A Philosophy of Photography

I believe photography lends itself well to that elusive world of philosophy. And though I don’t think you will find the answers to the universe in the subject of photography I believe you can take a positive first step. First you must realize that a philosophy must become your own.

Therefore, as you read these pages I ask that you work out your own approach, your own meanings. I hope to open some of the key questions and get you thinking, but the conclusions are ultimately yours. Your perspective on life and how you see is already an inherent part of you. I simply hope to bring it to the fore and make it more part of your awareness.

It is an interesting thing with philosophy, we speak of things that we all know about, but by speaking about them we become aware of their significance, and thereby more able to control them and put them into effect.

As a photographer I find the most important facet of the craft not to be the technical skill or specialized technique. If one assumes this to be of the utmost importance he or she is usually too daunted to try anything. Instead it is one’s purpose and inspiration that drives him forward.

Once ones inspiration has been lit the technique falls in place with relative ease – you want to know how it’s done and so find out. In photography to become inspired one most look; look at life, look at books, open ones mind and assume viewpoints. Then when you become interested in something, capture it from all angles. Get down on your knees, point your camera high, examine it up close and again from afar.

To me the art of photography is the ability to move unseen, capturing the image.