Images

With or without a camera...

I spent twenty-five years of art directing numerous professional photographers, before having any thought of becoming one myself. I considered myself a producer of images. My main occupation was designing identities for organisations and their products.

But then I wanted something more, a more personal involvment in creating the kind of photographic imagery that appeals to me. Several months into a year's sabbatical in France (I recommend it, as if you need encouraging), and under no pressure other than to do as I pleased (well, except write my forthcoming new book) I found myself obsessing about photographic style. This wasn't strickly what I was supposed to be doing. But it was too late: the passion wouldn't let me go.

"I believe that photographs should be simple technically, and easy to look at. They shouldn't be directed at other photographers; their point is to make ordinary people react – to laugh, or to see something they hadn't taken in before, or to be touched."
– Lord Snowdon

And I agree. Good photography, like good design, works when our eyes pass 'through' it – we don't 'see' the manipulation, because our focus is already captured by the way the subject has been presented. I believe a good photograph never appears contrived or staged, and that it celebrates what appears to be natural. Such images heal us, instruct our better self, incite joy and provoke higher thoughts.

I found myself taking both sides of the digital versus film divide, until I realised that it is for the most part irrelevant. Good or bad, digital or film can achieve either. However, I do hold firm opinions about artificial retouching and the computer leading the weaker of those amongst us. I prefer natural light, and the improvised, but I am not against studio lighting where its presence doesn't advertise itself.

"Technique undoubtedly helps make photography magical, but I prefer to work with atmosphere. I think that the obsession with technique is a male thing. Boy's toys. They love playing... but once you've perfected something you have to start searching for a new toy. I would rather search for a new model or location."
– Ellen von Unwerth

And there's a girl if ever there was one. But seriously, technique should never be so vulgar as to advertise itself. The technical is merely a means towards what is art. Is photography an art? Yes, I believe it can be, and I also believe that the artful photograph is more important than the photographer, the image being the one that must speak first. As for photographers in general – and, please, let us forget money for a moment – I believe that the best are those who see, with or without a camera, and who give of themselves – make the picture rather than simply take the picture.