Pixiq

Connectivity is a word we have all heard frequently in recent times. It seems to be tossed around in a variety of circles. Most of the reference is regarding social networks or joining a network through a hot spot such as a Starbucks or at a local library. Connectivity has come to have various meanings depending on the specifics of electronic communication, plugging in a device to something else or being in contact through a cell phone. In modern electronic terms it is a buzzword for a culture wrapped in itself. This cultural catchword actually clouds the true meaning of a concept, which seems to have been around since the early days of photography.

In the world of photography and the arts, connectivity has a very different and more profound meaning. It has little to nothing to do with moving files through a computer cable or as a way to communicate to other devices. It is not about Bluetooth or USB or firewire or modems. In photography it isn't about graphs or tangents, catching a plane or holding hands.

In photographic terms it is about connecting with your subject. The best photographs rely on the photographer and the subject to come to an understanding of sorts. Objects themselves are not the subjects of great photography. Objects are only objects if they do not communicate to a higher level. The original object will always be better than its photographic representation. This is true unless the object is somehow transformed. Great art fuses a scene or an object with a concept. The object is the conveyor of an idea or a reality of some kind. The subject is revealed, the essence is sensed, and the photograph is captured. This may sound a bit mystifying but it is vital to the way great photographic images are created.

To many, connectivity is a means to realize the true nature of something through your subject. Many photographers have this capability and I would say that all of the greatest image-makers use it instinctively. In fact, the process is not necessarily a conscious effort on the part of the photographer. It is more of a state of mind. It is in fact a state of complete mindfulness. Being mindful of the things surrounding you will produce a heightened awareness that will allow you to see things that you would not otherwise give much attention. You begin to look beyond the obvious. Once in this creative state of mind, you begin to anticipate your subject and you start to sense more profound characteristics. This connectivity with a subject is to many, a spiritual union. By tuning in to your subject, you enter a state of conscious readiness to capture something else that is emanating from the subject. It becomes a visual merger where the object becomes a symbol for something that requires a metaphorical interpretation. It is a way to produce a question or an answer where the subject/object is the courier.

When we connect photographically, we are allowing the subject of the photograph to communicate a reality or a truth to the viewer. It is transformed into a symbol of meaning. It becomes a metaphor. The photographer is simply the first to see, the first to experience, the one to capture and therefore is the first viewer. It is a way to find yourself and for your viewers to realize a truth.

I believe that connectivity and creativity are inseparable in great art. One needs the other. To succeed, they require vision, inspiration, mindfulness, passion, enthusiasm, an open mind, spirituality, belief and a bit of intimacy with the subject. If you do not have these qualities, you are not likely to make or understand a great photograph. Like a great book or great music, both the creator and the viewer are participants in what can be ultimately communicated. 

Once you perceive the significance of connectivity, you will better understand the following quotes:

"To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” Elliott Erwitt

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."  ~Aristotle

“Let the subject generate its own photograph. Become a camera.” Minor White

“Be still with yourself   Until the object of your attention    Affirms your presence” Minor White

 

© John Neel  -  The images here are Not to be copied downloaded or used for any purpose.

---

 

Please read all my posts on Pixiq.

 

 

 

---