Deng Ming Tao asks an interesting question in an article entitled “Angles”.
It is worth considering, he asks, what does it take to make an angle?
You can make a table from a plank of wood, on two upright slabs. It might even look like Stonehenge. Yet, while the stones have stood the test of time, three loosely arranged planks would most likely topple.
A table manufactured by a craftsperson, is a joy to behold. Each piece in place, each piece supporting the whole, and each, a small work of art in its own right. The table is a greater because of the strength of all the small parts.
“To put things together and then hold them in proper angle is one of the miracles of skill.”
Over the years, my own photography has been that sort of journey. Each new skill learned has lead to an expression of a subject in a harmonious balanced way. And please don’t get confused that I’m talking about some compositional rule.
Each subject requires the tensions of the ‘angles’ to be suitable to best express the mood, emotion, feel and vision.
Like so many pursuits, photography has lead me on a voyage across wonderful waters. But there always comes, as a sailor says, the time when it’s no longer the right thing to hug the shoreline, but rather to unfurl the sails and head out into the wider ocean.
Not all is plain sailing, to continue the analogy, but securing the angles with knowledge, skill, experience and dogged determination, will result in photographs that carry within them a little of the photographer’s vision. Built, like a finely crafted table, on our aspirations.
#kneetoo, and I were on the road outside the Treatment Plant. Early morning light, and as we drove along looking in each paddock, we missed the Hobby sitting on a post. Then as we drove by, I noticed it. Too late to stop.
Down the road 100 m, and turn around. Then drive leisurely back as if we still hadn’t noticed it.
The birds in the area are very familiar with passing vehicle traffic.
It passes.
They barely blink.
Passed without any problem, and then to park off the road, the bird was on #kneetoo’s window side. She was happy.
I slipped out of the door, and edged along the top of IamGrey.
The bird was still unperturbed.
A large truck came around a corner and down the road toward us. The bird waited. Took notice of the oncoming vehicle. Did some Hobby calculation about the speed of the approach, our position on the roadside, and concluded perhaps that there wasn’t going to be enough room for all three of us.
A quick unfold of the wings. It was gone.
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 