Photography as a means of finding yourself -- for real?

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  • Опубліковано 17 гру 2024

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  • @TheRobertpainter
    @TheRobertpainter 3 місяці тому +13

    There are so many photographer videos on UA-cam. Many of them are more about the video than the actual photographs. They invest so much time into production of the video and so little time to the actual photography.
    You, sir, are a real photographer who speaks frankly about real photography. What really resonates, besides the echo of you voice off the walls of your low production table top GoPro camera in a minimalist dining room that we all love(!), is your candid off the wall clear joy of photography and these beautiful old cameras you share with us. You inspire me to go outside and take pictures. Thank you for who you are and for making these videos about your experiences. I’m always anxious to see “next time, something else” from you.

    • @Mike_On_Film
      @Mike_On_Film 3 місяці тому

      I tried to explain this very thing to a friend of mine a couple of days ago we were talking about a popular influencer and I said “you know they’re really more of a UA-camr and not much of a photographer…..”

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +2

      Thank thanks. Yes, I admit I could put a little bit more effort into the production -- but I'm more interested in putting that effort into photography :-)

    • @TheRobertpainter
      @TheRobertpainter 3 місяці тому +2

      @@ShootOnFilm it’s that light on production heavy on photography that I love. The way you currently do it. We love.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      @@TheRobertpainter Thanks, thanks!

  • @carbonejack
    @carbonejack 3 місяці тому +6

    You are making sense...good sense. I'm 79 years old and still trying to figure out who I am. I've been taking photographs since I was about 12 years old. I don't have a "style" that would define who I am through my photography. But I've always felt that my cameras and my photographs were ways to be creative and expressive. Every once in a while I would have a "eureka" moment, but those were fleeting. I never consciously thought about photography and a way to look at who I was. And since maybe it wasn't conscious, it might be sub-conscious. So, maybe a little digging is in order. Your take on this inspires me to go on a journey of self-refection through me images. Good stuff.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks, thanks. Yeah, this is a very personal thing. This may not fit for all of us. I mean, some people seem more ready to define who they are -- it's almost like they've found their place, and that's it. But for the rest of us, the beauty lies in the act of exploration, I think.

  • @chrisbone7149
    @chrisbone7149 3 місяці тому +4

    I just read this quote from Oscar Wilde/Stephen Fry, it seems to fit.
    “Oscar Wilde said that if you know what you want to be, then you inevitably become it - that is your punishment, but if you never know, then you can be anything. There is a truth to that. We are not nouns, we are verbs. I am not a thing - an actor, a writer - I am a person who does things - I write, I act - and I never know what I am going to do next. I think you can be imprisoned if you think of yourself as a noun.”
    ~Stephen Fry

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      That was very well said!

  • @janemcleod3594
    @janemcleod3594 3 місяці тому +7

    This quote from Ansel Adams is one of my favourites - “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” Thank you for paying it forward Ari - I so enjoy the content you put out on your channel. I often find it thought-provoking and it encourages me to pursue work that is meaningful and heartfelt.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you, thank you. And Ansel himself was an excellent example of that layered self -- being a concert pianist!

  • @ejorbe
    @ejorbe 3 місяці тому +3

    Wow. I didn’t know I needed that. I have felt trapped in what people have labeled me to be that I have felt that’s how I should always be. Man, I needed this today! Thank you for reminding me to be me.

  • @stephenm103
    @stephenm103 3 місяці тому +3

    Standing O - Ari I applaud your introspection into your photography journey. As you point out, at one level, this is a very technical pursuit concerned with exposure latitude, bath temperatures and times but also at the other end of the spectrum it CAN be purely about the smiles, tears, or pursuits of those beings with whom we are blessed to share barely a shutter exposure in the continuum of life on this earth. I love that you are exploring the less-technical and more personal side of the craft. For me, Danny Lyon characterizes this well when he said - "You put a camera in my hand, I want to get close to people. Not physically close, emotionally close, all of it. It’s part of the process. It’s a very weird thing being a photographer."

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Oh, thanks you! I really love that Lyon quote!

  • @GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496
    @GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496 3 місяці тому +1

    A great insight into how we might think of ourselves. I’m retired now and can see how liberating this new perspective on self can be. I will have to ponder this … thanks very much! Yet another excellent video … I’m already looking forward to your next something new!

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Aging is also a blessing. It helps us not take ourselves so seriously and allows us to look at ourselves like outsiders. That's liberating!

  • @danncorbit3623
    @danncorbit3623 3 місяці тому +6

    Jackson Pollack said, "Every good painter paints what he is."

