The problem with open ended projects is that they're open ended. Which also happens to be the best part of open ended projects.
But here's the real dilemma. Clearly, I'm drawn to photographing people. And almost always the people I am closest to. However, now I'm getting advice from just about everyone that I "need" to start photographing people I don't know, strangers. Now, I'm a bit anti-social, at least to the extent that I pretty much keep to myself. I'm shy, and awkward. Talking to new people, freaks me out. I get anxious which of course brings out the worst of the awkwardness. And honestly, I really don't know that photographing strangers is what I'm at all interested. Maybe that's just me being defensive, and you're probably shaking your head saying "oh, that's just bull. you're just scared." And maybe you're right. But at the same time, I know I want to show truth in my photography, and getting through barriers with strangers to show that truth, I just don't know if I can. Granted, some of those barriers are my own, but still, big fat barriers.
I thought I had a basic idea of what my intentions were for this project. Memory, and dreams. But now the pressure is getting to me. So do I succumb to what everyone is saying to do, or just be stubborn and do what I want? And who can I talk to about this anyway? I just keep being lectured.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
André Kertész
I want to start one of those blogs about inspiring photographs and photographers.
I'll start now with André Kertész. If you don't know him, you should. In my history of photography class today we watched a video about him, and of him. He certainly spoke with the wisdom of a 90 year old man. Some interesting (paraphrased) thing he said.
"The most valuable things in life are a man's memories, and they are priceless."
"If I become too weak to work, there's no point in living any longer."
"I can't touch a camera without expressing myself. Anyone can make a picture, but making it speak is another matter."
"I dont photograph what I see, but what I feel."
This beautiful image of Kertész and his wife is stunning. Sentimental, genuine, and expressive. His work is not only sophisticated and complex, but is accessible and impactful for anyone. He worked in many styles, but is effectively considered the originator of modern photojournalism, and "the poet with a camera".
As I try to work on finding my own style, or philosphy, I'm finding appeal and similarity in the desire to photograph the ordinary but in photographing them make the subject extraordinary. Kertész is inspiring. He began working professionally at 17, and photographed until his death at 91. He intuitively reacted to the world around him but in doing so expressed his own feelings.
I've always heard the best way to master something is to learn about the history of it. So I'm going to try to absorb the work of the masters of photography, but also really look at the work of photographers right now. So let's see how this goes.
I'll start now with André Kertész. If you don't know him, you should. In my history of photography class today we watched a video about him, and of him. He certainly spoke with the wisdom of a 90 year old man. Some interesting (paraphrased) thing he said.
"The most valuable things in life are a man's memories, and they are priceless."
"If I become too weak to work, there's no point in living any longer."
"I can't touch a camera without expressing myself. Anyone can make a picture, but making it speak is another matter."
"I dont photograph what I see, but what I feel."
This beautiful image of Kertész and his wife is stunning. Sentimental, genuine, and expressive. His work is not only sophisticated and complex, but is accessible and impactful for anyone. He worked in many styles, but is effectively considered the originator of modern photojournalism, and "the poet with a camera".
As I try to work on finding my own style, or philosphy, I'm finding appeal and similarity in the desire to photograph the ordinary but in photographing them make the subject extraordinary. Kertész is inspiring. He began working professionally at 17, and photographed until his death at 91. He intuitively reacted to the world around him but in doing so expressed his own feelings.
I've always heard the best way to master something is to learn about the history of it. So I'm going to try to absorb the work of the masters of photography, but also really look at the work of photographers right now. So let's see how this goes.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
At what point are you truly an adult? Am I a twenty year old girl, or twenty year old woman? I'm out of my teens, I've done the whole puberty thing, legally I'm an adult....but is it fair to say I genuinely am an adult? I have an apartment, but I'm not paying for it on my own. I've been in a good relationship for over a year and a half. I don't know. It's all weird.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Originally uploaded by emily van ness
We've been having some really wonderfully cute days lately.
Yesterday we went on a photo excursion, and did some errands but it was nice. It's strange to not be around him.
Also, it was FREEZING yesterday. Like my car showed a little snowflake sign next to the temperature. When I took this photo, I couldn't feel my fingers.
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