It's like that beautiful person you're mad about, and then you search for their heart and soul and it's not there... oops. That's kind of what that pretty image is, without a concept that moves you, and holds you there. That's the unexplainable. That is what you want more of.
A bee sees a flower from a distance. Closer in it finds the reward, that pollen, that inner flower. That's it. That is what your photos must do to be remembered: experience beyond the visual.
I have seen a photography at a glance and passed over it; often it is a dull design. Or, stopped for a moment, a nice design, but no emotional response, no idea. I continue on, but again, no memory. And it is that image that stops me and delivers a message, logical or not, makes me think, makes me feel. Now I have felt this image. I will not forget it. There is elevator music, and there is that part of a melody, a sound with or without words and our hearts rise or fall, we feel something. We do not run to the CD store and ask for elevator music. We want that artist, their music, and we want more of it. Get the picture? We want more of what we feel about music.
This booklet does not tell you what to photograph or even how to photograph. It simply asks you to consider a few motivational options. One of the greatest thrills I have ever had was when a stranger said to me: "Oh yeah, you're the guy that shot the picture of the cop and the clown aren't you? I love that shot". I had shot it 25 years ago. By putting your feelings about the subject in the photo you are signing it. Your "emotional opinion" is your power.
Just when I think photographers have done it all in every way, someone, a student or a friend says: "Take a look at this, what do you think?" Again and again I am moved and amazed, as if a new planet or species had just been discovered.
You Have a Choice. You can be a student or a photographer... in your mind and your actions. You can be a student and get by and get grades and a piece of paper or you can be a photographer and immerse yourself in your art and make images that will get you higher grades anyway without the stress. The degree is then a reward for your integrity and creativity.
This photography, this art can be a never ending search into the unknown, past your known ego, into your very spirit. The next few pages will give you a few things to take with you on this incredible journey. Enjoy this trip.
James B. Wood
Executive Director of Photography
Academy of Art University
