Use what’s already there

Picture making frequently involves excluding the superfluous.

Sparkly and I had popped in to see her mum, who was busy ironing when we arrived. “I like your tulips” I said, spying several soft, silky magenta blooms languishing in a vase on her dining table. “I think they’ve gone over” she replied. I'd seen something attractive in their repose, so I started studying them with my camera, while Mum P. brewed some tea.

I checked the available resources: there was cloud-softened sky light entering a nearby window, its quality further smoothed by white net curtains; a smooth, dark T-shirt, airing on a radiator, proffered a potential black background for the shot I'd imagined; a sturdy chair offered me a higher vantage point.

The resulting photograph was one I might have created in the studio. It was much simpler to achieve, because there was no paraphernalia to manage. Improvising was fun.

When making simple images, cutting clutter creates clarity.

Comments

[Pauline Clarke]

I am so delighted that you never cease to amaze me. In this case, creativity caused clarity.

[Susan]

Thank you for the reminders that "art" can be found anywhere if only we can sharpen our ability to see deeper into the "big picture". I am constantly missing opportunities for good shots because I skim too quickly over the scenery without pausing to really take it all in.

[Peter Bryenton]

Thanks, P. I'll be printing a copy for your namesake.

Susan: I wonder if Paul Simon was thinking about this, when he penned the lyrics "Slow down, you move too fast . . . "

[Jenny Bowker]

I love the shadowy bars through the multiple layers of drying white shirt.

[Peter Bryenton]

Hello Jenny. I've e-mailed you.