This may be the most important video you watch on photography for some time to help you reframe your approach and what’s really important. Photography has the unique attribute of being accessible to anyone at any stage of life. For some, it is a life long passion; for others, it can be the beginning to a new phase of life. It can be the bridge that connects people who would not normally meet or be a cornerstone of a meaningful relationship.
Photographer Jesse James Allen has a created short a tribute to the mentor that inspires him, Charlie Howse. In this short documentary you will receive a glimpse at his approach to life and the art of photography, and perhaps pay particular attention when Charlie speak about the difference between a snapshot and portrait, and perhaps even more importantly, when Charlie stresses how lopsided most ideas of a good photo truly are:
“For far too long I thought a great image had to be technically great, but I’ve come to realize that the technical aspect is less important than the artistic or compositional aspect.”
He goes on to speak about the other critical things that make up a good photograph, from the interestingness of the subject, to the connection felt, and you won’t hear him say, “You have to shoot it on that Zeiss.”
Mr. Howse displays an enduring desire for self improvement and an admirable willingness to embrace challenges that we should all adopt. He deliberately chose the large format because it is uncommon in today’s photography landscape. In a day where so many of us, myself inlcuded, chase the latest photography trends, Mr. Howse has deliberately ventured onto the road less traveled.
As we revel in this summer’s impending camera announcements, Charlie reminds us again that it’s the photographer that creates images and not the camera.
“I’m convinced that a good photographer can take a current phone or point and shoot camera and go out with someone who has just recently gotten their new Nikon, their New Canon with a 3,000 dollars lens and the 3,000 dollar body and go out and come back with better images…”
[REWIND: Anatomy of a Photoshoot | Dispelling Myths That Are Holding You Back]
If you are interested in learning more about the line of Cambo cameras Mr. Howse uses in this video you can find them here.
Source: PetaPixel.com
