PHOTOGRAPHY-21

 PHOTOGRAPHY-21

Logic and continuity demand conceptual clarity of what photography is all about. Is it taking pictures, using a camera? Is it  an act demanding expensive equipment and exhaustive team of men and gadgets? Is it somethimg meant for really rich persons to roam around in robes and attire not within the reach of the common man?  All such suggestions are simultaneously irrelevant and stupid. In plain terms photography is a Scientific Art, requiring observations that cater to different perceptions from ‘angle of view’.  A dramatic effect in picture can be brought out without we [the photographer[s]] enacting a drama on the scene.  A photographer is one who speaks only through his camera ; rather his/ her camera speaks what the master ‘wants us to see or observe’  .  Instead , on many occasions, the photographer is an aggressive intruder imposing restrictions on all close relatives on an event asking them to move off , leaving the area free for him/her to  take convenient positions for work.  Also, they keep dictating loud instructions like ‘look here’. ‘Turn that side’, ‘look at him or her’ , ‘keep the gift item in your hands’ and above all ‘ tilt  your face to right a bit more’ . ALL THESE ARE HOLLOW EFFORTS OF A SHALLOW HEAD , trying to make us believe of the person’s supreme concern for quality pictures. Seldom they achieve it because , once asked to do a thing the person gets frozen and rigid with no semblance of happiness – a logical product on a joyous occasion. The stupid photographer destroys the natural candid moments that are part of any celebration. After all, it is a basic lesson in photography that photographer engages his/ her client through a friendly conversation , so that the visitor is at ease with the new  settings of massive lights, back drops and other outfits that go with a studio. [The same approach is followed by selection committee panelists who try to soften the ‘mood’ of candidates before technical questions are flung at them]. Photography being a scientific art abides by rules [Science] and dexterity of approach  [ Art]. To be a master craftsman, it is essential to be thorough with the craft’s work rules and to cultivate polite manners of communication through eye movements/ gestures. These niceties are fading out fast and personnel on job [photographers] make loud utterances trying to enforce ‘organizing efforts’ to make the subjects tow their line. Invariably, the outcome is a poor shadow of the ideal presentation.

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