Why Not Photograph Ordinary Objects?
Photograph ordinary objects? Why not? Photographers constantly search for things to photograph, generally “beautiful, amazing, striking, …” subjects, and do not hesitate to travel the distance to faraway, exotic destinations.
While mostly snow-bound in Rhode Island yesterday, I noticed a lot of ordinary items bunched up in a ceramic jar in the kitchen. As I have done in the past with simple, “insignificant” ordinary objects like salt and pepper shakers, I was moved to photograph these ordinary, everyday objects, wearing years of patina embedded on their surface like badges of honor.
I photographed them to reflect my response, reaction to their shape, form, texture, and years of service! It all happened quite fast, about twenty minutes, one after the other I photographed them with a strong emphasis on their “personality.” All the while, fully expecting questions like “what is it,” or “why did you photograph it?” My answers to these questions are: “It is (they are) a photograph(s);” and, “Why should I not!?”
Next time you see ordinary, everyday objects, I encourage you to ask the same question, grab your camera, and photograph them. You may be surprised! After all, Irving Penn, Ansel Adams, Joseph Sudek, and many other famous photographers photographed ordinary things.
Haluk Atamal
Quite a message to those who complain that they cannot find a subject to photograph.
Beautiful work, Cemal; especially the double and triple wooden spoons!
Take care.
Haluk
Cemal Ekin
Thanks Haluk. I believe photography needs illuminating light, seeing eyes, imagining mind more than fancier gear. Whenever the spirit moves me, I try to emphasize the point. I am glad you enjoyed the collection. We are in a state of frost, very cold weather and snow piles everywhere.
Take care,
Cemal
Rich Gulezian
Wonderful images Cemal. One does not need to travel long distances to create beautiful photographs. :-)
Cemal Ekin
Thanks Richard, photography is democratic; anything can be photographed! I hope more people take the message to heart and give it a try.
Cemal
RAMAZAN KAMARI
I have remembered Marcel Proust’s words: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes. Very loved especialy Tongs, Front.
Good luck.
Cemal Ekin
Thanks Ramazan. I try to wake up with a new pair of eyes every day! Some days this works better than others. I consider myself a curious observer of life. Sometimes I see grand landscapes (or Earthscapes), at others I see well-used utensils in their utilitarian beauty. And, many things in between of course.
Take care,
Cemal