How Important Is Subject Matter in Photography?
May 19, 2020 14:07:27 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
Even if it's poorly composed, poorly lighted, unsharp?
Very thoughtful responses from everyone. And this response is a good one too.
May 19, 2020 14:26:32 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Does a photo need to tell a story or is a pile of random junk (albeit composed) a good enough subject?
It still tells a story!!
May 19, 2020 19:33:28 #
I must say I rarely think about a "story" when I'm out and about shooting. I think that's because what I'm *doing* is the story; like tracking down street art, or an air show, or a parade, or surfing or whatever interests me at the moment. And that kind've takes care of *my* particular story. I dunno, it's like assigning meanings to colors in poetry when the author may never have thought of that aspect...it's all so very subjective and, maybe, not *trying* to see a story or symbol can help guide the observer to a conclusion perhaps not intended by the artist, but valid just the same.
May 19, 2020 20:24:51 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Does a photo need to tell a story or is a pile of random junk (albeit composed) a good enough subject?
Impressive examples! These would be nice when printed large (40x30?) and hung on walls of swanky, upscale bars and restaurants, in hotel and corporate lobbies, etc. — “boldly relaxing” comes to mind. In other words, they help set a mood or enhance ambiance — That’s good enough to get my attention. A lot of good art and music does that.
I especially like the second one.
May 19, 2020 21:09:51 #
Blair Shaw Jr wrote:
For me, the best photo tells a story or reveals a truth and needs very little else. What you perceive is what you believe. Perspective coupled with imagination is a ticket to ride. So be sure to look good while you're about it
Paraphrasing, you are suggesting that a “photo” ought to be something other than strictly a graphic work or a visualization.
I use the medium of photography to produce images that tell no story. But it doesn’t matter to me who allows or denies that these are called “photos”.
Apparently a huuuuge chunk of UHH doesn’t care either. UHH is awash in pix of flowers, BIF shots, moon shots and other pix that tell no stories whatsoever.
May 19, 2020 21:23:00 #
Nicholas DeSciose wrote:
Subject matter is everything
Gag me with spoooon .......
The worst, most pointless, and boring photographs that I can recall are quite obviously “inspired” by that maxim.
May 20, 2020 05:27:26 #
May 20, 2020 05:47:31 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Does a photo need to tell a story or is a pile of random junk (albeit composed) a good enough subject?
Your posted examples aren't as "random" as you suggest. They're obviously all tools of one sort or another and all showing signs of use and age. Images of tools evoke speculation about how they might have been used, and signs of use and ageing evoke speculation about how much work they may have done in their lives. Toil, craftsmanship and productivity are always going to be subjects we can relate to.
May 20, 2020 06:12:15 #
For me, all three need to be present. Design, Subject, and light. Anything less, I move on.
May 20, 2020 06:14:22 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Does a photo need to tell a story or is a pile of random junk (albeit composed) a good enough subject?
Is it the subject or the editing process???
May 20, 2020 06:39:23 #
The random junk tells its own story and the mind searches in the mind-files to relate the elements. If no relationship the mind will create one ... the mind-files search is an excellent exercise for the gray matter. Without exercise the brain turns to a mass of fat mush... then you are nominated for a high office Peter Sellers in "Being There."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_There
To me, Fotoartist has presented items of mechanical history artistically. The sand texturing adds the spice needed to wonderfully flavor the main meal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_There
To me, Fotoartist has presented items of mechanical history artistically. The sand texturing adds the spice needed to wonderfully flavor the main meal.
May 20, 2020 07:39:47 #
Good morning fotoartist,
I can honestly say I have absolutely no idea just why I love these two shots - but I really do. Composition / placement all terrific. Maybe it's just being "male" (please don't take offense ladies as I am sure many of your gender do as well) but I could study these for quite some time and remain able to discern new areas.
Keep 'em coming.
All the best to you and yours - and stay safe.
Terry
p.s. Don't practice "social distancing" but remain very aware of the need to practice "physical distancing". We have all never needed others as much as we do at this time. Remain "social" by any means possible. Telephone, snail mail, e-mail and others.
Again, stay safe.
I can honestly say I have absolutely no idea just why I love these two shots - but I really do. Composition / placement all terrific. Maybe it's just being "male" (please don't take offense ladies as I am sure many of your gender do as well) but I could study these for quite some time and remain able to discern new areas.
Keep 'em coming.
All the best to you and yours - and stay safe.
Terry
p.s. Don't practice "social distancing" but remain very aware of the need to practice "physical distancing". We have all never needed others as much as we do at this time. Remain "social" by any means possible. Telephone, snail mail, e-mail and others.
Again, stay safe.
May 20, 2020 07:43:00 #
May 20, 2020 07:52:29 #
Everything counts, although looking at that photo of a river that sold for $4,338,500, maybe nothing matters.
May 20, 2020 08:06:11 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Does a photo need to tell a story or is a pile of random junk (albeit composed) a good enough subject?
This is not a good question in that it disregards the basic function of communication. Any photograph does communicate, even if it is only to the photographer and no one else. The question could be as to how well it "speaks".
Query: Does a blank sheet of paper "speak" to you?(**) What does it take for it to be a story?
(Interesting sampling: http://bostonreview.net/reading-lists/rosie-gillies-boston-review-award-winning-short-stories)
(** - I got an "A+" for my submission in a college class in English for the assignment to write the shortest story. I placed my ID info on the back of the sheet.)
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