Purely out of interest I asked AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chat Bot to write a blog post about Street Photography, it took under a minute for the Bot to compose and you’ll see it at the end. Firstly though LI (Low Intelligence) will write a blog. In which we discuss very little photography, mostly some other stuff;
The best philosophical advice I ever read, it’s sort of relevant. From memory and I’m paraphrasing here, A A Milne, wrote this line for Winnie The Pooh: “It’s wise to know what it is you’re looking for before you begin looking for it.”. Profound right?
I know that you imagine you’re all alone in finding me irritating. You’ve got company, so do I, because even equipped with the facts, tools and knowledge, I still refuse to accept or use any of it. My often quite hopeless mind doesn’t recognise what’s good for me. It categorically ignores my own advice, let’s just say I don’t practice what I preach. The other day I was looking for a photograph and of course couldn’t find it. I thought I was looking for a certain photo, but it turns out that I wasn’t at all.
I was looking at memories and realised the only reason that it was possible to see them was because I took the time to have my camera with me. I constantly bang on about always taking your camera with you whenever leaving your home. That’s all well and good, but you have to listen to your own advice. We all have that fear of missing out, but for photographers that terrifying prospect is multiplied ten fold. The whole point of owning a camera is to capture moments not to leave it at home and miss them. Hence, we have Amélie sitting by the river a few years ago as an opener, a photo I’d forgotten about and a few shots from our recent walk. A reluctant walk it has to be said, but she came along and I accepted my own advice by taking the camera. I even changed the lens to the Noctilux.
I’m not going to be able to look back at her in ten years when she was thirteen unless I release the shutter. Louis is next on my list, I just need to pick the right moment. See if I can drag him away from carpet bombing innocent populations on whatever computer game he’s currently addicted to. In the meantime I view these photos with new eyes. People always said Amélie looked like me, but man she’s turning into her mother. It’s a shame, but you can’t have it all! Obviously you’d need to know them both as well as I do to see. Took me totally by surprise and I’m not sure I would have noticed without the camera and capturing those fleeting, ephemeral moments. A look or expression caught at 1/1000 of a second. Photo number two in particular, for a second or two I couldn’t work out how my files had got mixed up or corrupted in some way and her mother, Sam, was inexplicably in the shot.
My friend Kev used to say of himself, “Sometimes I can’t be bothered to get out of my own way”. I’m not sure if I always understood, but now maybe I do. You know what’s good for you, but somehow you avoid doing it. It’s like planning a holiday, all the rigmarole of packing, getting to the airport, sitting around. By the time it comes around you’re almost dreading it, certainly regretting the decision to book one in the first place. Yet you return feeling so much more positive, you’ve created some memories (especially if you remembered your camera) and suddenly you can’t wait to do it all over again. I’ve resumed taking my camera out on walks with the dogs.
It’s good practice for Street Photography and allows me to be lost in the moment, plus I don’t actually miss any of the moments. I posted a few dog photographs on Facebook the other day, bemoaning that this is what I’ve come to and needed to get back on the Streets. My Australian friend Ashley Sowter left a comment: “Your work has truly gone to the dogs”. Both extremely funny and clever. Literally and figuratively bang on though I’d say Ash. The point is that I’m getting back in the saddle.
It’s been really difficult lately to find any spare time, to a certain extent we can put that down to Kev’s quote. I’m also a single parent every other week and all that entails, the week I don’t have the children I’m exhausted. That said I made the effort to start the motorbike and take a trip. I rode into Bath wondering what it was I was looking for. I certainly didn’t want to miss any moments, I needed to tune back into life. Often over the years it’s been a completely wasted journey I thought to myself, but you and I both know, it never really is. It’s always ended up a good experience despite the end results, another happy memory made. Any committed photographer, especially with Street Photography, knows that to be true. So does every human for that matter. Wow there’s a lot of metaphors in the blog post so far, I just read it back through. Let’s plough on. By the way it was Valentines Day. I have an opinion about that, it’s a secret, but what the hell. I just had one of those laughing out loud moments as I typed that, it’s so secret that even I didn’t realise that I was going to start dispensing relationship advice. I’m fairly certain that doing so won’t attract any Secret Admirers. It’s so secret in fact that no one who has ever been in a relationship with me realised I was such an expert. The issue when I begin with only a vague idea of the subject for a blog post is it often ends up running off in a completely different direction. And there lays one of the many problems I have, you’re not going to get any lulls in conversation with me because I’ll talk and talk and talk, just as I write essentially. We’ll come on to that in amount. By the way, as I write I’m just throwing in any photographs taken on that day in Bath.
