What is Photography?

   It’s seeing moments and then picking the best one. Sometimes it’s catching the moment when the puck is going past the goalie’s glove, instead of when it’s behind him in the net. And sometimes it’s the moment when you have changed position, camera settings and any number of things, to make the best photograph of a static scene.

   Photographers use their skills, their equipment, but most importantly their individual seeing, to find the beauty and  significance in a moment and then to make it seeable for the view of the photograph. For example they might just photograph the face of one person in a crowded street, or they might photograph the whole scene and just focus on that one person.  Or perhaps there is a sign in the background that will influence what we feel or think about that person (“No Help Wanted”, “Clean is Happy”, “Drink Milk”). In that case it’s important to have the sign be readable- to make it large enough and in focus.

   In the light of the above, it’s important to look at what is on your camera’s display, and say, “I know what I think I is important, but is that what will jump out to the viewer?”  After all  the photographer won’t always be there to say, “Look see how sad this guy looks, and there’s a sign saying,’Clean is Happy’ “, but his clothes are really clean compared to the other people in the crowd.”  If there’s a big yellow bus that’s prominent in the photo the view might not notice all this stuff. To paraphrase Michelangelo’s remark about sculpture, photography is partly about taking away what is not necessary.  Because what’s not necessary can be a distraction.