The work of other photographers can be very inspiring. One of the sources that helps me to discover other work is the magazine Black+White Photography. Also, going to exhibitions is quite refreshing. Recently, I came across some work of and training courses by very interesting photographers, which are listed below (with the latest on top).
In issue 287 of the magazine B+W Photography two very interesting articles have been published. One is about the photographer Jungjin Lee, originally from Korea. Her work struck me so much that I could not hesitate to share this here. Another article is called "Into the woods", with work by Lynne Buchanan.com. Both articles gave me very much the itches and the inspiration to go out again, if that would be possible. On the other hand scrolling through their work at home is a great pleasure on itself (February 2024).
Just a minute ago, I have re-viewed the video by Alec Soth on "Real time versus story time". In this video, by showing different photo books of well-known photographers, Alec explains how the flicker of time, or progress of time is used to create a narrative in these books. He shows that the narrative can be very subtle, leaving a lot to the imagination of the viewer/reader. So inspiring! (April 2023)
Sorry to bother you again with some examples of quite moody work of the British photographer Robert Darch. I was following him already on Instagram. His new book "The Island" was discussed in the latest edition of the above mentioned magazine and that was the reason to explore his work with more attention. This project is his view and reaction to Brexit and the impact this might have on the future of young adults. His three main projects, The Island, Vale and The More are all three a set of darkish, uncanny, and sometimes even dystopian images. Within each set, the pictures are different, however very compliant. Of course, his subjects may only be appreciated by a few people. But the main reason to bring it up here, apart from drawing attention to some really great photographs, is that in his work he is able to create a strong consistency. For myself, as I am writing, the moody atmosphere moves me, but does not put me down. Beauty can only be appreciated in contrast to less nice observations which also exist in the ral world, but as we often do tend to avoid. In his comments, he says (rephrased a bit): "Don't bother what other people might think of your work. Go where your heart brings you. That's how genuine work develops itself". The other thing that is very inspiring to me is how he works: (just?) strolling in the nature in his neighbourhood and exploring the quietness and the beauty of it. (Well, at least this is my own interpretation, trying to recall what I have read about him). (March 2023)
This entry is a little bit on the dark side, however is doesn't really reflect my current moods. It's an example about how visual story telling using photography can be used to transfer moods, which of course should not be unfamiliar. The way it is done in the following examples is to my idea quite extraordinary in it's darkness, which is not common practice in photography. In fact, this is the sole reason to bring these examples up here. There's no more explanation needed and these will speak for themselves: Solitude of Ravens and Waffenruhe. (Jan 2023)
How can a photo be interpreted? Or to be more precise, what is the meaning of a photo. For sure, it depends on the viewer. But there must be more to that. In this video, in the first three minutes, some interesting thoughts are aired. In the remainder of the video, more work of Robert Adams is shown and discussed, underpinning these thoughts. (Okt 2022)
I am continuously inspired by videos by Alec Soth, which are related to photography of course, but these videos address a wider sense too. In the one that I recently encountered he tries to uplift himself from a cynical mood, by discussing some interesting books from his library. He shows how he opens up to change and gets inspired again. In this video he does so, by turning the letter wheel. Also, in other videos, he tells that he sometimes just throws a dart at a map and then does some research on that location. Going there, the trail develops more or less by itself. One thing leads to another in an unpredicted manner. This can lead to surprises. However, of course, there is no guaranteed success. In that perspective, a quote in the video from the musician John Cage "begin anywhere" is appropriate.
In an earlier video on a book about John Cage "Iris Garden", Alec shows the wonderful and extraordinary design of this book, not classically bound but a collection of loose folded pages. I advise you to see it for yourself. For me, this helps to open up to new ideas.
There are many more videos by Soth to be found, but I would like to highlight one video, which is a rambling talk about his latest book "a pound of pictures" in which he tells about his search for new work, what he encounters in this process and how his work is influenced by other photographers, all in a very open and honest way. (July 2022)
An interesting story on the famous photograph "Moonrise over Hernandez" by Ansel Adams. This picture appears to be not only (what one might call) a 'lucky shot'. Given the circumstances as described here it almost did not exist at all. Also, the printing of this picture, as it is known, has gone through several stages. (March 2022)
Alec Soth: trailer of his online course, definitely worth the investment. Even in the unlikely case, that you don't like his work, try his presentation about Eggleston's foto book "Democratic Forest" and particularly the last part of it, that starts at 31:25 about Eggleston's Guide and (as Soth tells) the incredible editing of it. But there is also another great video on different photographic approaches to the sequential presentation of time.
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