Why Photography?

time will last forever

I felt I needed more time than I actually had to contemplate the question of 'why'. For inspiration I turned to the image above where time feels as though it will last forever. Why do I take photographs? What are my motivations? What keeps me excited and interested?

I photograph for pleasure. I feel satisfied, excited, challenged and rejuvenated when I am able to spend time with camera in hand. The excitement of waiting for a film to be processed has now been replaced with the thrill of uploading memory sticks but the zing is still the same. The goal of mastering, what I call "Goldilocks images" ie "just right images" drives me to continue. Primarily, I take two distinct types of photographs; The first being, of  people I love and appreciate and the second are images I create to love and appreciate.

My dad was an avid photographer and took many pictures of our family growing up. Being fortunate to have such gorgeous photos from my childhood inspired me to capture memories of my own family. I have a heartfelt desire to freeze frame the people I love. I am motivated to capture moments in time which enable me to later bask in memories that reignite emotion and love. I value old photographs of my grandparents from early last century as precious historical artefacts that document their life in times gone by.

The second type of photograph I take, can not be chronicled or time-lined, they are timeless images that are expressions of my creativity. They are images that through my eyes are aesthetically pleasing. I greatly value others' opinions of my work but intrinsically create them to satisfy my own desires. It is not a perfect world we share but I feel compelled to capture its' perspectives regardless.

To help identify what motivates me to create such images I formulated a string of 'I' statements, as follows:

I thrive on experimenting with composition.
I feel passionate about using depth of field to focus on fine detail.
I am prompted to turn everyday objects into creative art works.
I relish in vibrant colours, especially the hues autumn has to offer.
I am challenged to find irony and oxymorons.
I am driven to see things beyond what they appear to be.
I get excited to first get close then get closer.
I aim to be original, unique and less predictable.
I love the fortune of opportune moments. 
I am impulsive about grabbing candid moments.
I am addicted to making the next shot even better. 
I feel empowered when I press the shutter at just the right moment.
I am passionate about repetitive elements.
I desire meaningful connections with the subjects I capture.
I celebrate the beauty in nature.
I crave balanced compositions.
I am drawn to the stillness of inanimate objects.
I believe we view the world we share through different perspectives, each should be valued and respected.
I am perplexed as to whether the craft of photography happens in the taking or the editing of an image.

To conclude, ultimately I pursue photography as an interest because I find the feeling of "stilling life" rewarding, it enables me to document my life and allows me to express myself and be challenged by how I see the word we share. Thank you Kat at  kat eye studio for giving me the opportunity to mull my photographic purpose.
Maxine

grandmother 1915

#1 people I love

#2 images to love

Find Your Eye - Starting the Journey

I could really have called this post title, "Restarting the journey"... a few years ago I was so compelled to photograph everything, that I took my camera on all my journeys, big and small. Somewhere along the way I fatigued and lost my focus. Now sadly, I  regularly leave the house without my camera, but things are about to change. I have enrolled in a course called, "Find Your Eye - Starting the Journey" so tomorrow I plan to find my eye and refocus by restarting the journey under the watchful eye of, Kat at kat eye studio.

10 on 10 June 2012

Linking up with rebekah at a bit of sunshine 10 on 10

 

The past couple of winter days have been masquerading as sunny sparkling friends. Today, however, would have us believe that it really is WINTER! Wet overnight, a dull morning followed by more of the same. Let's see if we can add some zing into this Sunday's June 10 on 10.

Goal of the Day
Sort, fold and iron the washing.

The past couple of beautiful days have made me a slave to hanging washing, today I pay the price of sorting, folding and ironing.

Heading to Church proved a challenge as I discovered the car had a flat battery. Quick response from the NRMA meant I was "good to go".

I teach Sunday School, although they call it Cornerstone at our Church. The little people in my care are so enthusiastic.

Nick heading to a party. Hurry and write on the card honey, your lift will be here any minute. (Please note the mountain of washing in the background is still not done.)

Time to stop for lunch - a winter warmer of zucchini and leek soup.

Laura was working on an English Assignment about representing gender in print media.

 Rachel was working on an English assignment 'Whose Life is it anyway?'

Tim was working on reports so that left me with a little free time to start a new book. 'The book Thief ', a little strange to begin with but I will hang in there. I am missing Katniss from the 'Hunger Games', my last read.

Hot chocolates all round

"A grey old day indeed", said the magpie to no one in particular...

And I know you are wondering if I achieved today's goal of finishing the washing.....
Well of course I did, I had the pressure of an audience. (I seem to be missing the photographic evidence though)

2030 Watson's Bay

Watson's Bay was named after Robert Watson (1756–1819)

Watson's Bay - an Eastern Sydney water side suburb - Arpi and I found evidence that it is a place that attracts people from all walks of life - The locals in adorable nautically themed cottages tolerate overseas tourists, visitors, naturalsits and bridal parties.

Lets start with the locals, we met some enjoying their warm autumn day sweeping paths who were happy to point us in the right direction of Hornby Lighthouse.... clearly with cameras in hand we belonged to the 'visitor ' group.

 

What attracts overseas tourists to Watson's Bay?
The cliffs and views from the famous 'Gap' South Head attracts bus loads of tourists.

 

 

What attracts the visitors to Watson's Bay?
A chance to kick of their shoes and enjoy the warm sunshine.

A chance to dine at Doyles...

What Attracts naturalists to Watson's Bay
A chance to kick off more than their shoes at 'Lady Jane Beach'
(NO PHOTOS PLEASE)

What attracts brides to Watson's bay?
The chance to be photographed in a picturesque location.

 

What attracted me to Watson's Bay?
Fond memories of reading 'The Light House Keepers Lunch' by Rhonda Armitage prompted me to search for a real red and white striped light house. I found it , The Hornby Light House. Watson' s Bay is host to 2 other light houses.

The Hornby Lighthouse at South Head was built by public demand after the tragic shipwrecks of the Dunbar and the Catherine Adamson.

 

Macquarie Lighthouse is Australia's first lighthouse. The original structure which was erected in 1791

 

10 on 10 May 2012

10 photos over 10 hours on the 10th day 

Linking up with a bit of sunshine


"When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them
Psalm 91:15