These days I am using a fixed lens (no zooming) and resisting any kind of cropping or editing. This means that when capturing an image you have to be scrupulous about the composition. What you snap is what you get, an “in the moment” photo.
It’s good discipline for the eye, and does away with the need for post processing, photoshop and all the rest of it.
On the other hand I’m also gathering too many photos at once and running out of space on every device, including my cluttered mind!! I came back from the last jaunt with 1,500 shots of Kerry, Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny. Overwhelming to sort, maybe one for the long dark evenings of the winter ahead. (Apologies for even mentioning it!)
Home and hearth soothe the busy brain and bring us back down to earth. Detail, shadow and light will do that every time. The alchemy between eye, lens and light.
What’s all around you that soothes your busy brain? What small details would you capture from your own space? Try it today with your phone, camera, sketch pad or journal and find yourself instantly grounded!
It reminds me of a fellow blogger talking about how even taking a phone camera shot was like focus on the immediate. I still recall the days of composing your shots based on what you knew the "print" would be, and settings on the aperture, and wow, this really dates me, developing in the dark room and hoping you had a decent shot after all was said and done.
Can't wait to see more, and I also love the new photo for your gravatar!
O I'm that vintage too!! And eeking out every shot as we might only have had 12 chances on my roll of film!! Sometimes maybe less is more……and thanks about the photo…..a slight coming out of my shell……
I really needed to read this post today as I am in dire need of time with a fixed lens. As you said it really causes me to focus on composition and staying present. Your shots are so lovely in their simplicity….
Hi Nancy, the nifty 50mm as it's known is perfect for this, and very humbling!! Actually I'm finding it a lot of fun too, go for it!!
Awesome compositions, and lights.
These days, I have been considering about switching -at last!- from film to digital photography … yet your 1,500 shots make me hesitate more than ever!!
Amelie, it takes a little discipline to delete and get what they call a good "workflow" I didn't realise all your work was on film!! That's amazing. Take the plunge I think you will love it…..
Two things strike me about what you've written here, Catherine. Firstly, call me old fashioned – probably because I learnt about photography as a keen young amateur in the days of black and white – but, since the dawning of the digital age, I've never felt the need or wanted to learn photoshop or any other photo editing software. I have always believed the art of photography occurs at the moment of capture! So I applaud you for this decision.
Besides the fact that I too have far too many photos stored digitally, which I am labouring over to weed out the unwanted, undesirable or photographically poor quality. So, I not only sympathise but also understand your lot in this department too. Whatever you do, you continue to impress me with your stunning photographic artistry.
Hi John, Lovely to hear from you! You know I never ever took to Photoshop myself. I've tried it a couple of times, but if life is too short to peel a mushroom….well then……? There are a few basic tweaks that I make in Aperture (basic editing programme for Mac) but other than that I'm a big believer in natural light and composition. Couldn't agree more and thank you for your kind comments!!
This is my kind of photography just leaning into the moment, taking time to compose, absorbing the light and beauty, I try to weed out as I go so that I can return to the ones that best evoke the mood whenever I wish, but sometimes I have the yearn to let my imagination fly further with an image then I can spend hours in pure fantasy, just doodling (in Picasa usually), a rainy day distraction, it's horses for courses…! But as you say "the alchemy of the eye" in the moment magic is the most treasured tool. Thank you for sharing.
O that sounds perfect. If it's in the zone it's probably your thing! Yes a rainy day distraction……but it can wait until we've had some more summer, ANY summer would be nice!! Thank you for chiming in!
I am participating in a photo challenge and trying to compose photos differently for me as well as looking at perspective differently. These are so thought provoking here Catherine.
Ah!! Great Donna it's always fun to take a different angle on things!
Things that soothe and ground me: a cup of tea, playing piano, reconnecting with a friend, spending time with Jesus, taking a walk or hike in the Alaskan outdoors, doing anything with my sweet husband, FaceTiming with my nieces and nephews, baking something sweet, and more… thanks for this peace-filled post. Love your pictures, and they are even more special since you didn't post-edit. I love raw, real photos that, like you said, required "discipline for the eye" when they were taken.