Simplicity often holds the key to powerful imagery. It challenges photographers to strip back to the essentials, focusing on the core elements that make a photo compelling. This philosophy is particularly relevant in an era where the temptation is to overcomplicate or rely heavily on post-processing. This excellent video essay discusses how embracing simplicity can make you a better photographer.
Coming to you from Joshua Peg, this reflective video explores the power of simplicity in photography. Peg shares his personal journey of overcoming a creative block and rediscovering his passion for photography by embracing simplicity. He highlights the importance of going back to basics, especially when faced with challenging conditions like poor light or unremarkable landscapes. This means finding beauty and stories in mundane settings and working on your ability to create compelling images regardless of the circumstances.
Peg's experience underscores a vital lesson: photography is not just about capturing perfect conditions or subjects, but about finding and telling stories. He emphasizes the role of simplicity in storytelling, where even the most ordinary scenes can become extraordinary thanks to a photographer's skilled eye. This is particularly important for anyone who feels limited by their environment or gear. By focusing on simple, yet powerful narratives, photographers can elevate their work and connect more deeply with their audience. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Peg.
Mr. Peg,
You are obviously a thoughtful man. As such it is sometimes difficult to get out of your own head, something I also know too well. I have to focus on changing channels...
My wife always says, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothes." I'd like to posit there is no bad light, only bad interpretations of it. If you are feeling good, feeling alive when out there, try to capture why you feel good. What is it about your surroundings that is making you feel good?
When you are out and it is grey and colorless "with only some browns and greens," try a red or green filter for black and white, which will change your contrast pretty strongly, or even a blue filter for a change of mood. Lean into the dreariness.
I'm glad to hear you can simply enjoy being out there. When I am out shooting and nothing seems to crop up, I imagine myself being my grandfather, simply being, doing his day, without regard for anything except his own enjoyment of the day.
Kind regards,
Robert Doherty