My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
It’s not a question of whether we credit our best work to either luck or skill but whether we’re open to taking advantage of it being both luck and skill. Creative work is a dance between you and the circumstances in which you do your work.
David duChemin
I had just stepped outside the front door to ride for coffee when I saw these shadows. Luckily I had my camera with me and the circumstances were there. I hope you have a good Sunday!
With time, photographers learn that nearly everything within the frame looks different with a change of perspective. A move to the left or right, up or down, controls how elements in the frame relate to each other. The story changes, often dramatically, when we alter the angle from which we view it. A different lens, a different filter, and it changes again. The photographer with some experience understands that vision is not only what we see but how we see, and that’s as true with the camera in our hands as it is without it. In that way, life is not at all like a camera. Life is the subject.
David DuChemin
As we face another day of overcast skies and cold weather I thought I’d like to share another image that represents a feeling of the cold. Stay warm.
It seems to me that a life well-lived is one in which we find light in unexpected places and look long enough into the shadows that we find mystery, not fear.
David DuChemin
There is no the shot. There are photographs you’ve made—and photographs you will make, but there is no one, single, “the shot.” Not while you’re still photographing, there isn’t.
David duChemin
The above quote is a from David’s latest post. I enjoyed the read and wanted to share it with you. I’ve always connected with his writing, read all six of his books, but I was impressed with his concept that there is always another image yet to be taken. So, I’ll say to you now that I did not get the shot on this image but I will try again. And the final image in his post left me speechless.
“How we think about making photographs can change how we make photographs and, therefore, change the photographs we make…”
David DuChemin
“Courage is not only the willingness to face uncertainty but to embrace it, to collaborate with it.”
David duChemin
Another image taken at the CSU Experimental Gardens. We have had overcast skies and a lite rain for the past few days. This brings cooler temperatureS and higher humidity, so this morning I’m wearing a jacket. Forecast is for the same weather the next four days.
“More photographs of beautiful moments have been lost by looking at our cameras than will ever be lost to missed focus or poor exposure.”
David duChemin
I took this image of the musician near Bourbon Street in New Orleans back in 2008 while I was still flying (working). There were perks with that job and one was the photographic opportunities offered on the longer overnights.
Through those long overnights my interest in street and documentary photography was discovered. My camera equipment changed as the smaller mirror-less gear was more to my liking and much easier to travel with. The “decisive moment” began to take on more importance, knowing I could not come back and retake an image if I missed it.
“Don’t look to the public to be the voice that guides what you do and how you do it. It is not their job to mentor you.” David duChemin
“Creative people are constantly asking What If? They work with challenges constantly and don’t focus on them, they focus on the potential outcomes. They’re positive and not easily put off by failure. They resonate with the words of Buckminster Fuller: “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.” They understand that creation is a process, not a product, and that mistakes are some of the best tools for learning lessons and finding new directions.” David Dechumin
The above quote is from a post by David DeChumin on creativity. I’ve been following him for 2-3 years, read all but one of his books and know he stresses we focus on our creativity. Anyway I’m going to share the link in case anyone wants to check it out.
Something called as I walked by these recessed stairs and saw the lines created by the building and shadows. There were no bells or whistles just something caused me to stop and really look. I took a lot of images. I no longer saw green or stairs or shadows but knew there was an image here for me and maybe some others.
“You’ve got a handful of years to do your work, don’t you dare waste those moments whining instead of creating something amazing.” David Duchemin
David was on a rant the other day which is where the above quote was taken from. Some rants will turn people away while some can be life changing moments. I enjoy his rants as they are not demanding of others but offer ideas where a quiet listener can receive enlightenment. It was one of those “Hmmmmm” moments for me, so please hear me out. I promise not to rant.