Exploring Poiesis; the act of creation

Giving “time” some form and meaning

Recently I came across the term Poiesis and found it fascinating. Poiesis refers to the act of bringing something into being. If I were to consider photography through the lens of this Greek concept, it seems to me that to photograph is not just about capturing an image; it is about creating something that is meaningful and which will allow a conversation between the world and the creator/photographer.

A photographer does not just document or record but explores something deeper, unseen and brings it to life through photography. In other words, photography is not mimesis; it is not just reproducing what is already out there. Photography is in fact a form of Poiesis. It is the force that turns an observer into a creator and is the act of bringing something into being.

Photography transforms fleeting moments into lasting images. The creative process in photography – right from composing a shot to editing and presenting it – is an act of crafting something that did not exist before.

Through the act of Poiesis, a photographer interprets life in a new way and “sees” what others may not or reveals something that already exists in a new light. A photographic journey involves seeking out the essence or aspects that are hidden in order to go beyond the obvious.

In this context, an image is not just a record of the moment; it is the culmination of perception combined with expression in order to give meaning to a moment. A photograph, especially one that involves Poiesis, draws the viewer into the world of the photographer. Ultimately, as photographers our job is not to freeze “time” but to give “time” a form and to convey an experience.

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