Artist’s Statement

A lot of artists seem to go in for issuing a statement about their work and what they are trying to achieve. Art photographers often lay claim to making sense of the world that surrounds them, capturing the many facets of the human condition or whatever.

To me, a photographer’s images speak more about his or her intentions, without having to resort to words.

So there will be no grandiose sentiments from me.

But I will explain my approach to photography. First, I work exclusively with natural or available light. My years as a news reporter and photojournalist makes me reactive rather than pro-active. As a fine art photographer, I try to capture an expression,  an interesting juxtaposition, or something that seems to define my surroundings.

I have never shot in a studio. If I capture portraits, I much prefer environmental portraits — people in their natural surroundings and using available light.  The photograph below was one taken walking around my neighborhood. Fred and I got in to conversation and I asked if I could take his photograph.

 

One thing I have learned as a photographer is that photographic opportunities are all around us. You do not have to travel to exotic locations or attend world-shattering events to capture good images, although both those scenarios will produce images of note, or they should do. But the mundane and the ordinary can often produce pleasing images. As a case in point,  the shot below was taken one wet afternoon in my backyard.

 

I am also not one of those photographers who is obsessed by the intricacies and technicalities of cameras. I require a camera that meets certain parameters but beyond that I do not engage in “how many angels on a pin” discussions that permeate the fora at DPReview. Having Ilford HP4, Kodachrome 64 and Fujicolor 200 as my “sensor” for so many years probably explains this stance.

I have my favourite camera and lens manufacturers but steer clear of saying one brand is better than another. The person behind the camera is more important than any particular brand.

I remember Kirk Tuck once writing on his blog about a photography workshop he gave one weekend in Austin, Texas. Kirk said that the male members of the audience only wanted to talk about photographic gear, while the women wanted to know how to take better photographs. I am definitely with the women — photography is, or should be, all about images.

The photographs on this page are ©Calvin Palmer 2010. All Rights Reserved. Their use is not allowed without written permission.