Russell Turner | Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

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In Search of a Deeper Meaning

by admin - 16:59 on 01 April 2010

The latest edition of the Royal Photographic Society Journal, which landed on the doormat yesterday, has left me a trifle testy. Here are a couple of quotes:

“I document objects that lie waiting to be rediscovered, which represent human behaviour. I am interested in the new meaning placed on discovered belongings as they find themselves in a new context, illustrating their lost importance.”

– Emma Sudall, Photographic Media BA student

“Most of the photographs we see show only the obvious. Yes, they may be technically faultless, documenting reality at its best, but what else, apart from the obvious, do they convey?”

– Ines Labunski Robert FRPS

Both their articles are accompanied by unexciting images, the merit of which I obviously don't have the intellect to appreciate.

This is the same kind of snobbery that at the posher end of the book world means a good tale well told is inferior to a turgid tome with a social message. When was the last time a detective novel won the Booker Prize?

It's the attitude that declares an unmade bed is art but a Jack Vettriano painting is a daub.

I know at least three photographers who follow this blog. Do you have a meaning in mind when you press the shutter or are you just after a picture that makes you happy?

This is where I should show off my latest stunning image that would silence all the photo snobs, but the best I can manage is a not-very-sharp siskin. At least I know it's not a greenfinch.

Comment from James at 18:14 on 01 April 2010.

Interesting comment Russell and more than a hint of bull**** from the RPS writers (in my opinion).

I am no 'photographer' but when I set out to take pictures it's to capture something that caught my eye and that I would like to share with others, just like the Siskin.

Ok so not all my shots are pin sharp or of RPS standard but I like them and they mean something to me without trying to convey meaning to others. Does that make sense?

Comment from Cathy at 18:51 on 01 April 2010.

I'm definitely with you on this, Russell. My aim is simply to take a picture that makes me happy. No deep meaning, no complex interpretations, no snobbery. Just enjoyment of the process, and pleasure at the result.

Comment from Emma Flavell at 09:57 on 04 April 2010.

Hmm...The real problem for me is that these people argue something that is as futile as fighting for peace, we all know that Art is subjective, anyone who doesn't will voice their opinions unreservedly , I believe these people are commonly known as Dinosaurs.

I believe that whatever someones taste in Photography, whether it be Nature, Portraiture, Pictorial, Documentary, there is something that is always guaranteed, the Artist whose vision it was, embraced it wholeheartedly, and in Russell's case, a man who is starting out on a very exciting path to success, he takes the images he likes to take, not what some camera club member feels he should be taking. As for the RPS I take offence at their comments, this institution was created for the purpose that Amateur Photographers could learn more about their passion, and convert it into an acknowledgment of achievment. WE ARE ALL Amateurs.

Comment from David at 19:34 on 15 November 2010.

The comment from James is classic - "bullsh*it from the RPS writers". It is a typical reaction of being intimidated by something which you are unable to understand. Perhaps as photography enthusiasts, you should take some time to research photography's position in the art world. Maybe then you would realise that not all photographers take pictures of things that are pretty. Sometimes the artist is driven to create something that is important to them - and who are you to say this is inappropriate? It is not your work.

I am a lecturer in photography, and I would encourage you to take on a course and build up a better understanding of what you think you know about. In the world there exists many more photographers than you!

The RPS has a job to appeal to all types of photographer, and in that it does great. I embrace the new work that we get to see, because surprise surprise, this is the future. There are plenty of photographs of pretty birds EVERYWHERE - it is nice to see some concept for a change.

Comment from louise trevatt at 21:42 on 05 December 2010.

Well, I happen to have seen these images and I don't believe they are difficult to understand. I understand that she has a great interest in objects that were once very important and now find themselves in charity shops or house clearances waiting for someone to come along give them another place to be. The images are beautifully shot. I love your siskin too and I guess every person that sees it will experience something different! That's photography for you.

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