Mike Shimwell
New member
I'm not sure if these few undeveloped thoughts belong here or in the art definition thread. But,
I've spent a bit of time thinking lately about the nature of what I shoot and particularly the creative process involved. One of the questions I'm asking myself is whether actually I simply document the world as I see it, and if so is that really art - or for something to be art is a more extensive creative input required?
I don't really mind, but part of the question comes from my interest in the everyday as well as the extraordinary. When you look at landscape pictures (to take only one example - fashion or glamour would be equally relevant) there are many many pictures that are either of an extraordinary moment, and I've a few of those, or that are created by the imagemaker to be very impressive. But, do these pictures ignore the ordinary that is around us, which I increasingly find myself enjoying shooting, much as I appreciate being a part of it.
I was quite surprised to read a short article recently about 'street shooting your children'. I've never thought of my approach to my family in those terms, but the only pictures I have of the girls posing (at my instruction) are one I took for my wife as a birthday gift and one form the day the older started school. Otherwise, I photograph them engaged in life as I always have. I value the look of concentration far more than the posed smile.
None of this is to try to limit anyone's creativity or approach to picture creation - just a few rambling thoughts on the the documentary and creative, and how they might fit together. I don't apply any particular rules to my production, I just make what I like and that reflects the world I see.
All and any thoughts appreciated
Mike
I've spent a bit of time thinking lately about the nature of what I shoot and particularly the creative process involved. One of the questions I'm asking myself is whether actually I simply document the world as I see it, and if so is that really art - or for something to be art is a more extensive creative input required?
I don't really mind, but part of the question comes from my interest in the everyday as well as the extraordinary. When you look at landscape pictures (to take only one example - fashion or glamour would be equally relevant) there are many many pictures that are either of an extraordinary moment, and I've a few of those, or that are created by the imagemaker to be very impressive. But, do these pictures ignore the ordinary that is around us, which I increasingly find myself enjoying shooting, much as I appreciate being a part of it.
I was quite surprised to read a short article recently about 'street shooting your children'. I've never thought of my approach to my family in those terms, but the only pictures I have of the girls posing (at my instruction) are one I took for my wife as a birthday gift and one form the day the older started school. Otherwise, I photograph them engaged in life as I always have. I value the look of concentration far more than the posed smile.
None of this is to try to limit anyone's creativity or approach to picture creation - just a few rambling thoughts on the the documentary and creative, and how they might fit together. I don't apply any particular rules to my production, I just make what I like and that reflects the world I see.
All and any thoughts appreciated
Mike