Why do we still buy prints?
A friend and I were discussing photography the other day and I was explaining that I had recently launched my online shop via my website. My friend turned to me and said, to my surprise, 'who still buys prints?'. Well, at first I didn't quite know how to answer, it took me a few seconds as I had not really considered it, I just thought that it was fairly obvious. They continued, 'isn't it a bit old fashioned, don't people just look at your pictures on your website?'
My immediate response was to start questioning my choice of friends, but I quickly started to explain that there is so much more to owning a print. Firstly, you don't necessarily have to appreciate 'art' - a print can be something that brings back a memory, that inspires you or simply puts a smile on your face. I'm no interior designer, but I do appreciate that a really special image or piece of art can make a mediocre room feel amazing! It is what that image means to you that is the important thing!
I started to describe that a print does not necessarily have to feel 'boring'. I have produced images of cityscapes on aluminium for large businesses that take pride-of-place in extravagant board rooms. I have also produced small prints that simply remind homesick 'brummies' of, well, home. There is also something hugely satisfying about having something 'physical' that you can look at rather than staring at it via a screen.
Whereas I like people to appreciate my work on the web, nothing compares to walking into a room and seeing your favourite image or catching it with a passing glance and it reminding you of a special memory. I asked my friend if they had any images of friends or family framed at home, to which they responded with a resounding 'Yes!'. I asked why, and they said 'because they are special'. I watched as the disbelief was slowly replaced with understanding.
The truth is, prints are still very important. I'm constantly amazed by images that I see on the internet but my favourite images, the ones that truly mean something to me? They belong on my walls.
If you see any images on my website/social media that you would like to purchase as a print or have a special enquiry (i.e. printing on aluminium) please contact me with your requirements.
Taking to the streets
I think it fairly clear that I love photography. I have no problem in getting up at 6.00am on a freezing morning in the hope that I will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise and produce one of my 'typical' images. However, this is not enough for me anymore and even though I am incredibly busy and have a constant flow of automotive work as well as commissions etc. I still want to be shooting every day.
So recently, I treated myself to a little pocket sized compact with the aim of having something I can carry and 'whip out' when I need it. Already, I have fallen in love with, but more on the gear in a future blog post. Why not just use an Iphone? I hear you shout... Well the simple truth is I like the feel of a 'proper' camera. I like the process of composing an image in my head, raising a camera to my eye and capturing a moment. I know, I'm old fashioned! I also like the process of bringing a file home, opening it up and, well, processing it. Yes I could run it through Instagram straight away, but I like the art of 'treating' an image exactly how I want to!
That's not to say that the final result will be made into prints and sold as art! Many of these images are purely for my Instagram account (follow me!) but that isn't the point. The point is that I can shoot everyday and force myself into capturing spontaneous scenes without the worry of 'will there be a good sunset?' - it really is the purest form of photography. So be warned, there will be more 'street photography' coming your way very soon, as well as some of the usual landscape stuff!
If you have any question about photography, why no get in touch
Capturing 'The Shot' All you need is luck!
It's no secret that a lot of photography is, as Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, is about 'the decisive moment'. That means that split second when everything just falls into place and the subject is in exactly the right spot - that is when you hit the shutter button. Now I'm sure the intellectuals will tell me I'm wrong but that's my impression and that's what works for me.
What probably isn't as well known to those out side of the 'professional' circles is that a lot of photography is just down to pure luck. Now don't get me wrong, I am not bad-mouthing professionals, you still need to be in the right place, at the right time and obviously, holding a camera ready to go! But there is an element outside of the control of the photographer.
I was very fortunate to have a little spare time to go to the Library of Birmingham and was pretty much alone when a guy with a carrier bag and camera, lazily strolled passed me and along the rain soaked 'Secret Garden' terrace. Without thinking, I lifted my new Fuji XPro1 to my face and fired off a few frames. I thought nothing more of it but when I got home and 'developed' the images in Lightroom, I was very pleased with the results. The image has a classic look and a lot of satisfying elements such as the leading lines and the separation between the guys foot and the ground showing motion. A very pleasing shot if I do say so myself.
The next day, Birmingham was covered by a miserable grey cloud that did nothing but rain relentlessly. However, as I passed by my bedroom window I noticed a sliver of sunlight on an adjacent building and took my chances, I ran out into the rain with the XPro1 in the hope of capturing a pleasing sunset.
I headed to the nearest 'high point' which happened to be the Library of Birmingham. I impatiently caught the lift up to the seventh floor 'Secret Garden' and once again walked out onto the rain soaked terrace expecting to be alone. However, once again I caught a guy nonchalantly strolling in the same spot. I once again fired away and caught a similarly pleasing image. So why am I telling you this? Simply to show that it is not always down to planning (though I am a big believer in 'fail to plan, plan to fail') but a large dose of 'luck' always helps!