When I was young and daydreamed about becoming a photographer I used to imagine going on safaris for national geographic and capturing rolling landscapes for self help posters. Okay, the poster part isn’t entirely true. But I did find an allure to landscape photography, getting to go out and capture the area I was in and make it look like a postcard.
But now I know better. Landscape photography is NOT for me. See below example:
The top image was taken at 5pm of the skyline from a window at the MIT faculty club during a recent wedding.
The bottom one was taken at around 8pm. See the difference the light will make on the image?
Now, if I were a landscape photographer, I would have to spend my time waiting around for hours, previously scouting out my best vantage point in hopes of getting the weather and quality of light to sync up with my vision. No interacting with the subject, learning about what makes it tick from afar. I cant very well ask the Hancock building to turn towards the light for me. Luckily I make my living doing a craft that is much better suited to my style. I get to talk to my subject and let them be a part of the image I am creating. I get to see people having fun, on the best days of their lives, the first days of their lives, the days that they will now get to tangibly remember forever because I helped document it. How cool is that?
Not that I don’t admire landscape and nature photographers. There is something incredible about the hunt and execution of a great shot. And when it is done well, the loveliness of the world around us through another eyes can take your breath away. But for now, I will stick with people. I think finding the thing that makes someone who they are themselves and then preserving it for future generations is pretty darn awesome.
Jul
28
2010