By John Siskin
As the year comes to a close I’ve been thinking about photography generally, or the gadgets or the tricks or even the specific photographs. I’ve been thinking about what photography is. Basically it is a way to communicate. I can tell you about the condition of a spark plug or a house that is up for sale. I can also hope to say something that is basically beyond works a poetic or a Zen communication. While I think that all of us, who think of ourselves as photographers are trying to at least participate in the latter style of communication, I’d like to say a few words about the more workaday forms of photography. I find that there is something incredibly satisfying in making an image that communicates something that is both important for a client and in some way beautiful. While I often try to make visual poems I find it very special to be able to execute craft well. I enjoy the challenges of commercial photography.
Now I started in photography because I saw an Edward Weston photograph when I was in high school. Edward could make an image that communicated, not just what a thing was, but in some way, what its essence is. There have been times that I have been lucky enough to see some of that in my photographs, on a good day anyway.
I’ve been doing photography for about thirty-five years. I still find the challenges and the art compelling. I hope all of you will have a chance to practice the craft and make a few compelling images. I am attaching three images to this blog. One is a commercial image, another is an image I took a few days ago, and the third is one of my all time favorites. No prizes for guessing which is which. Have a great New Year and may your batteries last as long as you need them to.
 Entry Way © John H. Siskin All rights reserved |  Union Station #1, Los Angeles © John H. Siskin All rights reserved |
 Clouds © John H. Siskin All rights reserved |
Comments