Can my own photography inspire me?
Decluttering and simplicity
When I am driving and photographing at signals, I always find myself looking at high rise buildings in the city to see what I can capture. And over the years this has become a small series in itself. I love the minimalistic composition that is possible with this kind of photography.
Last week my head was completely cluttered with so many thoughts and issues that it felt like an overwhelming giant wheel doing the rounds in my mind. And it was while taking photographs amidst that clutter in my mind that it occurred to me: why can’t I take inspiration from this series of minimalistic photography to the other areas of my life. Why can’t my own photography inspire me?
The minimalistic photographs, that I take while commuting, are mainly of subjects which are at a distance and at a height. Â I capture these kinds of images by incorporating some elements to create a simple composition.These sights fascinate me as they come across (to me) as isolated stories of people within geometric shapes and lines. As a photographer, I like to take only a partial bit of the scene. I sometimes seek out images which are abstract and give the feel of an unfinished composition. I do this by keeping the information minimal and leave it open for interpretation.
When I take these photographs there is so much clarity in how I approach them and capture the scene. And this is the process I think that I need to adapt to other areas of my life. Focus on one thing, one thought, one issue at a time. Keep it simple without complicating it too much. This I hope will declutter the mind and bring in a certain flow of calmness and clarity. The act of taking images is my path to self-discovery. A mode through which I understand myself better.
©Shital Morjaria
Thanks so much for reading. If you are already a subscriber, you have my gratitude. If you are new here and haven’t yet subscribed please do consider doing so. It would mean a lot to me. Living Pictures is a free reader supported publication on photography and everyday life and it has come so far because of its supporters and subscribers. See you next Saturday!
.
Your eye is as sharp as the blade of a samurai sword. The phtoos of human figures on roofs are terrific. You once said you use your mobile phone to capture shots from your car. Is that the case here too?
I'd say your post connects into this week's prompt of Meaning at a deep level. What a great set of minimal images and an astute observation of your external creations reflecting your optimal inner state of being. The idea that our photos are a reflection of ourselves is so true.