Tacony Flea Market, Phila. 2005
We are a product of our environment and our work is a product of us. Now that may seem like a generalization and maybe it is but it’s true nonetheless. I was looking at Amira Issmail’s work again and I thought how innocent she is and her work. Now obviously, she’s an adult and a beautiful lady but she presents her work in a way that is pure joy.
What I mean is, Amira has a way of working that is void of attitude and jaded from the environment of the human condition. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5iotgw9USPLu5gKfxrw82A I find it interesting in this day and age that someone could be almost clean of attitude and their presence in their work. You can see her work on the Inspired Eye FB page and others places. Just look and see what I’m talking about.
So I was wondering when and where I lost my photographic innocence and I realized, I can’t lose what I never had. Muddy said that and he’s right. I’m kinda envious becaue everything I do is , I guess jaded for lack of a better word and this effects what and how and why I do it.
I never got to see the world with starry eyes and glitter all arround. I’m not saying Amira does either. What I’m saying is, Amira and I’m sure many others have the ability to work in any environment and see the joy of living. The simple but delicious things around and that others don’t even think or feel or even care about. This is a very precise meaning for making images.
To share with others how and why you see what you see.
Anyway, Serendipity comes home tomorrow and the guys on the camera shelf are excited and so am I.
Have a blessed weekend……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A great article Don. I think about this “photographic innocence” quite often. Where and when do we get “jaded”? I think we all have it one time or another, especially in the beginnings of our photographic lives. One cannot keep living life as an innocent. If you are a participant, innocence, like youth, time, falls away. Just keep doing what’s close to your heart.
Serendipity comes home….excitement….quite appropriate.
Thanks Keith. Many teach photography to work as if your seeing things for the first time. That is the basis of photographic innocence. I always said to see things as if your seeing them for the last time. I felt that way for decades. Now, I think I would say, just be aware og being in the here and now and see that way.
“Now, I think I would say, just be aware of being in the here and now and see that way.”
Absolutely Don.
It’s easy to say Keith but I know many that don’t even know they are struggling with this.
“I never got to see the world with starry eyes and glitter all arround. I’m not saying Amira does either. What I’m saying is, Amira and I’m sure many others have the ability to work in any environment and see the joy of living. The simple but delicious things around and that others don’t even think or feel or even care about. This is a very precise meaning for making images.”
Very true.
Agreed
Hope you and Serendipity have a happy reunion and together capture some great images for a long time to come. Take care out there.
Thanks Dave. I am looking forward to her return. The weather promises to be synergistic with photography so, I hope you get similar.
Seeya out there….well, maybe…..