I
was reminded today by a friend that our photographs can, and do, evoke emotions
in our viewers. Her comments struck a chord with me and brought me back to a
blog post I read recently. The blog discussed the fact that we, as
photographers, are often too concerned about having our work accepted by other
photographers. We are all looking for the critique from our peers and for the
win in the local photo club contest that validates what we are doing. We follow
all the rules of composition we have learned and concern ourselves with the
perfect exposure and proper depth of field. But when we take that picture do we
really think about the effect it will have on all the viewers we are really
trying to reach?
Now
that I posed the question I guess that the readers of this are looking for me
to provide the answer. If it were only that easy. You see, if I took the
picture than it must have been an emotion within me that caused that to happen.
Did it make me feel sad, happy, joyful, angry? And is it something that my
viewer would also see? Or was it gee, my photography friends should like
this one. And if I don’t feel that instant emotion should I even bother taking
the shot? Maybe I don’t feel great about it until I get home and see the
picture on the computer screen. Then I hear that little inner voice say WOW,
that’s a good one. That makes me feel something. So what does all this really
mean?
Let’s go back to my original statement. From time to time I send out pictures to different friends just wishing them a good day. That is what I did this morning with this picture. I might even get back the old “nice picture” comment or even “I wish I could do that”.
Let’s go back to my original statement. From time to time I send out pictures to different friends just wishing them a good day. That is what I did this morning with this picture. I might even get back the old “nice picture” comment or even “I wish I could do that”.
Today
one of those responses was a little different “… you should know that at
this very moment, for no apparent reason I needed a gift. I am pretty sure it’s
my thyroid not functioning properly. Most times it really does do what it needs
to..but every now and again, I get sad. Picture that… me? Sad?.. and yet, it’s
true. So I say a prayer to God to send me a sign, to move forward. When I
opened my eyes,..your email was there… Angels. The people God places in our
lives at times when we need them the most. Thank you for being my angel today.....”
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