The article explores the fluctuating relationship individuals have with photography, sharing personal experiences of falling in and out of love with the craft. It emphasizes that it’s normal to take breaks from photography, as moments can be appreciated without capturing them. Photography should enhance, not hinder, experiencing life fully.
Author Archives: Stephen Taylor
Prime lenses for slower photography
Slow photography enhances engagement with surroundings and subjects, promoting mindfulness. Switching from zoom to prime lenses fosters deeper consideration of composition and subject context. Prime lenses offer better image quality, lower weight, and faster aperture settings, making them ideal, especially in low light.
Reflections on 2024: A Year in Photographs
A reflection on the past year in twelve photographs taken in 2024, one for each month. These images capture various moments, from celebrating abandoned Christmas trees to exploring London’s landscapes and participating in a friend’s wedding. This retrospective inspires further exploration and photography in the coming year.
From Festive to Forgotten: The Afterlife of Christmas Trees
Twelfth Night on January 5th signifies the end of Christmas celebrations, leading to the abandonment of Christmas trees. I re-decorate discarded trees in my area, photographing the results. These images have been transformed into Christmas cards, available for purchase.
Capturing Time: Photography in Hertfordshire
A reflection on capturing time through photography, in the Hertfordshire countryside. I visit an ancient church tower, symbolizing decay and history, and the Greenwich Meridian line, which represents the human construction of time. The photographs taken aim to encapsulate this interplay of time and landscape as I journey through history.
Keeping in Touch: The Importance of Physical Greetings Cards
The way we stay connected with loved ones has evolved from handwritten letters to instant messages and social media. While traditional greetings cards are less common, they offer a unique, physical connection that digital communication lacks. Christmas remains a time for sending cards, reflecting a desire for personal connection despite distances.
How to fall back in love with photography – take a chance
Exploring photography through chance can reignite creative passion. Inspired by psychogeography, this approach allows for unexpected discoveries. Methods include using a map of another city or randomly choosing directions at junctions. Here’s my experience in Bristol leading to unique photography opportunities off the beaten path. Chance invites new perspectives.
Working the shot
Capturing the perfect photograph often requires time and exploration rather than one quick shot. Here’s my experience of working the shot, photographing a tree on Hampstead Heath. This approach can lead to compelling images that tell a deeper story.
Still leaves
As autumn approaches its end, there’s still time to capture its vibrant colors, both outdoors and indoors. By collecting fallen leaves and setting up still life sessions at home, photographers can recreate the essence of the season. Proper lighting and arrangement can enhance the aesthetic, allowing for creative exploration before winter sets in.
Autumn colours
The transition from summer to autumn offers photographers vibrant colors to capture. Here are a few of my ideas to make the most of the season: use a polarising filter to enhance hues, select specific subjects amidst overwhelming colors, discover urban contrasts, search for unique perspectives and play! Enjoy the process and share your results.