Mamiyaroid 7.5

Beauty in Photography

I have a post it up on my wall above this computer on which I wrote “Must beauty be learned?”

I don’t have an answer, but it’s a question I think of often.

A few weeks ago I watched a talk given by Cig Harvey, whose work personifies sumptuous beauty. I mistrust my instinct that adores her work. I’m still figuring out what that’s about.

In her talk she was generous in discussing her influences, mainly photography writing, but was cagey about gear. After the talk I realized she probably didn’t want to be seen as a brand ambassador, especially if she isn’t an official affiliate of any one brand. But I do notice that professional photographers would rather their work not be tied to their gear but rather their personal vision. It’s funny, considering how many hobbyist photographers fetishize gear rather than the work.

One book she recommended, that I’m slowly working my way through, is Beauty in Photography, by Robert Adams. I’ve only read the preface and the first essay, but I immediately fell for his unpretentious conviction.

“Among the biggest shifts in photography since the book was written has been a move away from black and white to color. Because there are no examples of color in the book, or mention of its use, readers have wondered whether I find it unimportant. To the contrary, any method by which form can be effectively recorded and meaning affirmed seems to me important, and were I to write the book over I would try to include successful examples. If, as a personal matter, I have chosen not to make color pictures, it is because I have remembered how hard it is to write good free verse, with which color photography has some similarities, both being close to what occurs naturally.”

That’s just in the preface but gives me so much to think about!

As I work from home I have little still life set ups on my windowsill and filing cabinet that the light can highlight at different times of day. If I’m here for so many hours of the day (more than not) I need a little something for my eye.

Itype film using the mamiyaroid. I bought those now-faded peonies for Mother’s Day, and I found that soundtrack on the street.

My beloved Spectra film, working through my last packs…

Until next time…

Adalena

I love to receive comments and questions about photography and cameras!

My email: adalenakavanagh@gmail.com

Instagram: @mamiyaroid (instant/film) @5redpandas (personal)

Twitter: @adalenakavanagh

Also, if you’re thinking of buying Polaroid film for the first time, here is my referral code, which gets you 10% off, and I get some reward points.

Original photography prints: adalenakavanagh.bigcartel.com (I change out the shop every month of so. If you see something you like, let me know, I’m happy to make you a print.)

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-Adalena Kavanagh