There’s something so captivating about the way light and shadow interact in your images. They create such a strong mood. The balance of stillness and movement in your photography really resonates. Looking forward to more!
Ah hey Sandeep, that's really kind of you. Thanks very much. I've reached a place where I'm really happy with the work I'm doing these days, so I'm pleased they resonate
I'm still pretty new to photography, but there was a point where I looked back at my "old" photos with a sheepish, embarrassed sort of perspective. But I've come to appreciate those photos, as well as those since, realizing I couldn't make a them again today. Who I am now isn't who I was, and while how I express myself has changed, it doesn't detract from the way I used to. Life and art should be and adventure, not a routine.
I LOVE this Patrick. Thanks for the vulnerability and honesty. I agree with you, and have felt the same but, you know, without those early images as markers, we wouldn't be able to track how far along our journey we are - we wouldn't be able to gauge how much we're growing. So, as bad as they may be (mine are atrocious!), they are helpful to us.
A lovely read bud. Nostalgic, Choppers and Grifters!!!! Very true to home too, I was that impatient photographer waiting for things to happen and not realising they were happening, I was just impatient!! Look forward to more and didn’t realise there was a voiceover option. Hmmmm
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that. Yeah, I discovered the voiceover after reading the fantastic of Michael Wriston. He does great voiceovers, and adds music too. Lovely stuff.
" It’s not really IF something is likely to change, but when."
If nothing else, this has been the primary rationale I've focused on when documenting photographically. Thanks for reiterating and sharing kindred ideals.
A great article Michael and some beautiful work to accompany it. It certainly had me thinking, trying to remember the Japanese sentiment for the inevitability of change. I ended up using the oracle and the term I was looking for is ‘mono no aware’ which loosely means to experience impermanence, the inevitability of change, and the tranquillity of transience. Basically, accepting change with a mindful approach because it’s going to happen!
I agree that it does matter to a degree who has liked an image, but I think the most important person to like your image has to be you. 😊
Thanks Justin, I appreciate that. Yep, we can be sure that nothing ever really stays the same. We can sometimes feels like we plateau but, in reality, it's not really for very long. In fact, I've often found that a new creative avenue opens up at the end of a creative dry spell.
A really enjoyable read Michael with many wise words and some really poignant images. I also enjoyed your recollections from childhood. Playing out all day in the landscape is something that I remember too.
I used to hate change but without it in our photography we would never grow. My image making has evolved so much over the years and it is now at a point where I feel it best represents me as an individual. I feel I have found my voice. As for success, I measure that by the work I am making. If I am happy with my images and the message I am portraying then that is good enough for me. 🙂
"I find myself looking at who has liked my image. There are people I respect greatly, and I know know how to make good work. If they like my image, I know it’s good. Everything else is a pointless chasing after the wind."
Many a wise word here, Michael. I remember the approximate words of the guy who lead the one and only photographic 'course' I went on back in the 80s. An ex pro himself, he said something to the effect of " if you feel you've taken the perfect shot, it's time to do something else, like stamp collecting".... something along those lines, anyway. I suspect this has some common ground with what you say, in regard to changing and improving one's own photography. Even if we feel a particular image is near 'perfect' at that moment in time, there should perhaps, always be that small element of self criticism and the creative itch for trying something different and/or new. Btw that tree is lovely, especially how you've rendered it in the context of the misty day and the ever swirling mists of our memories.
There’s something so captivating about the way light and shadow interact in your images. They create such a strong mood. The balance of stillness and movement in your photography really resonates. Looking forward to more!
Ah hey Sandeep, that's really kind of you. Thanks very much. I've reached a place where I'm really happy with the work I'm doing these days, so I'm pleased they resonate
I'm still pretty new to photography, but there was a point where I looked back at my "old" photos with a sheepish, embarrassed sort of perspective. But I've come to appreciate those photos, as well as those since, realizing I couldn't make a them again today. Who I am now isn't who I was, and while how I express myself has changed, it doesn't detract from the way I used to. Life and art should be and adventure, not a routine.
I LOVE this Patrick. Thanks for the vulnerability and honesty. I agree with you, and have felt the same but, you know, without those early images as markers, we wouldn't be able to track how far along our journey we are - we wouldn't be able to gauge how much we're growing. So, as bad as they may be (mine are atrocious!), they are helpful to us.
A lovely read bud. Nostalgic, Choppers and Grifters!!!! Very true to home too, I was that impatient photographer waiting for things to happen and not realising they were happening, I was just impatient!! Look forward to more and didn’t realise there was a voiceover option. Hmmmm
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that. Yeah, I discovered the voiceover after reading the fantastic of Michael Wriston. He does great voiceovers, and adds music too. Lovely stuff.
Can't wait to see more of yours.
" It’s not really IF something is likely to change, but when."
If nothing else, this has been the primary rationale I've focused on when documenting photographically. Thanks for reiterating and sharing kindred ideals.
Cheers!
Thanks Kenneth, I really appreciate that.
A great article Michael and some beautiful work to accompany it. It certainly had me thinking, trying to remember the Japanese sentiment for the inevitability of change. I ended up using the oracle and the term I was looking for is ‘mono no aware’ which loosely means to experience impermanence, the inevitability of change, and the tranquillity of transience. Basically, accepting change with a mindful approach because it’s going to happen!
I agree that it does matter to a degree who has liked an image, but I think the most important person to like your image has to be you. 😊
Such a strong read. I love the way you've encapsulated memory and passing of time.
Hey Daniel, lovely to hear from you. Thanks so much for that. I'm loving writing these things down. It's a bit of a cathartic exercise.
He's very Proust-ian in that regard, isn't he?
Great images Michael! You’re right, the only thing that stays the same is change. That is comforting in so many ways! It’s a nice reminder.
Thanks Justin, I appreciate that. Yep, we can be sure that nothing ever really stays the same. We can sometimes feels like we plateau but, in reality, it's not really for very long. In fact, I've often found that a new creative avenue opens up at the end of a creative dry spell.
No pude evitar la torre (lámpara). Excelente trabajo, la soledad es mi fiel compañera, trasparente e irritable cuando lo desea. Saludos.
A really enjoyable read Michael with many wise words and some really poignant images. I also enjoyed your recollections from childhood. Playing out all day in the landscape is something that I remember too.
I used to hate change but without it in our photography we would never grow. My image making has evolved so much over the years and it is now at a point where I feel it best represents me as an individual. I feel I have found my voice. As for success, I measure that by the work I am making. If I am happy with my images and the message I am portraying then that is good enough for me. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to put these thoughts together and sharing them.
"I find myself looking at who has liked my image. There are people I respect greatly, and I know know how to make good work. If they like my image, I know it’s good. Everything else is a pointless chasing after the wind."
100% this
Super images and narrative.
Good to see you here, Michael. I’ve seen some of those images on Bluesky. Really great series!
Stunning images and thoughtful words here. I love a good abandoned place, and these capture the mood perfectly, especially in black & white.
Many a wise word here, Michael. I remember the approximate words of the guy who lead the one and only photographic 'course' I went on back in the 80s. An ex pro himself, he said something to the effect of " if you feel you've taken the perfect shot, it's time to do something else, like stamp collecting".... something along those lines, anyway. I suspect this has some common ground with what you say, in regard to changing and improving one's own photography. Even if we feel a particular image is near 'perfect' at that moment in time, there should perhaps, always be that small element of self criticism and the creative itch for trying something different and/or new. Btw that tree is lovely, especially how you've rendered it in the context of the misty day and the ever swirling mists of our memories.