Well I thought I would kick off the amateur profile posts with a look at my photography. I am probably not the best person to be starting the theme in that I haven’t really been taking photographs seriously for more than six or seven months but here goes. They say the camera never lies, well I think that is why I started taking photographs as it pretty clear to me that this saying is farcical at very best.
Photography is therapy, a way of looking at the real world differently and having the ability to capture this altered perception of what is being viewed. I like photos that take every day life and present it in a way that is considered obviously. Perhaps the closest examples of this can be seen in a few of my sports photos, I have attempted to capture the emotion of the games being photoed rather than puristic action shots. (Example Set).
I have an interest in Urban Decay, in so many ways the Urban condition personifies the human condition and it is the latter end of life that is often the most interesting. There is an untold story in every decay photo and I find it interesting to consider what lay before the photo was taken.
I think the best example of this comes from the Urban decay series of a local Mill. Three hundred years in operation I visited the site before it was re-developed. This photograph was taken four years after the mill closed and I can’t help but wonder of the story that lies with the lone cardigan and coffee table. The magazine lay still open at the pages in which they had been left in 2006.
The complete series of photos from the Mill can be found on my own blog and flickr page. There is certainly a history, a story with each photo that highlights how small we are in life. I have no real photo aspirations or ambitions, as I said earlier photography is a distraction and therapy for real life. The biggest high is when others connect with the photos you have taken. Often it is the B grade photo, the one you added to flickr in second place to your favourite that people like. The fact that others see the story makes it worth while.
I am a total novice, and really hope my photos improve when I finally work out how to use my camera. I guess the best way to learn is to keep clicking.
I for one think you are a great candidate to start this off. Many of us tend to forget the feeling we had when we first started to make images we were happy with. You are at the beginning of what will probably be a lifetime addiction. Perfect way to start this series of profiles.
I also love the effect nature has on the urban environment when left alone. A car park being re-paved with moss and grass or sheet of corrugated steel crumbling back into the soil. In a million years it will be hard to tell that we were ever here.
I am very happy to read this as it encourages people like me who are only starting with photography. Confidence is my main drawback but when I see what can be achieved I am inspired. I will never forget my first shot & hope someday I will have ones which give me the sense of achievement too.
The Urban decay photo has kept me looking at it as there is a lot of detail, love the way the single tendril of ivy is still growing against the contrast of the painted bricks. Excellent to follow a theme through. I see something different each time I look at this photo which proves how your photo can help others.
Remember the profile posts are open to all photographers, get in contact if would like to feature.
A great way to start off this profile series David! You know I love your photographs, especially your sports photos – you capture something amazingly unique on a rugby pitch! And thanks for setting up 7×5 too, it’s a great addition to my coffee break especially when I get some time to admire everyone else’s profiles. I look forward to the continued success of this site. Thanks for all your hard work.
I had no idea you were not a “professional” photographer! You have an amazing eye for things and I love looking and becoming inspired by your pictures!
One of these days, you’re going to have to cut the “amateur” and “novice” talk and own up to your “pro” status. Your stuff is great and passionate!
I’d love to be featured as a REAL amateur if you’re looking for more profiles. My collection is small, but I think my story is interesting. Please let me know what I need to do if you’re interested…