  • @doughaug
    @doughaug 3 місяці тому +1

    I used to read Ralph Hattersley's column in one of the photo magazines, and then bought his book 'Discover Your Self Through Photography'. I need to dig that out and revisit the parts of my life I have forgotten. Thank you for the reminder.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      I didin't know about the book. I gotta check it out! Thanks.

  • @genegoranov5865
    @genegoranov5865 3 місяці тому +1

    In classical philosophy this search was immortalized with the phrase over the door of Apollo's Temple, " Know thyself ". And Socrates' feeling about this crystalized in the opinion that he knows nothing, and this was the heights of wisdom according to the Delphic Oracle. Sometimes I, personally, envy Taoism with its constant advise to become one with the Nature/Universe, and loose this western coveted identity, this individualistic hunger for placing Self in the center. The other day, I heard a quote that art is not what the act is about, but it's about HOW. So , of course , linguistically or better, propositionally it is impossible to define a character of Self. On the musical side , though, I like theologian Baltazar's definition of truth, that it is symphonic, that it is many layered , polyphonic, contrapuntal.. I mean it is not for nothing human is supposed to be created in the image of God, and who can pinpoint divinity in one sentence? ;=0. So it is very interesting to view one's gallery of images as a complicated song of Self's facets, the footprints that hint at your identity.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Interesting. I'm also not saying I know myself. I'm just exploring it through photography. And the purpose of this exploration is not necessarily to find anything. Exploration itself is the goal.

  • @davidalexandrephotos
    @davidalexandrephotos 3 місяці тому

    A very Korzybskian video, “the word is not the thing it represents”. I love the last image, like a reflexion on life …

  • @davidwalsh566
    @davidwalsh566 3 місяці тому +1

    Philosophical and thought-provoking, exploring deeper motivations for photography that most of us probably never thought about. From the ethereal and mysterious qualities of your chosen pictures I don't think many people would imagine you have a highly technical job as a software engineer. That's a good thing! The true Ari is perhaps expressed more faithfully in the photos than in the job title: you are free to be yourself rather than playing a role to satisfy the expectations of others.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Thanks! I always found it difficult to introduce myself just by announcing my job title. :-)

  • @The_Truck_Photo_Agency
    @The_Truck_Photo_Agency 3 місяці тому

    Good observations as always. I appreciate your video!

  • @thisisframes
    @thisisframes 3 місяці тому

    Wonderful video, Ari. Looking at the images you shared I feel like you like the unknown, and you enjoy the search, without necessarily finding what you are looking for. We are similar, I think. It’s interesting that we both play a piano, interesting that you are a software specialist - someone who actually has to be finding solutions. But photography digs deeper, I think. Greetings, Tomasz.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you, Tomasz. You are absolutely right. It is this search, this journey, that often defines us. Not the destination!

  • @jimpalmer5217
    @jimpalmer5217 3 місяці тому

    Ari, Once again beautiful images plus excellent philosophy. I completely follow what you're saying and totally agree. It expresses succinctly what I'm feeling as I try to make my photographs more "artistic". This is why I so enjoy watching your videos. Thank you.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Thank you! I'm happy if I managed to explain at least partially what I think. Thanks :-)

  • @izzyleicanut9190
    @izzyleicanut9190 3 місяці тому

    I agree. My hidden haracter is manifested in the images that I make. That is the only outlet which I have to express myself. Thank you for sharing. Love your images. Deep and full of meaning.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      It is an excellent outlet as you don't need to explain it, if you don't want. Pictures are just pictures!

  • @robg3545
    @robg3545 3 місяці тому +1

    I had to watch that montage of pictures a few times. Absolutely beautiful. I wish I could have taken just one of them! I think one of the great problems with our time is the need for some people to put labels on everyone. For me, its destructive. I'm not sure if my photography is anything more than recording what I see, but thats what I get for being left-brained and am greatly envious of 'the eye' of creative people. Very interesting vlog Ari.

  • @loupetho
    @loupetho 3 місяці тому

    It's an important topic that goes to why we take photographs in the first place. Yes, photographs can show us who we are, but from personal experience, they reflect our mood at the time. It's like a meditation. Thoughts that mull around in our conscious or subconscious mind can be projected onto scenes around us when we take a photo. Sometimes the personal meaning behind an image comes later. I had this happen with a photograph I took a month ago, just before watching your video. Then again, does it have meaning only now and not at the time of taking the image! Looking at the body of your work is important for this. I love your images, though (and this may be because of the music), I found them a little melancholic, there was a sense of isolation and sense that you are still looking for something.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Yeah, I may be a melancholy person after all. Dunno. But I don't mind. That's me :-)

    • @loupetho
      @loupetho 3 місяці тому

      @@ShootOnFilm Just a personal observation ... it takes one to know one. Thanks for all you videos.

