I seem to be on a blogging spree these past couple of weeks. I really don’t know why, but mainly I think it’s because I’m in a good place. A happy place.
It has been brought to my attention quite often that people like to read these blogposts that include a little bit of personal involvement. So here I go again! More emotional blabber 😛
I have seen myself drifting a bit from my original street-photography base over the last 6 months or so. Its not that I don’t enjoy street photography anymore. I do, but I have things happening around me that intrigues my curiosity far more. These things are mainly related to my children. They’re embracing the coming of summer with an enthusiasm and joy that is more contagious than a norovirus. So, naturally this is where I point my focus (and my cameras). They’re my everything, and seeing them develop polarised feelings, and relating to them is a true marvel.
After posting some recent shots in a facebook group, a good friend reminded me of a photographer that I have actually adored for years. I have one of his books, and if you don’t know him, then you’re simply missing out! – His name is Alain Laboile and his series La Famille is among some of the most awe inspiring family shots I’ve ever seen.
What he does so well, and what I humbly try to achieve is that elusive closeness. Bringing that intimacy of delicate situations and trying to overcome the emotional barrier of the presence of a camera is so damn hard, and requires 1000x more effort from me as a photographer than any other discipline that I could ever shoot.
Four Faces of Emil – Sunday morning
Some photographers really think that gear and artificial lights and modifiers are hard to master. But they really aren’t! – Simply put, to master equipment and lighting you have to study, and you’ll eventually get there. Not that hard. Just a matter of discipline!
But what IS hard, is bringing emotion from occurring situations into the minds of the viewers. This can not be taught by reading theories of composition and lighting, manuals and intstructions. This can only be achieved by LIVING and breathing the situation.
This is why I tend to shoot my kids so much. I can find nothing more satisfying yet challenging to do with a camera in my hands.
The wash
GFX50s – GF63mm f/2.8
(needless to say, my camera and I got soaked!)
LIVING and breathing the situation. Nicely said Jonas… Love in mind… and it shows in the pictures!
I feel exactly the same way. Great post Jonas!!
Your time with your treasures will prove brief. I am happy for you that you and your wife are living life in the moment with and through them. Thank you for sharing what you are living. I, like so many, enjoy, savor and study your art. Respect, Mark
Some of these shots are quite Laboilesk actually. When I saw RASK2459 on Instagram, I initially thought it was a Laboile. There, you’ve got it man… 🙂
Hi Jonas. A few weeks ago I gave commented your children portraits. Concerning the pictures you have now published, I can only repeat myself: very both im- and expressive. Carry on.
Knud Haaning
Wonderful thoughts and photos!
Didn’t you get dark corners by using Minolta lenses on that big sensor??? =O
I know the feeling about shooting your own kids. I think I like it more than your street photography because it’s more relatable than people crossing a cross walk with a shadow hitting them in a peculiar way. In the grand scheme of life it’s just more interesting.
I’d much rather shoot my daughter and nieces than street photography or even landscape because it’s time sensitive and there is a realness to it, a candid expression that you just can’t find anywhere else.