tobias m. schiel
Making people look at what they usually overlook, making them see what they did not see before has always been one of the central objectives of photography. It is indeed rewarding to charge everyday scenes and objects with mystery. But the longer I photograph, the better I seem to understand that first and foremost it is light which accounts for an unusual appearance – both in the wotld that surrounds us and in pictures. There is nothing like getting drunk on light…
This is the last of my contributions to a great Weekly Photo Challenge. Thanks to Judith of A View From The Woods who made me think a bit harder and go through my archives in search of conceptual contrasts. This picture comes from this blog’s earliest post, but it seemed so suitable.
This is my counterpoint for Judith (A View From The Woods) – and also another contribution to the Weekly Photo Challenge.
Strolling the beach near Vlissingen (Holland), we found these small bits and pieces, their shadows exaggerated by a low evening sun. Then we realized that there was just enough breeze to drive small sticks over the beach and wave loose twigs and strings. Yet the wind force did not suffice to move the sand particles; hence every minute movement left its trace.
…or whatever you call seeing light in a gutter on a cold, wet and dark morning.
A Weekly Photo Challenge Intermezzo
Andreas Feininger once explained that we should not worry too much about people not liking our pictures; after all, for every picture, there would eventually be a spectator who liked it. To be frank, I read this but somehow did not really believe it.
A year of weekly blogging taught me better. You taught me better. I found overwhelming encouragement in the comments you wrote. Now I know that almost every picture I care for will find its beholder. I understand that the only thing I should worry about is my own appraisal of my pictures: Do they meet my standards? If so, there is really nothing to fear from going public.
Theoretically, this is not a very fresh insight. But you all helped me to turn theoretical knowledge into a real life experience.
I thank you for this, and for commenting, and for visiting and keeping your eyes open. I hope that I was – and will be – able to do something similar, at least for some of you.
Best wishes for 2012!
tms
empire of lights 