On Social Media and Photography

This is not meant to cover this entire subject, but simply to record a thought I had a few moments ago. Maybe if I did this more often, the blog would have a decent record of my progress in photography.

Most of us know of Instagram and Facebook. Many of us have shared photos on these platforms, and as an amateur photographer, I’ve used both to view the works of others, and also to publish my own for feedback. I think it’s important that we share our work, but to share with the best intentions for ourselves, and for others. It’s great to be inspired by likes and encouraging comments, but to truly improve, we need to be highly critical of our own work - in a way that isn’t disparaging, but incites more learning.

There is a trap at many fall easily into, and before you know it, your work isn’t yours anymore, but your followers’. Before you know it, your photography may begin to look like thousands of others that have been seeking the same thing that you are. What’s popular isn’t always what’s good. In a world where millions of images are taken every day, it’s not about standing out, or being popular, or even being loved, but being true to yourself.

Anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy, and photography, like any skill, takes a great deal of hard work, patience, perseverance, and sacrifice to develop. The work we put in, is what we’ll get out

Taking a Step Back

In the journey to improve my photography, I’ve decided to take a break and learn more about what I enjoy in the work of others. Just the other day, I purchased my first online course from the Masters of Photography website, and it turned out to be quite excellent. It’s more about how to train your eye to see rather than fancy camera techniques.

I’ll need to do quite a bit of contemplation to decide what direction I want my photography to go, but for now, I think I’m on the right path. I’m looking forward to implementing an improved approach to this wonderful art.

Making More Meaningful Photos

Recently, my mind has been searching for an answer to this question: What more can I implement in my photography to make photos worth remembering, worth viewing, worth keeping.

There are a few answers I gathered from reading, viewing photos by good photographers, and listening to what other photographers have to say in interviews.

In an age where technology has made it easy to snap a picture, the art of capturing a great image is now the main challenge. When we want to capture a scene, or moment, there is only so much we can fit into a photo - what and how we do it is what will make the image worthwhile. Capturing these moments aren’t easy, and sometimes you might just have to be lucky, but certainly we can increase the odds by being ready when that moment arrives. I feel the need to train my mind how to see as if my eyes were the camera.

I believe it’s the little things in a photo that make a lasting impression, that those who really look at good photography see deeper than the surface of the image (the quality of print, sharpness, colour, etc.) - they see what the photographer sees, and feel what the photographer felt. They appreciate what is being told by the photo, in the same way we can appreciate a good book no matter it’s condition, or how it looks, because the most important elements remain the same. This idea downplays the importance of editing and presentation, which can add to an already good image, but we need to put priority first on the substance of the image - that is the story behind it, or what it’s intended to convey. Then there’s composition - how we choose to construct that story or piece so that it can present our message in the best way possible - one that is unique to us and represents how we see the world.

The photos I admire the most are the ones that allow me to be in the photographer’s position - that allow me a fraction of their experience. In my own way, I want to give that opportunity to others.

Exploration

Exploration can happen right in your own neighbourhood. There are so many place right in your own area that you can travel to and appreciate, and photograph. So many things happening outside your window that may seem normal, but are really quite extraordinary. How we see the world determines how amazing it is to us.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Parika with a few stops along the way, and I'm looking forward to a mind-blowing experience.

Behind the Images for Guyana Photographers

Michael C. Lam convinced me to do a writeup for the series 'Behind the Image' on the Guyana Photographers website. I agreed and it was published on 4th May, 2018.

Here's the link:

http://www.guyanaphotographers.com/wp/2018/05/04/kaieteur-national-park/

Uploads to the Website

I've been putting off updating this website with new images for a while now, and finally got around to doing it this week. The black and white uploads have started, but colour is going to take a bit longer as those images will need more work and careful selection. 

There are many more pages to come, so I'm hoping that I can be consistent with the uploads and getting the site in order.

Absorption

It's been a while since I've written for this blog. I figure I need to commit to short notes and just keep them regular, instead of focusing on doing something lengthy that is less likely to happen or be enjoyable. 
I believe that to be truly good at something most people need to be really absorbed in it, or have a natural talent. Personally, I'm easily distracted, but I find that some hobbies are just too good to not do regularly. For some people, hobbies can become obsessions, even vocations and photography no exception. I can see why some people quit their regular jobs to make photography a vocation. It does so much in enriching your life - you develop a different world-view, you develop patience, you develop a new philosophy. It truly enriches your life, especially if you can see it as creative expression.

Challenge yourself to do better.

Sometimes I sit back and I know that there's some way to improve something about myself, but not sure where to start. We start by doing the simplest things - and one step at a time, you begin to build. But there has to be commitment; sometimes you need to be downright dogged to achieve what you really want if you want it that badly. 

How do you know what you truly desire - learn from some of the greatest minds, who contemplated some of the most important questions in human history - in books, and from your simple acquaintances. 

South Rupununi Expedition

There is so much that can be said about this journey, but one thing that certainly stood out was the pristine landscape - preserved as it was thousands of years ago. There are little villages spread across the land, but nothing that significantly destroys. The native people have done an excellent job at protecting the land through sustainable living. 

The scenery will fill the hearts and souls of anyone who experiences it. 

Return From Orinduik

It has been almost a week that I've returned from the Orinduik overland expedition, and somehow I still feel exhausted. I'm not sure whether it's the overdose of adventure and excitement, or the lack of sleep and extreme mental and physical demands the trip required. Here I am back home and awaiting the next adventure and opportunity to photograph some more amazing landscapes. 

The journey was not only a test of physical capacity, but of willpower and determination, and courage. It's not easy being out in the middle of nowhere with one vehicle and no help for many miles. The terrain was rough, the sun was merciless, but the views and experience more than compensated for any discomforts.

Plans are in the pipeline for another expedition to the South Rupununi very soon. The next adventure awaits; hopefully it won't leave me as drained. 

True Art Is An Expression Of Our Soul

Today I decided to create and publish my own website. It will feature mostly photographs and a few writings, however, I'm not sure how often it will be updated. 

I believe this is the best way to showcase my work and to evolve my creativity through critique and feedback.