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black and white, cityscape, diana camera, florence, italy, photography, plastic camera, toy camera, travel
What inspires us to make art? How do we decide which tools to use? How do we learn?
One of the ways we learn how to be artists is by imitation. Maybe we’re inspired by the way someone works with paint, bronze, fiber, words, paper or light. Maybe we’re taught a certain style in school, or perhaps we want to be as successful as our favorite artist and mimic their style, thinking it will help us become successful as well.
One of the reasons that I began to work with a Diana camera was because of a book that I stumbled across called “Angels at the Arno” by Eric Lindbloom, a portfolio of Diana images shot over an eight year period in Florence, Italy. I had never seen photos with this kind of a timeless, eerie, ghostly mood, so velvety, tactile and lush. I had to try it myself.
After I’d been shooting with Dianas for a couple of years, I took a trip to Florence, but didn’t consult the book before we left, worried that I would find and imitate his shots. The photos in this post are from that trip.
After we returned, I picked up the book again. I was surprised to see that I’d shot some of the same places from the same angles, but he came in much closer to the subjects. I was a bit removed, he was completely comfortable and familiar, shooting details, off on side streets, climbing through gardens. He really knew Florence; the city flowed through him in a special way. I was only visiting.
Instead of feeling discouraged, I learned a couple of things. One, that he had taught me how to see in a new way by using a Diana camera. And two, that it wasn’t enough.
Imitation is easy, and it’s a great way to learn, but it isn’t fulfilling. That spark of excitement, of discovering a place in my own way, was missing.
How to solve this? Shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Shoot pictures wherever I go. And one day, if I’m open and curious, patient and persistent, the places I love will flow through me.
I love the notion of patients and persistence creating a situation where the places one shoots flows through them. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Very interesting read, and I agree with you about imitation often gets the creative juices flowing but its important to make the leap towards formulating your own personal style and voice.
A nice set of images as well, I’m particularly fond of ‘The Doorway’, it has a very Secret Garden feel to it.
Hi, thanks for the feedback. I kept walking by that door waiting for the right light! I figured it would show up eventually. Nobody ever told me how important it is to be patient when it comes to getting good shots, I thought it was all about being in the right place at the right time. That hardly ever seems to be the case!
Fantastic! This view of Florence is so unique – almost haunting! That shot of the doorway is my favorite. I love the mystery and peace it portrays. 🙂
Thanks! It took a long time to get that shot, I was glad that I kept going back. Florence is so beautiful, I could have stayed there for months.