Not Pictured; An Introduction

The first thing that may enter your head as you read this introduction is why I've decided to call the blog "Not Pictured". I guess it's time to explain myself.

As I see it, photography isn't just about the image you see presented before you. There are countless elements that come together to form a great picture. These, of course, vary depending upon exactly what image you are trying to create.

Preparation, making a connection with the person you are photographing, foresight, predicting where and when the moment you want to capture will happen, sudden inspiration, an outside influence or suggestion, perhaps from the subjects themselves, working with unfavourable conditions and discovering a new approach as a result, sheer physical effort (for example, hefting your gear another half an hour up that mountain to see what you can find).

Then you have your own personal style and what has affected it and caused it to develop over time. This ranges far and wide also, from the photography you enjoy the most, to the films you watch, the kind of art you enjoy, the music you listen to, the books you read, everything.

These are just a few examples of the influences behind the final image you see, just a few of the things that are not pictured.

As a result, my intention is to make this blog a mixture of photography discussion and general discussion, discovering my own influences and reasons for my approach to photography. You don't have to know anything about f stops, ISO, spot metering, key shifting and other such exciting terms in order to understand what's going on, although I can't promise I won't get techy from time to time.

Which brings me nicely to a little something I'll leave you to think about. There's an age old question about photography; is it an art or a science? Everyone has their own answer, but I would say it is art with a small, yet essential, sprinkling of science. Like a big chocolate cake with a side order of spinach. If that makes sense.

My first topic (with actual photographic content!) will be all about landscapes. I'll be asking what exactly qualifies as a landscape, and how in the world do you make them at all interesting?


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