The Inspiration I Need ~ Photography

H is for Hershey, the Storm Runner roller coaster in abstract.

I did something last night that I haven’t done in a very long time. How long? Years in fact. I read a magazine from cover to cover. I just didn’t read this magazine, I savored it and I absorbed it. Every single word of every article was deliciously read. Every single photograph was caressed by my eyes and in return each photograph caressed my eyes. I spent hours with this magazine. It made me smile, made me laugh, made me think, made me self-evaluate, made me wish, dream, hope and even at one point brought a tear to my eye. It broke me down and built me back up. It inspired me.

I read LensWork, issue No. 54.

Today I am subscribing to this wonderful magazine of photography and the creative process. I am going to see how many back issues I can get. I am going to read issue 54 again. I love their mission statement printed on the first page. Here is an excerpt

"The premise of LensWork is that photography is more than mere craft. Photography is, or can be, a way of life. Beyond cameras and equipment, beyond film and chemistry, beyond pixels and technology lie the mysteries of the creative life shared by those who strive to communicate and express themselves clearly - fine art photographers, commercial photographers, amateurs and professionals. LensWork is an exploration of the path of creative photography..."

To those of you who visit my site for the photography and because you enjoy photography as a hobby, profession, or way of life, I say to you - if you don't already read this magazine - go now to the nearest book seller and purchase a copy of LensWork.

Now, I did not have an epiphany – Becky, I am still waiting for that to happen in my life – but I did have some wonderful moments of insight, reflection and self-examination. I am going to briefly run through this issue in order and some of my thoughts about it.

The editors’ comments – titled Piffle on Parade and running five pages – caused me to seriously reflect on the upcoming gallery show, my own work and my own participation in it. His is the article that broke me down for the first two thirds and then built me back up at the end. After reading his words - I can still hear them in my head - I'm not sure that my work is good enough for a gallery show. I feel that my craft is still developing.

The Spirit of the Holy Cross photo essay by photographer Steven Scardina absorbed me with the interplay of light and dark in and around religious architecture in France. His photographs made me think seriously about composition, point of view, lighting, selection of subjects and time of day.

The article about the photographic and teaching legacy of Fred Picker made me wish that I had or could find such a Sensei from which to learn and hone my craft. I have far to go on my own path and I am not to a point where I can walk it alone. I have much to learn.

Photographer Abba Richman’s, The Alphabet; Observations from A to Z was sheer brilliance and very inspiring to me. He didn’t run around and photograph big or little letters from billboards or signs… that would be too inside-the-box and too beginner. There’s no creativity, nor challenge on the path so well traveled. And honestly LensWork would never have published his work if that’s what it had been. He found the letters of the alphabet in all sorts of items, but in very abstract ways and yet the letters jump right out at you! His is the kind of work I love, the kind of photography that really speaks to me. The kind of work I feel that I am best at. I also love what he had to say. This especially,

“There is nothing to be invented in our visual world; it’s all there. I shy away from photographing glorious sunsets, flowers, animals and beautiful things or people. I find myself again and again looking at ordinary, everyday objects – at garbage, old things, discarded junk, stuff lying around. I like like looking at things really close up and trying to find beauty in their color and form. And in my search I thank God for giving me the eyes to see.”

I feel the same exact way! I really connected with his writing and his photographs. He inspired me to do my own alphabet project in Ellicott City. I am going to take some time this weekend to start it. My eyes and creativity need the exercise. Now this doesn't mean that I am going to stop sharing images of people and animals, the beautiful and the silly things. They are part of my life and this site is about my life. However it does mean that my serious projects will be in a different direction.

The interview and photography of James Whitlow Delano made me long for my own opportunity to roam free and make photographs at will in foreign lands. His too is an inspiring story and collection of images from all over Asia and he made all of his images with one 35mm camera, a simple lens and a supply of film!!!! His photographs focus on Asia’s vanishing heritage in the face of rapid industrialization. My favorite photo of his is on page… actually I find it impossible to pick a favorite.

The end notes by Bill Jay were insightful and amusing. I especially love the speech he would give to graduates.

“Dear Graduates,
Find something you love to do.
Get good at it.
Hope, but certainly don’t expect, others will appreciate it.
Then, just possibly, you might be able to make a living at it.
Thank you and good luck.”

I love it. It’s direct, to the point and full of truth. He calls it the shortest speech on record. I wish at my graduation the speeches would have been so short and meaningful.

From cover to cover this magazine is an inspirational jewel. It’s the inspiration I need.

May you find your own inspiration and may your days be full of wonderful photographic opportunities. Now if I could only leave the office and go make photographs.

Peace, --Will

If you can't buy the current issue you can read a free PDF of Issue 54 by clicking here. It's okay and you need not feel any guilt; it's from the LensWork site.