Photography and me

As a child I was always happier being on the outside looking in rather than wanting to be in the limelight seeking attention. This has stayed with me into adulthood and whilst it could lead to the assumption that I am a misanthrope, the truth is, I am interested in people but I get as much, if not more, enjoyment observing others as I do interacting with them. It is this enjoyment of observing others which naturally led to a passion for images and film.

There are certain historical photographs which I think have transcended the art and made a strong and lasting impression on me over the years. There are too many to list but four that instantly come to my mind are; Steve McCurry’s “Afghan Girl”, Nic Ut’s “Napalm Girl”, John Rooney’s “Ali Standing over Liston” (or Neil Leifer’s version if you prefer colour) and Don McCullin’s “Near Checkpoint Charlie”.

I believe a truly great photograph captures a moment in time, provides the context of the situation and leaves the viewer wanting to know more. These four photos are very different in terms of genre and execution but what makes them memorable for me is that they all do this.

I dabbled with photography throughout my teens, 20’s, 30’s and 40’s usually reserving my image making for holidays and the occasional photoshoot of a significant event or day out. The introduction of digital photography began the journey to becoming a passionate hobbyist. Over the years, I have worked my way through countless point and shoot, DSLRs, mirrorless and rangefinders cameras, diminishing my bank balance and adding to my knowledge and ability along the way.

Having tried most genres of photography, I keep coming back to documentary/street as the one that provides me with the greatest enjoyment and satisfaction. That said, I will happily point my camera at anything that catches my eye.

New York City 2000 - Pentax P30t, 28-80mm

Findhorn Beach 2021 - Leica M Monochrom Typ 246, Summarit 50mm f.2.4

Today, my enjoyment of photography can be broken down into the following areas;

Gear

Put simply, I love gadgets and tech and therefore cameras.

From the humble Box Brownie to the feature packed wonders available today, cameras fascinate and seduce me in equal measure. The desire to look at the new cameras and lenses that come to market and then go down the upgrade or brand swap route continues unabated.

As with all hobbies there are also countless related accessories to add into the equation.

Today I own a ridiculous number of camera bags, straps, tripods and filters and yet I still look at new releases and periodically add to the collection.

There is no logic to justify this overt consumerism but for me, it is all part of the captivation of photography.

Process

It is not just about the final image.

Clearly photography without a photograph would make no sense. That said, the practise of creating the image gives me as much pleasure as the end result.

Photography provides an opportunity to travel, to visit new towns, cities and countryside, to interact with different people and to appreciate the way light can change what we see and how we see. As a photographer I find I am looking and seeing, taking in more of what is before me and therefore getting more out of the world around me.

I derive great enjoyment out of trying to capture the essence of what I see. Recording a moment or a feeling in a single frame is the main challenge and an essential part of my process.

When I am out with the camera I can remove myself from the everyday hassles and concerns of modern life and to use a cliche, be in the moment.

London 2021 - Leica M Monochrom Typ 246, Summilux 50mm f1.4

Images

Photographs provide a visual record of what has happened. They can be appreciated for the subject matter, the technical expertise or the emotion they engender. A photo perceived as great art by some is a snapshot to others, it doesn’t matter.

As Ansel Adams said “There are two people in every photograph: the photographer and the viewer”. As a photographer, if I am happy with the image that is the most important thing. If others like it, I view that as an added bonus.

The joy of holding a printed photograph is as strong today as it ever was. Whilst digital photography has brought countless benefits I still get greater satisfaction holding a print or book than viewing on a screen. My favourite photos are printed either as standalone prints or within books and viewing them evokes not only the memory of the place, moment and feelings but also the steps taken (both figuratively and literally) to achieve the shot.

Tokyo 2020 - Fujifilm X-Pro 3, XF 50mm f.2

Tokyo 2020 - Fujifilm X-Pro3, XF 23mm f.2

Florence 2019 - Fujifilm X-T2, XF 23mm f.2

In conclusion, I am a photographer because I like observing people, travelling, capturing memories, documenting the world around me, challenging myself to create something and of course the gear!

Photography is a wonderful art, hobby and profession that has allowed humanity to capture great scenes, moments and emotions and ensure there is a visual record of tomorrow’s history. Being a small part of this is something I cherish.

Maurice Webster - September 2021

Why I bought a Leica M246 Monochrom