Just next to the place that I park my motorbike someone, I’m guessing a student the night before, had took it upon themselves to squirt washing up liquid into a fountain. You’ve got to admire their imagination and sense of fun, the forward planning, but actually it’s quite romantic. Well, there’s one happy couple at least. Good on them I say, throwing bubbles at each other and bubbles as we all know are much better than insults. I can tell you that apart from those two I saw a lot of glum and desolate looking valentines. Women walking around not particularly impressed with flowers that cost £1.2 million per stem. Men wringing their hands, wondering how it is they never seem to get it right. Couples sat in restaurants staring out of the window, not at each other. Many where not a word had been spoken between them as I sat observing in the cafes of Bath, no conversation whatsoever. I also witnessed a few arguments on the street whereby perhaps too many words were spoken. Happy Valentines Day. For me it has always been this forced thing, a lot like New Years Eve. You will be romantic whether you want to or not, it doesn’t matter what you feel, you’ll be forced into feeling guilty if you don’t by those cashing in on Valentines Day. My ex-wives, one fiancé and quite a few others might say differently, but I can assure all of them and you that I am in fact the most romantic person on the planet. A slightly cynical one at times admittedly, but even so I am a romantic at heart.
Speaking of hearts, I read that men who have never been married are statistically twice as likely to die from heart problems. Arguably men that have been married also have other heart problems, very possibly they’ve even had them broken. Women suffer too, I know, but according to this study if they’ve never been married their hearts show no issues or prospect of giving any problems down the line. I don’t know what that says, but there you are. We all want to feel loved perhaps or women push their men into a more healthy lifestyle than they would otherwise pursue or women are essentially much stronger than men. I watched a stand up comedian the other evening. She’d recently got engaged. She was looking around a shop and an assistant shouted out; “Can I help you with anything?” and she replied “No. I’m fine thanks… someone loves me” as she looked down at her engagement ring whilst simultaneously picking up her phone and cancelling the next therapist appointment. Won’t be needing therapy anymore. He dumped her after a couple of months and she was amazed at how low her standards got after that. She ended up on antidepressants that sort of helped: “I don’t know if my sex drive is lower or my self esteem got higher. Is it that I’m not in the mood or I just don’t need the validation”! I thought she was very funny and made some salient points. Perhaps that’s what we all need, someone to love us romantically. Without that we’re somehow lost, unable to find what we’re looking for or for that matter even know what we’re looking for, à la A.A. Milne and Pooh Bear.
By the way this is a photography blog not a TedTalk, at best it attempts to be a personal blog so I wouldn’t necessarily take anything I say as the last word in relationships or anything else now I think about it. I’m not even sure if I’m either over or under qualified in any case. As they say in the police and criminal justice system, ‘don’t trust him, he’s got previous’. I’ve got a record and it’s not a very good one. We could say validation is what some are after, as long as someone wants or loves them, no matter who, they’ll temporarily feel better about themselves. We all know it’s likely to be doomed to failure, but I can see the attraction. I certainly have seen the attraction in the distant past and therefore I definitely can’t judge. I’ve tried it all over the years and really it was just a distraction from some uncomfortable truths. That goes for photography on social media as well by the way. I keep forgetting this is a photography blog, I’m sure you have. Anyway, contrary to popular belief getting under someone is not always the best way to get over someone. As much as physical attraction is key and no matter how much we kid ourselves it’s not, it really is and yet, due to my contradictory nature I’ll add that’s only true to a certain extent. So many other boxes need to be ticked. You have to be on the same page, a bond, a connection, naturally the timing, they’re all crucial, as are shared values or ideals. Importantly you have to feel the same about each other, otherwise it’s not equal, insecurities and eventually resentment come out to play with their bows and arrows, and they’re not the nice ones that Cupid has. Perhaps a few of those things are missing and that’s why I saw so many either sitting in silence or desperately thinking of something to say or foolishly saying too much. So many in fact that I had to say something in this blog.
