An interesting perspective and, while I’m not sure where I’m going with this, I’d be interested to hear your views…

I use photography as a way to prompt conversations about personal and organisational change. One of things that I have noticed is that the images prompt a different quality of dialogue and relationship when compared with a conventional coaching/consulting conversation. So, I imagine that the images are providing an accessible window for us to ’see’ relational quality and identity…

And, people LOVE the artifact – a portrait that they can hang on their wall. Bearing in mind that my process here is to improvise with clients – so (eg) they may have shot a self portrait on their phone and I might work from that idea and reshoot or combine images – this means technical quality is variable.

So I guess I emphasise ‘window’ but ‘artifact’ is high on the client agenda. Maybe there is a different way for me to work or facilitate conversation and thinking.

I’d be grateful for your thoughts.

Steve

it was interesting to read you go through your own mental process of being pushed and pulled and analyzing the aesthetic vs. the journalistic…do not worry , this should not be a conflict but a symbiotic blend…no need to feel somehow guilty for liking the pictures as pictures and think that you would be somehow ignoring the content..that combo of abilities, editorial sensitivity and the artistic eye, are quite literally what separates so many photographers…few have this….every magazine editor in the world and all of us at the select agencies, are looking for photographers who can do both….or should i say project an idea or a philosophy or represent a social abnormality with aplomb and style…imo the aesthetic will drive you to the content…

Rodrigo clearly made this combo work…he did it by feeling it, living it, and just flat out understanding it….i look forward to his next work…

cheers, david

Thanks again,
Johan

What a lovely paradox you describe! It feels like a ‘yes…and…’ to me. Yes, it’s great when we find images that we can engage with or disturbs us and so discuss context and meaning… and… we can also appreciate excellent technique, care and attention.

We will each find our own joy and learning in the images and these excellent conversations – as long as we are able to hold on to the value of our differing perspectives. It’s the certainty that sometimes frightens me!

Steve

But, I guess in having said that, making artistic statements at the expense of the subjects in the photographs who are in a precarious situation, is also open to debate. So, as I’m typing I’m finding my own argument crumbling, because if the politics aren’t discussed then we cannot improve their situation. So, in that aspect I am wrong. Anyway, when I first saw this essay, I was floored, because the artist had such an intuitive sense of timing, composition and empathy. The imagery seems almost dream like, and I hope that one day I excel to this level.

I hope that made sense.

Thankyou,
Johan

P.S Good luck to everyone who entered the EPF competition! I hope that your entries receive the applause that I’m sure they deserve.

Bliss? yes, absolutely. I continually tell my wonderful wife Martha, I love my life. I am living the best time of my life. I love what I do, I love the people who surround me. I feel blessed to be alive.
Thankyou for Burn David, it has become a huge part of my day and an inspiration.

Interesting you mentioning Louis Armstrong. I was just visiting a portrait of Armstrong by Art Kane (one of my longtime heroes) in one of Larry Shillers “Masters of contemporary photography” books.

I do worry about my memory I’m afraid. I guess it’s the price of approaching geezerhood.

Cheers
Gordon L.

you are off the hook….particularly since i misspelled Louis Armstrong’s name just shortly before (caught by Kathleen who had misspelled my name shortly before that) …oh well, with both long term and short term memory about gone, i live in a state of bliss….you??

cheers, david

Anyway, I’m ready to pay the price, as long as I get a shot of scotch before hand.
And I’d like to be shot at 1/250th at f8 please.

OblaDAH

hahaha..good one!

HAIK

*raising my hand then pulling it down at the mention of the requisite ´responsible´*

you´re a sick puppy, boy..

hugZ both
kat

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:-|

i saw that but i figured, poor man’s finally lost it..and then i just tip-toed out quietly and shut the door thinking i’d save your pride. But DAH now, he doesn’t give a crap about your pride…no way, in fact he’s got you facing a firing squad at dawn shivering in your skivvies..so, Gordon, dear, think abut what you want for your last meal, i’ll get the minister, you say some prayers and get some sleep..sweet dreams if possible. And when it’s all over, just think..the bad news, i mean the REALLY bad news? Once you get to heaven you have some explaining to do to John. And i would not wanna be you standing there before Da Man At His White Piano, still shivering in your skivvies trying to explain this one. I’d rather face DAH’s firing squad than that, anything but that! ohhh, pooooooor Gordon!

hugz, Gordie
kat~

What the heck was I thinking!