At a recent exhibition in the Mall Galleries, it was a huge pleasure to meet so many people, to answer specific questions, and to talk in general about my work. It was heartening to see some real interest in the images themselves and the titles I gave them.
Explaining the origin of an image is always something of a challenge! Often, there are some specific aspects of the frame which I can ‘explain’, but the whole process of making a photograph can incorporate a whole range of influences. Speculating about what they were may make for an interesting conversation (and I enjoy doing it), but all that really matters at the point of viewing is the impact that it makes on the viewer. As I have said before and shared at the exhibition, “the click was mine, the narrative is yours”.
I have no desire or capacity to replicate the works of other in my creations, but I certainly empathise with the following words of Ansel Adams.
“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”
I came across his observation recently and was immediately struck by it. His use of the word make rather than take resonated with me. The suggestion that we are actively involved in a creation, drawing from a well of experiences really does summarise my approach. Sharing the resulting image is a joy. The responses of viewers will of course differ, but just maybe something of the kernel of ideas will be seen and felt by some.
