All I did was take the photo...

[Sherlock77]

This may not be what you think it is

I self describe myself as a semi-pro photographer, and recently offered to photograph a memorial music jam for a musician who passed away in mid-October, I took one particular photo when the "moment of silence" was a recording of one of his songs as people truly paid their respects...

Earlier today my friend (the lady holding the cup in this photo) posted it on her Facebook, describing how much she loved it, plus a blurb about the musician who died, as on Monday there was another memorial jam

When there are times like that, in a sense I go into - not quite - a robotic mode, but I see myself as the photographer grabbing the moment, looking for the right framing...

I do sense an emotion related to it, but I'm also very logical in my approach and my feelings

I have often had people have emotional reactions to some of my photos, when I know my approach to it had zero emotions, this is one such case...

 

[Isadoorian]

very nice!

 

[JDShredds]

I think there's a certain gift in being able to remove oneself from the influence of emotion and focusing on the task at hand. Sometimes, as odd as it may seem, it can be the most stabilizing force in the situation. People having emotional reactions to your work is validation of your method.

And I do quite like that photo, btw.

As an aside, I happen to be a musician that is going to need a photographer soon. That's neither here nor there (Huh. I just realized I use that phrase but now that I think about it, I don't understand it at all, I just know the context people use it in. What does here and there have to do with relevancy?).

Ahem. Anyway. Back to focusing on your craft sans emotion. I experience plenty of that in songwriting and recording, though I will say it is perhaps the only effective way I've ever found - perhaps aside from writing (hence lyrics) - that can articulate what I think and feel beyond my limited ability to express "normally." But in the act of execution, emotion is generally a hinderance. Not that its usually a problem or distraction for me in the first place.

 

[Fino]

I saw the photo before reading the post because I always check how long a post is before attempting to read it (lol) and was amazed when I finally read your words!

I had an immediate emotional reaction, too!

I wish I could tell you what emotions, I generally can't do that, but I sure did stare for a while!

If I save it, is that stealing?

 

[sidd851]

This may not be what you think it is

I self describe myself as a semi-pro photographer, and recently offered to photograph a memorial music jam for a musician who passed away in mid-October, I took one particular photo when the "moment of silence" was a recording of one of his songs as people truly paid their respects...

Earlier today my friend (the lady holding the cup in this photo) posted it on her Facebook, describing how much she loved it, plus a blurb about the musician who died, as on Monday there was another memorial jam

When there are times like that, in a sense I go into - not quite - a robotic mode, but I see myself as the photographer grabbing the moment, looking for the right framing...

I do sense an emotion related to it, but I'm also very logical in my approach and my feelings

I have often had people have emotional reactions to some of my photos, when I know my approach to it had zero emotions, this is one such case...

View attachment 51287

Outstanding photo!
Bravo!

 

[disconnected]

Great Job!

 

[Sherlock77]

...

I wish I could tell you what emotions, I generally can't do that, but I sure did stare for a while!

If I save it, is that stealing?

Go ahead... I downsized it anyway...

 

[Pats]

You tend to capture emotion and life often in your photos. This one is no exception.
Just to ponder, do you think you capture things you are feeling or unable to feel at the time when you can better experience it through the photos?
I try to capture everything I can in photos - especially scenic views that I want to savor. I took a trip through Utah with my sister once and she asked why I took so many pictures. She said she doesn't take any, she can buy a postcard. But to me, a postcard is not me being there in the moment. Possibly being out of my comfort zone, though I may love every minute of the sights, I can't be there 100%, so in the photos I can bring it home with me and enjoy it more. It's almost like I can experience things better through my photos. Does that make any sense at all?

 

[china autie]

That photo is wonderful.

Sometimes our attachment to our own work gets in the way of being able to improve our crafts.

I am really quite taken with this photo.

 

[Kevin1968]

Perhaps you have learnt to recognise emotional scenes without even knowing exactly what emotions are present (if any). As well as composition, focus and exposure clicking that shutter at just the right moment is a skill (which you obviously have).

I cannot perceive the emotion in your photo, but it does appear to capture a moment.

Without wishing to diminish your photographic skills, is it possible that your friend is simply recalling that moment and that adds weight to her emotional feelings for the photo.

 

[Fino]

I think it has mostly to do with something about the woman, but I also think it wouldn't be as effective without the man, which gives the sense that there's at least several people in the room.

 

[Sherlock77]

I think it has mostly to do with something about the woman, but I also think it wouldn't be as effective without the man, which gives the sense that there's at least several people in the room.

To be more exact, at this point in the evening, the man at the front sat there like that, a very good friend of the musician who died, as they played a recording of him singing a song... The cafe was packed with people... My friend S., the lady holding the cup, also stood watching facing the stage... I observed the whole scene as I just described it, it was careful calculation on my part, but I did realize how significant the moment was though...

I sometimes have very strong focus when I'm doing my photos, that's how I am... Why it's a very strong special interest for me

 

[Sherlock77]

Perhaps you have learnt to recognise emotional scenes without even knowing exactly what emotions are present (if any). As well as composition, focus and exposure clicking that shutter at just the right moment is a skill (which you obviously have).

I cannot perceive the emotion in your photo, but it does appear to capture a moment.

Without wishing to diminish your photographic skills, is it possible that your friend is simply recalling that moment and that adds weight to her emotional feelings for the photo.

This is what she wrote, she is far more emotional than me, then again most people are more emotional than me... She is a former soldier and active musician... To answer your question note the underlined section... I guess I'm humbled by what she said, maybe I shouldn't be surprised

In the army, it is a fallen comrade. In ham radio, a silent key.

In music, what is it? A silent note? A silent mic? I think the picture below is the most incredible visual for how so many of us feel following the death of a music friend or colleague.

The second time I played at the --- Friday Open Mic was just under 3 years ago, and I wasn't planning to play, but was there with a friend who convinced me I should. Paul was hosting, and let me use his (very nice) guitar. He was always such a nice, friendly, guy, and I wish I had gotten to know him better.

Mental health, depression, and suicide are deeply complex matters, and I have more questions than answers following Paul's official memorial last night.

I am re-reading the book Tribe, where Sebastian Junger indicates that our modern measures of success do not prevent, and may, in fact, contribute to higher instances of depression in society.

Paul always seemed happy, healthy, and successful on the outside. I'll miss seeing his smiling face and hearing his music, and I hope wherever he is now, that he's at peace.

 

[Fino]

Beautiful! That makes it even better!

 

[RachelN]

It takes time to understand the emotion of things. I didn't understand it for a while until I met my girlfriend, and she explained it to me. Until then art was just shapes.

It's a good photo. I think one day you'll be able to see it