  • @jovandevijver9400
    @jovandevijver9400 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing! Good reasoning, striking photos, beautiful music

  • @tedphillips2951
    @tedphillips2951 3 місяці тому

    To me your photos & UA-cam channel display who you are & that, IMO, is a very complex, talented & interesting person. I enjoy your dialogs very much.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching and commenting! Means a lot.

  • @jasongold6751
    @jasongold6751 3 місяці тому

    I always wanted to record what I saw! It became an obsession.Super video! Bravo!

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Thanks thanks! And thanks for watching!

  • @attrell64
    @attrell64 3 місяці тому

    Great thoughts thanks Ari

  • @johnyoung1606
    @johnyoung1606 3 місяці тому +2

    I Take Photos, Therefore I Am !!!!! :) :) :)

  • @Wpoolesf
    @Wpoolesf 3 місяці тому

    Thanks, Ari. The explanation was admirably clear; the images admirably ambiguous. Love your photos.

  • @smsellars
    @smsellars 3 місяці тому

    Thanks Ari, as usual you’re both thought provoking and entertaining! 😎 I’ve only recently started to solicit outside feedback on my photography. I think my images probably reflect my inner persona or personality but that certainly isn’t clear in my mind. Some from many years ago still resonate with me, but the exercise you tried might help me better understand what level of individual creativity or art that might be lurking in there? Cheers, Stephen

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Thank you, Stephen. I think it really is the exploration that matters -- not the final definition :-)

  • @simonarmstrong3125
    @simonarmstrong3125 3 місяці тому

    Another great vignette of brain food. 👏
    For a long time now, I’ve been trying to use my photography to gain a deeper understanding of my essential self. Something beyond the labels of others, or the limitations that I’ve accepted, or have created for myself. It’s really hard. I feel lost in the woods a lot of the time, but very occasionally, I feel like I’ve unlocked another piece of the puzzle. Each time I do, I feel I grow a little, but then get lost again. It’s a struggle. I’ve never called myself an artist, but maybe this is what it means to be one? I feel like the answers are there…just around the next corner.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      But maybe the travel, the journey itself, is important. Not arriving .....

    • @simonarmstrong3125
      @simonarmstrong3125 3 місяці тому

      @@ShootOnFilm Absolutely. The answer is the question.

  • @davidottman9501
    @davidottman9501 3 місяці тому

    Many thanks Ari! I'm going to chew on this for a long while. Not so much to understand, no, you've been perfectly clear. It's the new thoughts and ideas of inspiration that are challenging.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks thanks -- I like that. I don't claim I'm right or correct here. But I'm happy if I can make you think about your own life and craft ....

  • @ruudmaas2480
    @ruudmaas2480 3 місяці тому

    Wel said.

  • @GaryIrving-x5o
    @GaryIrving-x5o 3 місяці тому

    In taking a photograph one gazes outward and inward in the same moment.📷✨

  • @iainmc9859
    @iainmc9859 3 місяці тому +1

    One of the most damaging aspects of self-worth for men is the frequent and immediate question posed by strangers: "What do you do?". In other words 'What's your job ?', and then you're labelled, in effect you've labelled yourself. I refuse to give a sensible answer to that question anymore: usually replying something like 'ageing matinee idol', or 'international playboy' or 'as little as possible' ... if they want to get to know me they have to try harder.
    Am I a photographer ... sometimes, am I a poet ... sometimes, am I a bad influence ... most of the time 😁

  • @visualismeditate
    @visualismeditate 3 місяці тому

    We are creative in many different things we do, so we can not be defined by only one!

  • @haraldwarholm2396
    @haraldwarholm2396 3 місяці тому

    Yes, that is truly a liberating though. Well said, M! 😊

  • @stephensmith8325
    @stephensmith8325 3 місяці тому

    I read a quote today, via Tomasz' "Behind Frames" newsletter, which I found liberating because it de-mystified photography, and gave personal meaning to it at the same time. It is from the great photographer Garry Winogrand (died 1984): “I photograph to see what the world looks like in photographs.” Garry Winogrand

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Oh, that is quite well said!!!

  • @stuartbaines2843
    @stuartbaines2843 3 місяці тому +2

    Thanks M.Johnson 🖖

  • @rewahl
    @rewahl 3 місяці тому +1

    ..who I am is a veeerry varied subject. So, I can say, that my person influences my fotographie, not more. To have hobbies, is very helpfull and healthy to have more "worlds" outboard my profession/label (that would reduce my person)...Greatings from the 35° C hot Black Forest ...

