aows #7
the simpler, the better
Photography is easy. Why make it complicated?
If I learned anything from my photo exhibitions (back when we were holding exhibitions...) is that people couldn't care less about the equipment you use, let alone your settings. These things only matter to us... and other photographers.
An image is not a recipe, though. To make a good image of, say, a polar bear, you have to put yourself near one. A f/2.8 lens won't make it happen any more than a "lesser" f/4 lens.
The image we see is all that matters. If we are focused on technical "perfection", if we spend more time fiddling with the camera than actually looking, we will miss those images. We'll end up with technically perfect boring photographs.
Personally, I use automatic modes on all my cameras, either P or A mode. I don't choose settings like ISO or shutter speed every time I take a picture because they don't matter for the kind of photography I do. I don't know what the custom buttons are set to. I use autofocus because I don't need focus to be pin perfect.
By embracing the inherent imperfection of automatic modes, we can free our mind and eyes to focus on what really matters: seeing.
Simplify your process and your images will improve. Because simpler is always better.
new images
new videos
Days we can’t miss out on
As you might have imagined by the amount of images of the snow, we got some fresh powder around here this week. That was a day I couldn’t miss out on, so despite the extremely cold temperatures I went out and tried to make the most of it.
I used only an iPad for photography and video work for 6 months
As you might know, I’ve been using an iPad as my only computer / device to do all my photography and video work. It’s been more than 6 months and I thought I’d share my experience. It’s not for everyone (actually, most people should stay away from going iPad-only) but I’ve loved it so far. I talk about this in the video.
the images that don’t exist yet
I’m keeping an eye on the weather forecast as I write this newsletter. A snowstorm is supposed to visit us tonight, which means we’ll wake up to more fresh snow. There’s a chance we won’t get much here, so I’m planning on driving to Lake Michigan tomorrow in the morning if that’s the case. No matter what, I will be getting out tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited.
On these days, I wonder what new images I’ll have the chance to create the next day. Images of scenes that don’t exist as we talk. Fleeting moments that will present themselves only for a brief moment in time, and that we photographers have the privilege to capture forever.
Isn’t photography great?
That’s all for today, I hope you all have a great week,
Adrian
I love your work, man. Disheartening simplicity.
Yes but when a few areas have more tonal separation than was at first thought when looking at the scene photographed, how pleasant and satisfying is that?