24 Oct Why can photography be so powerful?
As photography represents the three dimensional world albeit in two dimensions as a print or in digital format the result can impact the viewer like no other medium. This is due to the nature of our emotional response to the content which can of course vary hugely and depending on the photographer can deliver on uplifting truths from everyday life that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The expression of the photographer is most successful when they become at one with the subject and the channelling of this energy magnetises them to an expression of some worth to the eventual viewer and in my case is to empower and leave them better off because of the experience. When the photographers heart and head are aligned and balanced in energy, powerful images can be the result especially if there is no unhealthy attachment to a desired outcome and in my case is to evoke a positive feeling in response to the work and less about a narrative or any head driven conditioned thinking. This can leave the viewer affected by exposure to the picture as if they were literally standing in front of the scene. The suggestibility of the brain is such that it is easily influenced by imagery, and here in lies the real power of why photography can make such a difference on a very real level. Being a fine art photographer to me is a responsibility to share positive imagery that can hopefully supercede time and allow a certain truth be told.
Accompanying Image: Mongolian Boy in outer Mongolia
By Patrick Donald Documentary Photographer