More about words and photography … from “The Landscapist”
Mark Hobson, photographer and blogger at “The Landscapist“, has written a very interesting post regarding the interplay of words and photography. I love the humorous, but meaningful, finishing of his post.
In a way, the same concept applies to most activities and projects we undertake in life. It is quite revealing how taking a paper, and a pen, and translating thoughts into words can shape our perspective into directions we did not anticipate. Like photography, writing elevates the intensity of the present so we become more aware of what we intend to achieve, why we want so, and how best to get there. As much as a I love spontaneity in photography, purpose is what provides cohesivity, and to find it, sometimes you need to write it.
Words, yes, words. A word that seems to strike terror, fear, and loathing into hearts and minds of most photographers. Even though a picture may be worth 1,000 words, don’t ever ask a photographer to write a few about their own pictures. No, not that! Because, as everyone knows, a picture that needs words is a failure. After all, photography is a visual medium.
IMO, the world would be a better place if those who couldn’t write a coherent and interesting 1,000 words about their pictures had their cameras wrenched from their hands and smashed into a zillions bits (or a zillion bytes if it’s a digital camera). Or, better yet, how about if you couldn’t even buy a camera unless you submit 1,000 words about the pictures you intend to make with it. And, oh yeah, one of the rules is that, if you even mention equipment in your 1,000 words, they poke your eyes out.
Of course, even in that perfect world, anyone would be able to buy a 2mp P&S. After all, I am the benevolent one. – Mark Hobson, from “The Landscapist“
