,’ I suppose you could say that I have been involved in photography for over 55 years. My father worked in and alongside the press industry and so I had access to cameras and the ‘behind the scenes’ from around my 7th birthday. I have been captivated by photography ever since.
That’s a long time to still be riveted by this fantastic art form and, if there is one thing I tell people enthusiastically, it is that I never stop learning. Ever. From the minute I witness or stumble across a scene, it is the camera that comes to hand. My working life has literally revolved around images.
When I am asked to talk to societies and clubs, I really enjoy participating in the question and answer sessions. At one such meeting, I was asked, “love your work but how do you never take a bad photograph?” I replied “I do, but I am not going to show you them!” Whilst it got a big laugh, I was being honest. Of course I take images that don’t quite work, we all do but I keep on striving to make them better. That comes with practice and understanding. Over time, the ‘iffy ones’ do seem to lessen. Well, I think so…
For me, practice and motivation is the key. I have also learned to take my time and so I only click the shutter when I know/think I have it. Nicely composed and exposed, the only ‘threat’ comes from fast moving clouds forcing rapid changes in light. Easily overcome but it can sometimes mean missing that particular moment. It happens.
The transition to digital has meant that the ‘fear’ people have of photography has dissipated and more and more people have entered the fray to start taking images. Phones have furthered that by giving them an ‘instant in’, and when they realise that’s it’s a great way to record what is around them, they acknowledge the limitations then decide to progress further. They purchase their DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and began a new venture.
Like anything that we enjoy and take part in, there will always be a phase when we seem to hit an impasse and feel as if we are going over old ground. It is inevitable and that’s the time I tell people to create a project. Not just to give you fresh impetus but to stretch yourself and progress.
I began a particular project years ago, in days when I had hair, and I still do it to this day. Sure, I undertake others concurrently, but when I first saw Wast Water in the Lake District I was hooked. My first ever visit was unforgettable.
I know it’s difficult to imagine in the lakes but it was a grim, grey day and I stood by the shoreline mesmerised. This fabulously dramatic, natural creation of water and rock had me silently transfixed. Those that know me will testify that it must have been some sight to render me speechless!
As the rain abated, I watched the drenched landscape slowly begin to lose its soft edge, as without warning, brilliant fingers of light, reached down from within the clouds and illuminated the mountains in a way that was awe inspiring. That was it. I stood there for ages just watching this unfold and I made my mind up there and then that this would be a special place for me. In the car drive home I was still buzzing at what I had seen and decided I had to record this place.
It would be my project and I would cover it over the course of a year, photographing throughout the seasons. A journey that would see me return to witness and capture these moods.
A SUNRISE IN WINTER – X-Pro1, XF18-55mmF.8-4 | F13 | 6.5 secs | ISO 200[/caption]
For me it was deeper than a one off. I had very quickly formed an emotional connection and, whilst you won’t always be wowed in this way, it certainly helped me to get started. That was over 30 years ago. I still go there virtually every week.
ICE AT DAWN- X-Pro1, XF18-55mmF2.8-4 | F14 | 3 secs | ISO 200[/caption]
Without the connection it could become another piece of work to create but with it, your passion shines through. The dedication and enthusiasm you engender within yourself will become a labour of love but more importantly it will give you the abilities to photograph in countless given circumstances.
A SPRING AFTERNOON – X-Pro2, XF16-55mmF2.8 | F11 | 1/125 secs | ISO 100[/caption]
You will improve. You will want to see it from different angles and, in some cases, be different in how you would normally take your photographs. Some will work some will not. Many will take on the same or similar composition but that’s not a bad thing. That experience and the skills you will develop will make you a better ‘tog.’ I use a structured approach that affords me time to watch and observe as part of the project. I don’t always go out to use my camera and if the weather is so harsh and inclement, I will simply be a spectator using my phone for memory snaps. If the camera can come out though, it will!
AN AUTUMNAL EVENING – GFX 50S, GF32-64mmF4 | F11 | 0.8 secs | ISO 200[/caption]
Don’t get me wrong, I want to capture its ‘bad mood’, one that can produce such wonderfully evocative images, but sometimes it really is nigh on impossible due to swirling wind and rain blowing back onto the lens. When the elements are kinder, I have an umbrella that sits on my tripod. Not too large as I am not adept at paragliding… Such a contrast to a nice gentle spring afternoon!
A SUMMER’S EVENING- X-Pro2, XF8-16mmF2.8 | F11 | 1/250 secs | ISO 200[/caption]
Whilst it is great for me to be using this iconic backdrop, your project could literally be anywhere. A local park, a garden, a river… the possibilities are endless. Sometimes the simplest of things can take on another dimension and hopefully you will be there to capture that.
In time, you will create a structured approach to your work and when you look back, comparing what you have achieved, you will also be looking at your own progression. In essence a documentary style photographer with better developed skills. Not a bad way to learn!