Don’t leave
I seriously want to return to one photograph per post unless I have some photographs that have things in common or are part of more lengthly series. While looking for inspiration I searched the web too and found a suggestion to lock yourself up in a room and take 50 photographs. I extended the room to my house, but still wanted to make sure I took 50 photographs in total.
Last night I finished with 19 photographs in my first selection and than carefully started to edit these photographs. Around mid night I had settled on 7 photographs and this morning I reduced it to my final edit of 5 photographs.
I first started to photograph everything I noticed, but after an hour I started to notice the light fall at subjects. Instead of the subjects, it was the light that started to intrigue me.
It was a good practice I think. Not only to see common things differently, but also to be more selective in my editing. And I am determined to this more often until the light and inspiration is back. There is no necessity to leave your house, district, or country to find photographic moments.
All photographs by Wouter Brandsma
The “lock yourself up” plan has been quite instructive to me. The outdoors version is to restrict yourself to a certain area such as a meadow or a 100 meter circle. Or, limit yourself one subject such as trees or insects.
That is exactly what I want to do more often. Either indoors or outdoors. I am already scouting my region for beautiful isolated trees.
Nice series! indeed, it may well be like that. First you see ‘things’, objects. Then they turn into objects that reflect light. Then you see the light?
I really like the selfportrait, especially the low left coner, that diagonal line leads you direct to the camera!
When everything turns gray, light seems to be lost. I was very pleased that I realized halfway that the light was so interesting.
Do you play guitar?
I do, but not as often as I want to.
bravo and ‘here here’
Wouter, this is a wonderful idea for a set of photographs. I think I will try this as well. As to your photos, they are of your usual high quality. If I had too choose one, it would be the third one of the shoes. The way the light hits them, they appear both as two dimensional silhouettes as well as objects with volume. Very nice.
A free trip to Kodak land. Beautiful moments are everywhere.
I really like the “lock yourself up” idea, the first set really show how good it can be.
Gave serie, Wouter!
Licht fotograferen op die manier is interessant.En je ontwikkeling gaat maar door.
Groeten uit een dichtgesneeuwd Zeeland.
Cees
Bedankt Kees. Zelfs een een dichtgesneeuwd Zeeland zul je zien dat dichtbij de mooiste fotomomenten te vinden zijn.
Super Idea! I think I’ll be trying the ‘lock up’ idea myself. Thanks for the motivation:-)
@ Muddy and Victor: You can lock yourself up in your house or even a room, but like Dwight mentions a nearby meadow or a 100 meter circle is really great too. And when you think there is nothing noteworthy, you just haven’t worked hard enough. There is something interesting everywhere.
I love your final 2 photo’s Wouter.
Ruthless editing/reducing is always a good idea. I don’t think people do it enough. I include myself in that statement.
You talk a lot of good sense, Wouter. And I thank you.
Photographic opportunities are often right under our noses, if we can only be bothered to look.
I probably would not have taken this shot in my back yard had I not read your recent posts.
http://calvininjaxfotos.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/pools-of-reflection/