“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Elliott Erwitt
Last October I embarked upon a photography project that I knew had the potential to be overwhelming in its scope. I was correct. I’m still working on it and that’s the good news. The subtitle to that is how it has become multiple pockets of projects within a project.
Erwitt’s quote is one I’ve used before but it’s one quote, when it comes to why I photograph, that aligns perfectly if I had said it myself — or first!
It’s not that photography is my only creative outlet. I used to do a lot of pencil sketches, dabbled in watercolour, and still do my share of pencil doodling, knitting, cooking & baking, playing piano, and writing. I think most of us who lean towards creativity tend to have more than one creative outlet.
There has been one ‘failing’ during my photography project — my ability to overcome my fear of photographing people — specifically strangers. I’ve always loved photographing people doing things or showing an emotion or a simple visual chronicle of everyday life in our time.
There have been some interesting moments and emotions I could have captured but was too afraid to let others see that’s what I was photographing. There was a time, I could openly click the shutter for some of those types of photos (such as some seen in the link above). I’m not talking about being sneaky and inconsiderate by intruding on someone’s privacy. But it seems I’m in a different head space. Although I’d love to capture some of those moments, I hesitate and miss them or, in other instances, I am too reluctant to put the camera to my eye and press the shutter. Obviously, that’s something I will intentionally continue to work towards.
So, here then is a potpourri of people-less images.
And, because I can’t help myself, here are a pair of black and whites.
These are gorgeous as usual. You have such a fine sensibility. Love what you wrote about creativity and also about your intentions. Wonderful
Diane, I tired to do a 100 stranger project once, and only managed about about ten. All of them while strangers, were people I was having an interaction with. Like the guy at the camera shop who sold me a macro lens. I love these
people less photos and love the idea that you are still working on the project. I agree with the creative endeavors of most photographers, we have other outlets that sooth our souls, gardening and cooking do that for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos.
I had to go back to look at the first picture (isn’t there a reflection of a person in the bakery window?), and in doing so also find the person on the other side of the wineglass (though that wasn’t the first thing I noticed, it took a second look). So, maybe not quite people-less!
I really like seeing the black and white photos – some of my first clear photos were black & white (I don’t count the little kodak camera I was given – could not get a picture in focus on that, but could on my dad’s pentax slr). Though ‘life’ happens and I’ve went different directions with my making (sewing, knitting, singing, calligraphy…) – partly due to a spouse who had to take-all-the-pictures, and then kids (and the younger one has an eye for a good picture, I think).
I am grateful that you share your pictures!
Gorgeous “people-less” photos! I love the backyard shadows composition with beautiful tones and veining detail. So svelte and curvaceous. I share your fear of photographing strangers, which is why you never see any portraits on my website. And usually it is a moment that I want to capture, not something I can stop and ask, “Can I take your picture?” The exception is taking a picture of a stranger’s pet.
Hi Diane, I know what you mean about photographing strangers. Some days I can work up the courage to simply ask and other days it just feels too hard. It’s such a difficult balance, and I go back to some thoughts expressed by Alec Soth about how portrait photography can exploit its subject. I carry small contact cards so that if I ask to take a portrait, I can offer to send the subject a digital image as a thank-you. I asked a really nice lady just this week if I could take her picture. We met up on the street and she was a photographer, too. She said, No, and it was okay. We went on talking and the exchange was wonderful, even without the photograph. It took me a good while to get used to rejection, but I’d rather ask and be rejected than take advantage in a sneaky way. Many times I just hold up my camera and point to it and the person will simple smile – a kind of unofficial go-ahead. Love your images – people or not!