We think of the whole field of photography as something that moves forward with different styles but we feel that its basic nature doesn't change very much. But I find that it isn't true. In the past decades the core of photography seemed to be more about "discovering" truth and beauty in the world. Now it seems more possessed with using the world as raw material. A big canvas on which to paint with multiple flashes, filters and gimmicky techniques. Once upon a time recognizing and capturing beauty or history sufficed. Now that sensibility seems to have been relegated to the old box in the attic, filled with black and white prints and old flash bars.
I was photographing a wedding and I turned around to see this woman putting some powder on her face. I tried to make a good composition. I snapped the shot. I'm pleased by her profile and her rapt attention to the tiny mirror in her powder case. I love the shaft of light in the background. Nothing needed to be lit. Nothing needed to be post processed or HDR'd to death. Multiple flashes would not have made the scene more tranquil and happy for me.
In fact, I liked it so much that I tried another angle and another version.
I had lunch with an art director today. We talked about styles. They all come back around. I think, collectively, we've been through a visual period akin to the tequila drinking binges of college fraternity boys. We might be ready to go back to sipping a cold beer on the back porch. Just a thought.
