Issue 6
Three Ideas for the Creative Mind
1.
On clear autumn days the clear deep blue sky fills the shadows with soft hues, whilst the sun paints with splashes of warmth. This tonal range is unlike any you will see during the year.
2.
On clear autumn days I love watching the sun fill a space at acute angles – highlighting architecture, texture & detail – as ghost shaped people pass from light to shadow.
3.
Sometimes, if all the stars align, I can catch glimpses of people passing at the edges of the frame whilst the autumn light casts its magic.
This last bit is hard, requiring the right light, the right time, the right space and, of course, my presence at the right moment.
One or two Quotes
1.
Autumn paints in colours that Summer has never seen.
2.
As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colours enough to paint the beautiful things I see.
In the Spotlight
I see you!… Piccadilly Circus, London.
The side light shining from my right, through the queue onto the tarmac, drew me like a flame draws a moth. All I had to do was wait for the right moment. Friday afternoons are a busy time in London. But, with a bit of luck the traffic might clear and, perhaps, a seventh person would fill the gap.
This lady seemed like she would oblige. At the last possible moment she span around and looked directly at me. She was unfazed, we exchanged pleasantries and went our separate ways.
A few things are going on here:
The fist is noticing how the light falls in my surroundings, how it interacts with the space and the people passing though. The second is recognising that the scene could reveal itself if I wait for just the right moment. The third is the amazing power of smiling and engaging people in a positive way – attitude is everything in social documentary photography.
Then there is the role of luck, or bad luck in this case!
That’s it – thanks for reading! As always, please feel free to hit reply and exchange your thoughts or to just say “hi”.
Johan du Preez
Photograher