Thanks Ergun, great stuff. I think you've been able to articulate well something I hadn't quite realised or put my finger on here. The subject (i.e. laundry, for example) can by its nature be a messy, 3D. Sometimes even ugly by conventional standards. Ordered elements and lines can give it some framing and the space for it's own kind of beauty.
Interesting article. I'm not sure that I saw all the images here as "flat," although the image with the tiles and the bench and that of the apartment bldg definitely - only because to me those felt like they emphasized pattern and geometry, rather than just orderliness. The need to make sense of things by putting them in a specific order or framework is definitely something that is natural to humans (I can't speak about bees, etc. as I am not a bee). Whether literally as in objects, a map from here to there, or more abstract as in an essay with a particular structure leading from a statement to a conclusion, the aim is to focus intently to understand something very specific. I read an article today about how writers do this by eliminating all the distractions that they can in order to focus on their writing. Apparently, our minds are wired to be sensitive to many things at the same time, so focusing deeply takes effort. So to me, that is what you are doing with your photos, it is a way of focusing deeply to understand a specific thing and put it in the spotlight to share with others.
Thanks JE. I like the writing comparison. There's a lot of pruning and honing needed to convey a clear, uncluttered argument or narrative. That focus helps create a spotlight on an idea, character or feeling, just as it can do in photography
I love this article... it speaks to something that I have always been somewhat unconsciously thinking about, but never really put into words. You and I were cut from the same cloth, so it seems. In terms of my own photography, I've never thought of it in terms of flatness, but I definitely love a clean, simple image. I can't stand clutter. I look for the simplest view in my lens, where I am focussed on only one subject, and the surroundings must be clear of distraction. I think, like you, it's a way to find calm in the chaos. We shoot slightly differently... you are drawn to flat, and I am drawn to simple.. but we both are looking for that calm. That window we can control.. because we can't control the chaos outside of the frame.
Thank you Jaime, you always have such lovely words. It's a funny thing, I got about half way through writing this article and started doubting myself because so much of my photography, and what I'm drawn to, isn't always flat or perpendicular. A lot of it is just uncluttered or chasing simplicity. I nearly the changed the title to 'The Philosophy of Neat and Tidy Philosophy' and wrote a whole long section on macro photography, which I'm also falling in love with. At the same time I do love flat photography and get a tingle when I spot a 'flat' so decided to stay with 'flat photography' for this one and fill in any gaps in future pieces. I think the salient element and the thing we absolutely share as passion for, as you say, is that "the surroundings must be clear of distraction". The buzzing chaos outside of the frame is life and it can be beautiful and frustrating and quiet and noisy but the thing we focus our attention, through the lens, gives us a magical window of calm and contentment.
So well said! It’s that feeling of calmness while photographing.. not just the photograph itself! I do hope you post your thoughts on macro photography.. I would so love to read. Wonderful discussion! 😊
Interesting read Tommy. In short, I think you’re on to something.
2D is fine. But for me (as a viewer) I seek something to keep my 3D orientation in order.
I like the green truck with perfectly ordered (perpendicular) back view, because I know it is a truck. With the help of other visual cues, ie the curve of the road in this instance, I get it. Once I get it, I love it maybe because I am rewarded like in the game of hide and seek. You hid, I found.
Similarly I like “flat flats”. I think that is brilliant art. Because once I get closer and see some laundry hung from windows, I get the sheer scale and context. Maybe even a larger meaning such as the brutality of living in a building like that. It speaks to me. Therefore it is a beautiful photograph.
Thanks Ergun, great stuff. I think you've been able to articulate well something I hadn't quite realised or put my finger on here. The subject (i.e. laundry, for example) can by its nature be a messy, 3D. Sometimes even ugly by conventional standards. Ordered elements and lines can give it some framing and the space for it's own kind of beauty.
Interesting article. I'm not sure that I saw all the images here as "flat," although the image with the tiles and the bench and that of the apartment bldg definitely - only because to me those felt like they emphasized pattern and geometry, rather than just orderliness. The need to make sense of things by putting them in a specific order or framework is definitely something that is natural to humans (I can't speak about bees, etc. as I am not a bee). Whether literally as in objects, a map from here to there, or more abstract as in an essay with a particular structure leading from a statement to a conclusion, the aim is to focus intently to understand something very specific. I read an article today about how writers do this by eliminating all the distractions that they can in order to focus on their writing. Apparently, our minds are wired to be sensitive to many things at the same time, so focusing deeply takes effort. So to me, that is what you are doing with your photos, it is a way of focusing deeply to understand a specific thing and put it in the spotlight to share with others.
Thanks JE. I like the writing comparison. There's a lot of pruning and honing needed to convey a clear, uncluttered argument or narrative. That focus helps create a spotlight on an idea, character or feeling, just as it can do in photography
I love this article... it speaks to something that I have always been somewhat unconsciously thinking about, but never really put into words. You and I were cut from the same cloth, so it seems. In terms of my own photography, I've never thought of it in terms of flatness, but I definitely love a clean, simple image. I can't stand clutter. I look for the simplest view in my lens, where I am focussed on only one subject, and the surroundings must be clear of distraction. I think, like you, it's a way to find calm in the chaos. We shoot slightly differently... you are drawn to flat, and I am drawn to simple.. but we both are looking for that calm. That window we can control.. because we can't control the chaos outside of the frame.
Thank you Jaime, you always have such lovely words. It's a funny thing, I got about half way through writing this article and started doubting myself because so much of my photography, and what I'm drawn to, isn't always flat or perpendicular. A lot of it is just uncluttered or chasing simplicity. I nearly the changed the title to 'The Philosophy of Neat and Tidy Philosophy' and wrote a whole long section on macro photography, which I'm also falling in love with. At the same time I do love flat photography and get a tingle when I spot a 'flat' so decided to stay with 'flat photography' for this one and fill in any gaps in future pieces. I think the salient element and the thing we absolutely share as passion for, as you say, is that "the surroundings must be clear of distraction". The buzzing chaos outside of the frame is life and it can be beautiful and frustrating and quiet and noisy but the thing we focus our attention, through the lens, gives us a magical window of calm and contentment.
So well said! It’s that feeling of calmness while photographing.. not just the photograph itself! I do hope you post your thoughts on macro photography.. I would so love to read. Wonderful discussion! 😊
Interesting read Tommy. In short, I think you’re on to something.
2D is fine. But for me (as a viewer) I seek something to keep my 3D orientation in order.
I like the green truck with perfectly ordered (perpendicular) back view, because I know it is a truck. With the help of other visual cues, ie the curve of the road in this instance, I get it. Once I get it, I love it maybe because I am rewarded like in the game of hide and seek. You hid, I found.
Similarly I like “flat flats”. I think that is brilliant art. Because once I get closer and see some laundry hung from windows, I get the sheer scale and context. Maybe even a larger meaning such as the brutality of living in a building like that. It speaks to me. Therefore it is a beautiful photograph.