Introducing #VisualConversations, a new series where I’ll be ‘interviewing’ myself about my own photos. I have a lot of inner dialogue, so why not share it?
Here’s the twist: AI will be asking the questions. So, maybe I’m not interviewing myself… AI is. I hope you find it amusing and maybe even helpful on your own photography journey.
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What drew you to take this photo in the first place?
Was it the colors, the motion, or just curiosity to see what would happen?
It was the lights. Its always the lights. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I set out to find.
As a photographer, it’s always about the light isn’t it?
We set out in the morning looking for first light, or maybe in the evening when the sun is going down and you are getting those nice golden tones.
When you do this kind of ICM photography you are basically looking for interesting light, from many different sources.
Sometimes you bring the light, more controlled. Other times, the light just presents itself and its more random.
How did you feel when you were taking it?
Were you excited, curious, or just experimenting?
I think I’m always curious and always experimenting. I think those are important qualities to have as a photographer. You need to be a little bit curious to create great photos.
You have to ask questions like, “I wonder what would happen if I tried this or did it this way?”
And then you go find out.
That’s the only way you are going to improve. By trying lots of stuff, failing, and then trying lots more stuff.
What was the process?
What settings did you use? How did you move the camera? Did you have a plan, or was it spontaneous?
So for this shot I used my 50mm at F11, ISO 800, 1 second exposure.
It was dark out and there were different light sources around me in the form of festive decorations. If you go out around Holidays like Christmas you usually can find many different light sources to play around with.
But if not, you would be amazed at how many lights will work. There are lights everywhere, at gas stations, in streets, in windows, etc.
Lights are everywhere.
You just have to experiment with light and try different shutter speeds while moving your camera around in different patterns.
What do you see in the image?
Do the shapes or colors remind you of anything? Does it evoke a particular emotion or memory?
So for this shot I moved the camera in a loose loop motion to see what that would look like and I immediately seen swimming fish. That’s usually the thing. I mean, you can be intentional and have an idea of what you want to do. You can also embrace complete chaos and just sort of see where the moment leads you. No plan, just following the light.
I think when I’m at home I tend to try the first one more, being a little more intentional as I’m usually introducing the lights and what not. So in those moments I might be trying something with more intent.
Still, where I end up is usually not where my thoughts were.
You know how it is.
I’m working on it.
But, when I’m out and about just finding lights then it’s all usually just random. Let’s just see what this looks like kind of photography.
What would you want someone looking at this image to feel or think?
That’s a good question. I see fish, swimming against the darkness. Perhaps the embodiment of hope.
But maybe someone else sees music, or color. I think I want them to feel the flow and energy of the light and however they interpret it that’s OK with me.
Why do you like abstract photography?
What draws you to it versus more traditional styles?
I really like the randomness in it. The surprise, the mystery or intrigue or whatever. I like taking a photo and being surprised myself. I like trying to find some kind of hidden meaning, shape or resemblance of something familiar.
I like that no matter how you interpret it, it can’t be wrong.
There is no wrong, and that’s the beauty of it.
What do you think makes this photo unique?
I took this on a cold night with my family. Though the image bursts with energy and says nothing of the cold or my surroundings, its still there for me in my head. There are memories in this moment that are mine alone. They exist within the light, locked away in a school of fish swimming against the darkness.
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