Our descent down the Trail Ridge Parkway required frequent stops to rest the brakes and the nerves. Although the road is paved and truly two lanes, at times the drop is quite deep and the turns and incline a bit frightening. At one stop, I get out of the car and notice this Raven dancing and singing a song to attract what I do not know. It did attract the attention of photographers, though. One such carrying a huge Canon, on a tripod, with a super long, white lens. As she was setting up her rig, I pulled out my SX-70 and framed the above image. The scan doesn't really do the Polaroid justice but it goes with the story. I did have my Canon with a small zoom lens, snapped a photo of the scene with it but it seems to lack the same feeling that this one imparts to me. I know why this one imparts a soul to me as I was there, experiencing the mountains, breathing in the air, experiencing the moment as it unfolded. I am sure my fellow photographer's image captured the Raven in intimate detail and should I see the final result of her photo, I am sure I would ooo and aaaahhh it.
My question for those reading today, does a photo have soul? Does it matter if the image was taken digitally or with film? What makes one photo stand out and impart a feeling? My thoughts on the subject tend to lean toward the viewer. A photo is just that, a photo. The viewer brings their own feelings and emotions to the image giving it that soul so often mentioned. The image starts with the view the photographer chooses to share. For whatever reason, the scene spoke to the photographer. It continues with the developing of the image and the final viewer which includes both the photographer viewing the image and those he/she shares said image.
I had more thoughts on this subject but silly me, didn't jot down my pearls of wisdom when they came to me and thus, they have fled the brain. I can't even begin to tell you the amount of wit and wisdom that could have been shared with the world through the years if only I could remember or at least write down those thoughts at the moment they occur. At least with photos, I take the snapshot immediately. I must learn to do the same with my thoughts. A mental snapshot will never work for me. My brain will always flit onto the next distraction/obsession and the thoughts will be lost. Even now, it's flitting onto my next cup of coffee and the list of things I need to accomplish this morning. Even as I contemplate that list, iTunes and a gift card are distracting me further.
Speaking of music. *Now playing: Lookin' For A Good Time by Lady Antebellum - Advance The radio edit of this song changes one word and the meaning of the song is a bit lost. Country radio can be so fickle. Home with me and a dance just don't share the same uncomplicated/complicated implications.
1 comment:
I do think photos have souls, they live on and on after your gone. True, the viewers all bring different feelings/emotions into a picture, but throughout time, the image lives on.
Interesting question, I am still thinking about it. My photos are clearly what feelings they bring up in me, but I think family photos are a whole different issue.
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