“There are almost too many possibilities. Photography is in direct proportion with our time: multiple, faster, instant. Because it is so easy, it will be more difficult.”
— Ernst Haas

It interesting that some people do not consider photography as art. While I agree that there is no agreed upon definition of art, I assume there is some consensus that human activity which produces ‘something’ that can express either technical prowess, elicit emotion, or even tell a story, can be considered art. I would argue that photography does all three.

Hass’ quote I chose today is actually very intriguing. Consider the ubiquitous nature of cameras in the contemporary context. They are on phone, tablets, watches, in glasses, and probably in other places I haven’t mentioned. Since every one alway has a camera, does that negate a photographer’s efforts? What actually separates a photographer form a rando with a camera? What do you think? Let me know below.

For this image, I will somewhat describe this memory. In Fayetteville North Carolina there is a Flea Market that sells all sorts of odds and ends. Small boutique style shops selling old wares and knickknacks, including cameras are at this Flea Market. Somewhere in the maze of a facility, there is a door leading to nothing. I saw this person on the other side of that door. I don’t really know what compelled me to take this image.

I had just started really getting into black and white photography at the time. I was studying in earnest how the masters of their time composed their work. What were these amazing artists looking for? The main element each GREAT black and white image had was some sense of contrast and mystery. This image is one of my first attempts at bringing those two concepts together.

I did minimal editing of this work in post. I did, of course, do some Lightroom adjustments to accentuate the contrast between the subject and white around them. Not much else.

What do you think about this work? What about how my edit turned out? Finally, what are your thoughts on my questions above. I would love to know. Finally, this image is available as either a Framed Prints and Giclee Fine Art Prints in my shop, check it out.

-Maurice.