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      We are blessed if we can live rich lives with multiple interests. I always envier Leonardo Da Vinci :-)

  • @David-f1o4c
    @David-f1o4c 3 місяці тому

    The quote is interesting, but applies best to a person with a creative process with a single are of interest, such as environmental pictures. Not sure how that applies to me, who mainly takes nudes, urban decay and cars.
    I agree that a job title can, and often does, define a person.
    But what I don't get, Ari, is that your selected pictures represent you. I thought this as soon as you said it - I didn't need to wait to see the selection. As a person, you are warm, amusing, friendly, open. At work, I imagine you are both an efficient manager of resources, but also mentor and more of a team lead, rather than a 'boss'. But your pictures are isolated, cold, sometimes bleak, lonely, usually without people and such people as are in shot, are usually unrecognisable and appear to be of the environment as opposed to being with you. They speak of place, rather than of you.
    I really like your work. I love its moody melancholy, discipline and sense of place. But I don't think it represents a warm, loving family man who I'd like to have a beer with in the pub and chat about photography.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      Very interesting. Maybe there is a dark side to me :-). But in all honesty, you may have a point here. Even though I may be more melancholy in my private life than in public, Dunno. And as Elton John said: "Sad songs say so much" .... But i take your input as something I want to think about a bit more -- so thank you! Very valuable!

  • @lupindeweir
    @lupindeweir 3 місяці тому +1

    :) Yes I've ordered a Great week for the both of you, I hope it comes in on time! -a random mike

  • @buyaport
    @buyaport 3 місяці тому

    I understand the comment quite differently: An exploration of oneself is completely different than a definition (which comes from Latin "finis", meaning border , limit, end, and even death). To explore means to venture into something unknown, means progress (e.g. of knowledge or skill), means transgressing borders and limits. -- Now, for me photography is more the exploration of the world including the people who live in it. And that is because at any given moment it is me that makes the photograph, not the photograph that makes me. Until now I have never discovered myself through any picture I have taken -- but then I do not take selfies...

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      I tried to explain this difference between "definition" and "exploration" in part by using the terms "external definition", aka definition," and "internal definition of me," aka exploration. But I agree, using "definition" and "exploration" more clearly separately would have been better!

  • @robhosailor
    @robhosailor 3 місяці тому

    Dear Ari,
    Who am I? This sounds exactly like a koan in Zen in the Rinzai tradition. I practiced Zen with a koan - it was about meditation, not about solving a puzzle in a rational, speculative way, so when I take photographs I do not try to define or discover who I am by taking photographs. I take photographs because I am who (what) I am. I do not discover or define myself by taking photographs. If anything, my photographs define me on a discursive level, just like any other activity of mine.
    Best regards!

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Very insightful. Love the way you describe it!

  • @David-f1o4c
    @David-f1o4c 3 місяці тому +1

    To be clear - the quote of mjohnson is interesting...

  • @kstrohmeier
    @kstrohmeier 3 місяці тому +2

    Do our photographs define us, or do we define our photographs?
    I believe the answer is yes.

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому

      I believe you are right. Yes.

  • @aaronalbores3999
    @aaronalbores3999 3 місяці тому

    maybe we're just getting old... and that's why we start tormenting ourselves with existential questions. And that definition of yourself, does it define who you are or just what you do? It's not the same thing. Who you are is how you live, how you love, how you treat others and yourself. I consider myself an artist, a musician, a photographer, but never created anything remotely relevant, so who cares? and does it matter? What matters is that I feel good doing what I do, allowing me to keep creating, failing and learning. does it make sense?

    • @ShootOnFilm
      @ShootOnFilm  3 місяці тому +1

      Makes total sense. But I think being myself is more than what I do and how. I mean, how I treat others may very well define my worth in this universe, but it is still an external definition. IMHO.

  • @rossmansell5877
    @rossmansell5877 3 місяці тому

    Crikey no wonder there are so many people with nervous breakdowns - spending time about who the hell they are...🤣🤣🤣

  • @chriscard6544
    @chriscard6544 3 місяці тому

    Im a carrot

    • @rewahl
      @rewahl 3 місяці тому +1

      congratulation!

    • @chriscard6544
      @chriscard6544 3 місяці тому

      @@rewahl thank you

    • @2252269
      @2252269 3 місяці тому +2

      This is the first time I had to pause the video. The gears in my brain started rattling. They still do. Thanks.