I’ve always thought that the measure of a photographer isn’t necessarily their ability to capture a tack sharp shot of a cheetah stalking an antelope on the Serengeti or a stunning composition of a rugged, snow-covered peak towering over an alpine lake. In those situations, any competent photographer can usually take a few impressive photos. On the other hand, creating photos that inspire viewers with the beauty in our day-to-day lives is difficult. To see things others walk past and turn them into compelling compositions is a challenging mix of craft and creativity that many photographers will never achieve or even bother to attempt.
While I’ve always aspired to take compelling photos of ordinary things, I haven’t always devoted a lot of time to it. And that’s where COVID-19 comes into the picture. In the last few months, with significant travel not a possibility, I’ve spent a lot more time than I typically would at local parks and beaches. The ever-present geese and gulls are typically viewed as nuisances rather than as beautiful birds. But the fact that they over-populate because they thrive in the artificial environments we create doesn’t make them less worthy of appreciation. Being common instead of rare doesn’t make a bird or animal inherently less interesting or beautiful. It takes effort to set aside our preconceived ideas, observe them and learn to showcase their beauty. Working to create a compelling photo can be both a photographic training tool and a way to help us and others appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us every day.
In their song “Pieces of Eight” in 1978, Styx sang,
I hurry through my life never stopping to see
How beautiful it was meant to be.
One of many reasons I enjoy photography is that it forces me to slow down and see the world in a way that I wouldn’t otherwise. It provides an opportunity for me to experience the beauty in the ordinary and share it with others.