Today, May 4th, in the Netherlands, it is memorial day; a moment to remember in silence the high price paid for the freedom we enjoy today. Tomorrow, on Liberation Day, we celebrate this freedom. And we’re really lucky to live in one of the most free countries in the world.
Confirmation and inspiration
There are billions of images available, and the vast majority most of us will never see. But out of that fraction that we do see, some stick with us. They move us, unearth something inside. It’s not necessarily finding something beautiful, but a fascination and emotional response.
Every now and then I’d like to share photos that fascinate me. First up is a photographer I really adore and that inspires me: Brassaï. For what reasons did his photos capture me? Continue reading “Confirmation and inspiration”
A legend, for all the right reasons
Legendary items. Twists and curves in history make some items rise to the top and come out as legends. It is not said, though, that legends are always what we want them to be. For plenty of legendary items, it’s true when they say “don’t meet your childhood heroes”.
A blast… almost
A blast from the past, a blast from a ca(n)non?
My most-used cameras are Nikons, so according to the sadder parts of the internet, I should be actively against Canon somehow. Well, sorry to disappoint. I’ve owned one, and liked it a lot. I sold it, and still wonder why at times.
Black, white and all in between
Black and white photography is a weird animal, a bag full of contradictions. It’s historically at the core of photography. Colour became an option only long, long after. In the tradition of photography, monochrome has been the norm for a long time.
Yet, photography is often associated with a link to reality. Black and white actually strips away an important element of reality. Reality isn’t black and white, after all.
Why digital?
So, why use digital if you like using film so much? If I enjoy myself with the more physical process of developing negatives, and since very short making prints, why bother with a digital camera? It’s not like a good digital camera is cheap.
Why film?
So, why film? Well, first of all because “analogue photography” is a complete misnomer. Both a sensor and film react rather similar to light, in a pretty binary way (it’s registered, or not). So if binary logic equals digital, then both are in fact digital.
But no, this isn’t about the dictionary.
The right tool for the job…
When I was still pretty active on a photography forum, one recurring discussion was between those who got all excited on the latest and greatest gear with all the new features, and those who claimed that the camera doesn’t matter because it’s all down to the photographer. In other words “with this camera, you can finally really make good images” versus “tools don’t matter”.
Yet another example of unnecessary polarised discussion.
Hipster
Hipster. A vague term, but somehow in my mind, I see somebody a lot younger than me, who visibly dresses in a way to look unique and original, to demonstrate the whole world the a super-creative mind (s)he is.
Photography online
The internet – a blessing or a curse for photography?
If you were to believe “serious photographers”, you’d believe it’s a curse. An abundance of photos of parties, food, fun with friends and other events. Countless selfies. Influencers desperately trying to hide they’re just an advertisement (and failing to hide that). Quick shots from the hip. Images that have no purpose beyond publishing more pictures.