Finding Beauty in Everyday Things
When I tell people I am a photographer I am often asked what type of things I like to shoot. This has given me pause because Camera Walking is my style. How to describe this hasn't always been easy. I do enjoy taking photos at events, of friends and family, especially capturing the close up intimate shots, but what truly gives me joy is walking with my camera looking for the beauty in everyday things. After reading a few articles recently, I started to think more about what it means to capture beauty in the ordinary, so I thought I would share some of what I learned.
The art of observation. Elliott Erwitt, a photographer known for his black and white candid shots, had an interesting take: "To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place...I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with they way you see them." That is so true! We all see things differently, and that is what makes our images special. The photo below was from one of my walks in Greece. I was drawn to the curves and colors.
The space to see. One way to enhance our ability to see is to find the space to do so. For some people this means studying the work of the masters, going to museums, or watching what other photographers do - not to mimic, but to learn from them. I found this video interview with Joel Meyerowitz, a photographer who decided to turn subjects that inspired Italian painter Giorgio Morandi, worth a watch.
I also believe that once you are comfortable with your camera, its settings, and other techniques, you just need to trust yourself to know what is interesting. If you find something interesting then someone else may enjoy it as well. I took this at a resort on Lake Lapota, Georgia and decided that the most interesting part was the small building nestled in the colorful hillside.
It's about being intuitive not analytical. In a recent New York Times interview with William Eggleston, often considered to be the "godfather of color photography, I was struck by the subjects in his photos. They are of ordinary things and situations and yet they tell stories. When talking about composition and other techniques he said, “I know they’re there, the angles and compositions. Every little minute thing works with every other one there. All of these images are composed. They’re little paintings to me.” That comment made me think about many of the "small paintings" that I like to capture, such as this patio in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The richness in reality. I found an anonymous quote by a photographer that resonated with me: "Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is." I see that everyday. Many people might walk right past this car in my neighborhood, but I loved the beauty of the rusted mirror.
The art of practice. Most of the photographers that I follow take photos daily. They always have a camera with them whether it is their smartphone or a DSLR. They are ready to capture the moments they see. Diane Arbus said, "I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them." I have often walked through my neighborhood and city only to discover that something I took a photo of is no longer there. When that happens, I am happy that I captured the image when I did. Even if it is a photo of a beautiful sunrise.
Beauty is everywhere waiting for you to discover it, so grab your camera and go out Camera Walking to achieve better health, fitness, and creativity. Let us know how you go about finding the treasures along your walks by commenting below, posting on our Facebook page, or sending us an email. We love to hear from you.
