I guess everyone else who blogs photography has either totally ignored the pandemic or is practically crushed by it. I think I’m in the “crushed” category…. I’m safe and well, limiting my contacts and always wearing a mask to cut down on potential contamination. However, that also means no shooting people – one of my FAVORITE things. I see folks doing the drive-by “porch portraits” with long lenses – and I just bought a long zoom for my GFX system – but I have no enthusiasm for organizing that.
This spring was supposed to be a start of regional travel to shoot landscapes and models in the environment. Now, getting on a plane and renting a car would be cheap – but risky. Not to mention shooting with people. If you consider the subject – environmental nudes – I’m likely to be dozens or even hundreds of feet from the model. I would have to drive out together in a vehicle and drive between locations – so some exposure there. It really takes the fun out of it….
Every once in a while, I have thoughts of some of the potential opportunities just staying in the area. I have done some location scouting. I have added props to my Amazon list for photo projects. While I was writing this blog I suddenly decided to pull the trigger on a hat that won’t be delivered until September – but I’m not planning on doing anything even then…. Lots of other potential shoots on the list. Several models have had discussions about things we could shoot – one of these days. Is this COVID depression?
Some days I do wonder if I can still take pictures! It’s almost like I’m forgetting how to compose, how to style, how to direct. Once I had a friend tell me to be careful getting into commercial photography – it would be soul-sucking and corrupt my art work. I will say that the years I did lots of commercial work did put pressure on my art – although I do remember at least a couple of moments where the art contributed to some great commercial work. I will say I feel that there was a change as I passed through other people’s project and came out on the other side back to doing my projects. I did have a portfolio reviewer once say that my work was looking more commercial…. Oooppps.
I do love photography. Much of my recent work has been exploring the neighborhood and the views off my mid-rise balcony. I have loved seeing the light and the color. I am hoping the enforced waiting will have me think more about work and about my work. I have been looking at images and watching a few photographer documentaries. Lots of food for thought. If anyone has ideas to shoot or a desire to be photographed – drop me a note!