About the Work
One thing I've come to notice by the statements photographers with websites frequently seem to make regarding their photographs is that they take their avocation waaaay too seriously. They use grandiose and pompous-sounding clichés about "the crafting of light and shadow, the blending of form with passion, the capturing of essence and spirituality," etc., etc., etc. This seems to be particularly true if they are doing any kind of figure photography. I say bullshit, the pictures should speak for themselves. Other than a news photograph, if a picture has to be explained, then there is something wrong with it.
Don't get me wrong. It is very true that photography can be important, a unique medium for revealing truths about ourselves. There is a reason some images enter the cultural iconography, becoming defining images of a moment in time and place. Above are just a few examples of such. But most pictures simply
serve to be enjoyed, either because they are interesting
or thought provoking or arousing or just pretty to look
at. They're fun to take, and it's fun to share them with
others. |
