Through a Different Lense
You’d think that with photography it would be straightforward; no psychedelic intricacies; no exaggerated fanfare. That’s the beauty of a camera- it takes exactly what it sees. It can be applauded for its vintage appeal or aesthetic allure. But sometimes, it is what the photo doesn’t say or what we, the viewer, couldn’t see that makes everything more enticing. It is the backstory to what makes a good photograph- the rule of patience and good composition. So, if photos could talk, now would be the time to tell their story.
It was March 21st 2017, when I took a visit to Dale’s Art Gallery located at Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts to a small photography exhibition hosted there. It was an impressive display of an assortment of picturesque landscapes and nature garnished with tropical aquatic and domestic life taken by local photographers like Stephen Smith, Zack Kaufman, Kate Orchard and Bob Camaron, just to name a few. But it was the understanding and mindset of two young photographers, Daryl Grant and Vandre Gilbert, whose works were also displayed alongside some veterans, to shine a new perspective of the daunting task of capturing that right shot.
Image courtesy of Photographer Daryl Grant and Dale Art Gallery.
And after a brief ‘techy’ talk about camera lenses and the insane prices that follow them, each photographer shared some interesting points as I circled the gallery for a third time because it is so easy to get distracted by what is actually present in the photo that sometimes it’s good to take a step back and carefully examine the artwork and its story in itself.
Image courtesy of Photographer Bob Camaron and Dale Art Gallery.
It is common knowledge in the art community that composition is one of the key elements in any artwork. It creates unity and structure. Photography is no different. Arranging your ‘look’ or capturing an ideal moment can change the overall essence of any photo. Photography is like storytelling and composition can easily change the dynamics of such. It alters one’s mood and intake and just like any good art work, a powerful photo captures a viewer’s attention.
Image courtesy of Photographer Kate Orchard and Dale Art Gallery.
As simple as it may sound, there are still a few photographers on the island of St. Kitts who, unfortunately, lack that method of storytelling and all that is left is just a pretty picture to look at. So it was quite comforting to see at this exhibition, the creative talent who has executed the rule of patience and the power of a good composition to make their artwork speak volumes.