This week’s
INSIGHT
The last push-up is the one that matters because it’s the moment your mind starts negotiating. This week my home was burgled. I didn’t want to do much afterwards, but I still kept the daily agreement I’d made with myself. Keeping your word when it’s convenient proves nothing. Keeping it when life gives you a proper kicking is where it gains its value.
QUESTION
What promise have you made to your photography that you only keep when you feel like it?
CHALLENGE
Choose one place you’ve been meaning to photograph and set an exact day and time to go. Turn up whether you feel inspired or not. Stay for one hour and bring back three photographs—the challenge is to keep the appointment.
the CONTACT SHEET
YOUR INSIGHTS
In last weeks newsletter I invited you to choose one small scene where something is happening or has recently happened, then approach it like a street-scene investigator gathering evidence.
Here are a few of the entries.
David Walker | davewalker.photo
The Quiet
Memories hang over the cold. The paths, usually brimming with life, have been wiped clean by the morning mist. Nothing moves. Nothing speaks. The trees stand like witnesses, their branches disappearing into the fog. Benches sit empty. There is an uneasy stillness. The silence feels less like peace and more like an aftermath.
Noise, laughter, voices, gone.
Only the lingering suspicion remains and the mist is hiding something within it.
What did you attempt?
I love shooting in fog, especially with black and white. I wanted to capture that sense of mystery for this challenge so was straight out with my camera around 6am when I spotted it through the window.
What challenged me?
Trying to cull my images. Had so much fun that I shot almost a zines worth. Might have to put one together!
What did you discover?
Having a theme in mind before going out really helps focus the mind
Steve Purvis | @isosteve100
Exhibit 1 - The Scene.
The Busker playing to the local wine club members.
He was into the music they appeared to be resting taking it all in.
Exhibit 2 - The Evidence.
The guitar and his hands have probably played plenty of tunes.
Music is the medicine for some.
Exhibit 3 - The Proceeds.
Just 21p in the guitar case.
Only needs another £2.79 to buy a coffee.
My Conclusion
The Busker continued playing.
The Local wine club went their own way.
No fortune was made.
Somewhere in the distance, a coffee machine remained out of reach.
Johannes Mueller | @jbmgreece
Very interesting task! After being on the streets scanning possibilities but with no satisfactory result I blew my first chance by removing the “evidence” in front of my home. I was no longer in searching mode, so the scenario presented itself. 3 minutes later I realized how stupid I was. Fortunately I got and took the second chance.
I learned that sharpened awareness and thinking “I must find” is kind of exhausting , while a state of being present and open to whatever may happen more relaxed and rewarding . Expectation leads to disappointment. And if nothing happens sometimes- it’s ok. There are days like this.
Don’t forget … each week, reply to the newsletter with your images and your insights. Get involved and I will share a handful each week right here on the newsletter. Also … tag your images on Social media @idaretoshoot and #idaretoshoot to be featured on DARE.
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