[Leica] why we photograph?

[leica.list at dmason.net (David C Mason)]

"B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@comcast.net> writes:

> "which exotic animal skin makes the best covering for a gold plated
> IIIg?"

Ostrich


> A. Why do you photograph?

First, there is a yearning in me to make art that was being stifled at
some point by circumstances. The camera was the tool that corrected
those circumstances. I continue to shoot out of some sort of attempt to
further that art (and not for others but for me). Second, it is an
attempt to stop time. When I look at old photos I feel a sense of moment
and place that cannot be described or represented in any other way (if
you've felt it, you know it). When I experience those emotions I want to
be a part of it. I shoot so that later I (or someone else) can have that
feeling again.


> B. What's your primary subject matter?

I try to shoot people but that doesn't always happen. When it doesn't
happen I lose all sense of focus and my photos suffer more. If I *THINK*
when shooting other subjects I find myself being drawn into objects
people have created -- which is (through symbolism) a way to shoot
people as well.


> C. Why?

Why people. The ultimate question. Is there anything more complex and
bizarre in our world than people? Anything? 




Great thread B.D. - its good to stop and think.


Dave