Character
First Call: Nicholas, Reading — Jessica
…the camera machine cannot evade the objects which are in front of it. No more can the photographer. He can choose these objects, arrange and exclude, before exposure, but not afterwards… Your photography is a record of your living, for any one who really sees. … The photographer’s problem, therefore, is to see clearly the limitations and at the same time the potential qualities of his medium, for it is precisely here that honesty, no less than intensity of vision, is the prerequisite of a living expression. This means a real respect for the thing in front of him, expressed in terms of chiaroscuro through a range of almost infinite tonal values which lie beyond the skill of human hand. – Paul Strand
Now, I did admit that my long-term goal was to improve the “storytelling” aspect of my photography so I hope you will indulge me in another “story” related call.
I’m not sure where I came across Paul Strand. Sometime last week, I looked him up and then went to my favorite famous photographers’ quotes site and was struck, deeply, by the immediateness of his vision. Here, now, right in front of me are the characters, subjects, of my potential art. It remains for me to just understand the medium and bend it to my vision.
So for this week, I’d like to concentrate on who my subject is, naming specific traits, and then to use visual means to relate those traits to the viewer.
This is my second oldest child, Nicholas. And I’m not sure how well I’ve succeeded in capturing him. It’s a flattering picture but it would give the impression that he is a quite and studious young man. He’s quite the opposite — trust me! He is very kind and compassionate, full of down-to-earth advice for his friends. He is also highly imaginative and fun-loving — always coming up with jokes and games to keep the party going. On the other hand though, he is also very thoughtful and at heart, a philospher. Of all my sons, I believe that he could be a priest. He has a spiritualness about him that has lead to some very interesting theological discussions.
That’s a nicely composed shot of your son, Jessica, and the lighting is spot on.
I had to print out this Call so I could take the requisite time to process it. I understand what you mean, Jessica, about Strand’s quote pointing out what’s right in front of you.
I have a set on my Flickr photostream called “Life Around Here.” It contains those photos that simply record a moment in time, spent here, in this rather crazy house and its environs, with a husband, six messy kids and a dog. I don’t know if those photos of Lego-covered beds and untidy piles of books on tables and chairs resonate with anyone else, but they are important to me, because they help me see beyond the clutter to the creativity, fun and love that fill our lives. None of these photos include the people in my life, but they reveal a lot about who we have been, who we are, and who we are becoming.