A question that requires more attention than perhaps initially apparent, yet arguably could also be considered bleak, unnecessary and unappealing in intelligible context. I came across this question as I began to read in greater depth “Basic Photography” by Micheal Langford, I had picked up a cheap 2nd hand copy of the 7th edition, the excessive price of the latest edition seemed slightly pointless. I have the kindle edition of the latest edition, yet I am always drawn to being able to leaf through an actual book, rather than the slightly tepid digital experience. Rather than being outdated I’m sure what can be gleaned from this edition of Langford’s comprehensive introduction to the medium of photography is still equally viable and valid.

The question in hand I thought was an interesting one, it made me ponder for some time about why it is that I am, put simply, taking “photographs”. After all millions of us do it everyday on our digital smartphones with little care or interest as to why it is such an intergalactic part of our lives and individual journeys. Without labouring you much on the topic (I like to trust instinct) while I am objective about all forms within photography, it is much about self expression as to why I, personally take photographs. I want my images to have a connection between me, my subject and the camera, a link that combines and intertwines quite irrepressibly. I would assume this is much the same for many photographers, and while in our professional lives we may have less creative freedom as control, work outside these parameters allows for a far less cautious approach. Yet these two photographic pursuits are also linked quite heavily together and that personal creative journey should and does fuel all aspects of a photographers work.

I also made my way through an online replay of a very interesting talk by Anna Fox through the OCA and a comment she made that I also feel connected quite subtlety to Landfords question. Fox was also involved in the revised edition of Langfords book, which serves to update the book as photography continues to change and evolve. Fox talked about her formative years and how she was tutored by the likes of esteemed practitioners as Martin Parr and Paul Graham, her earlier work does seem to be influenced by these photographers. She also mentioned how photography had given her “a voice” and that it was an opportunity to show, reflect and portray feeling, emotions, challenge ideas and theories. This does seem to resonate with me, the camera is a tool yet seems to have its own language, a rhetoric of its own. I peruse that as photographers we are attempting to firstly learn the language, then go in search of also revising and updating it to best serve our intentions, to eventually define ourselves with our own unique photographic language. That leads me to conclude that this is why I take photographs, to be able to visually speak in way that I can articulate my thoughts, feelings, characteristics, knowledge and emotions. Yet I doubt that there is a final destination, a full circle if you will. I see it more of a progression, an evolution that will continue to allure, excite and challenge along what I foresee as quite an undulating path.

Off topic of sorts, below is a snapshot I took on my iPhone 11, I have always found reflections interesting. Another book I am flicking through (cannot remember exactly which one) described them as “ready made compositions”. I had not really thought of reflections this way.