“Give Them Something To Think About”
If we want to engage people with our photography we need to “Give them something to think about”. It means we want them to feel something; good or bad. We want them to have an emotional reaction. That’s what I’ve always believed is the purpose of art. For me, this is true for photography as it is for music, writing, the performing arts and even architecture. Perhaps, this is why I enjoy photographing good architecture. It is also why I try to present it in more than just a documentary fashion. It’s a double opportunity to give you “something to think about”.
Frank Gehry
Renowned architect, Frank Gehry, was interviewed in a segment on CBS Sunday Morning yesterday. If you don’t recognize the name, you probably at least recognize some of his amazing work. Examples include: the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Bilbao.
Although it is a relatively short piece at just over 8 minutes it gives us as photographers a lot to think about. First, there is the concept of what Gehyr calls, “creative insecurity”. That is, always questioning what we are doing and why. Second, this questioning, in turn, causes us to go through many iterations before we come to the final product.
The third, and most important aspect for me, was Gehry’s comment on what he is trying to do with his work. Gehry said:
Think of people and how they are going to be inspired by your work. Give them something to think about. That’s what a painting does. That’s what a sculpture does. And, architecture is an art. So, why not?
Frank Gehry
This brings us back to the question of what is the purpose of art. As it turns out, it really is all about, feeling, thinking and emotion. True for photography just as it is for architecture and all the other endeavors generally considered art.
The Interview
If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this when it aired it is available on YouTube. Take a look, it is very worthwhile.
Leave A Comment And Share
How do you try to “give them something to think about” with your photography? I’d love to hear your comments and feedback. Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
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