There are so many variables you wonder how any relationship lasts more than five minutes and I edge ever closer to the feeling that I function better on my own. Love yourself is what they say (keep it clean, I know what you’re thinking!). If you don’t then don’t expect anyone, but the very desperate, to love you. It’s no good being afraid of loneliness either, if you don’t like your own company then how is anyone else going to put up with it. Didn’t I say earlier that that I found myself irritating? Damn. We might as well be on our own if we just want someone to fill the void (so to speak) because chances are that’s exactly where we’ll end up anyway. So, what about me? Well, I know that people look and say wow he’s like a “Greek God”. “Good looking, so refined”. Hold it! That’s a line from ‘Hey Big Spender’ and before that this myth that I’m perpetuating by claiming to be like a Greek God. I mention in it in every blog, it’s like a mantra, an affirmation, they call a ‘manifestation’ in fashionable and hip circles I believe. If I say it enough people will believe me, I’ll believe me and if we have enough belief surely it follows that there’ll be some kind of worship. I’ve been saying it for years and can report that it has had zero effect so far, I haven’t seen a big uptick in worshippers to this particular temple I can assure you.
A woman running. Not from me because I hadn’t spoken to her, but believe me if I had then I would have increased the shutter speed massively otherwise she’d just be a blur. A little photography joke there at my own expense. Anyhow, here’s the problem, I think for me specifically. No matter how god like I may or may not be. How trustworthy and we all know trust is the ultimate ingredient in the love recipe. That old adage that you can sit in a car (relationship) with no petrol (trust) as long as you like, but without any it isn’t going anywhere. Regardless of all that without communication any relationship is screwed, romantic or otherwise.
You have to be honest with each other, not hide anything. Communication is difficult between humans at the best of times, even more so with a romantic couple. I witnessed that in Bath during the so say most romantic day of the year. We all have an act to perform, a mask if you like, that prevents others from seeing the real person. A vulnerable, neurotic, self critical mess in often not the most attractive to others lets face it, no matter how beautiful or handsome you are. Barriers and walls are built to prevent further heartache, once up notoriously hard for anyone, except the absolutely devoted, to tear back down. We have to talk is the short of it. Man can I talk, but a conversation works two ways, you have to pause otherwise how can you listen and then it isn’t a conversation any longer just a monologue. In my case a sermon, what with my temple and all that! Listening is the greatest form of love and respect you can show anyone. Fact.
I’m crap at it. However, I’ve become acutely aware of this and therefore working on it. Someone once said, and I’ll add that she was fully qualified in every aspect of psychology, that I was “unbelievable”. Agreed, no argument there, thanks very much! No she said, you skirt around subjects and questions. I never know whether you’re being serious or joking. You continually avoid things by manoeuvring the subject, going off on tangents and you talk way too much. Sounds familiar to readers of this blog I’m sure. The thing is this. If I can stand in silence watching complete strangers mess up the framing of my dream photo, surely it follows that I can listen to those that I love.
I noticed with my highly qualified friend that she was a fantastic listener, so much so that It made me determined to try harder. I even apologise nowadays if I speak over someone. In my defence it’s never been because I want to speak about me specifically, it’s more that I get over excited at the conversation and don’t want to forget something poignant about whatever point it is they’re making. Maybe they’re concerned about a problem and it occurs to me that I know something that might help. If I genuinely want to help though, then I need to just listen. You can learn a lot by listening. Just as you learn silently about the human condition watching people in the streets. It occurs to me that by doing so you learn most of all about yourself and just maybe find what it is you’re looking for. It’s strange, I know so much and discovered recently that I understand so little. Ah, there’s the photo I was looking for, I much prefer her hair curly and not straightened. And that’s a good point to sign off and hand over to AI…
I typed in the chat bot “Write blog about Street Photography” and in under a minute this is what it came up with. Now I could have defined it much more. “Write about a stream of nonsense like John Harper” for example. Seriously, you could do so much with it and need to do so little. Have a blog, never write anything or bother to think, copy and paste, just pepper the results from AI with some photos. Nevertheless it’s fascinating and I can see where we’re eventually heading as it improves. Let’s hear from AI ChatGPT:
“Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments of everyday life in public spaces. It’s a fascinating and often challenging form of photography that requires a combination of creativity, technical skill, and a good eye for detail. In this blog post, we’ll explore what street photography is all about, some tips and tricks for getting started, and the equipment you’ll need to get the best results.
What is Street Photography?
Street photography is a type of candid photography that captures scenes of everyday life in public spaces. It’s all about capturing the world as it is, without posing or staging your subjects. Street photography is often characterized by its raw, gritty, and unpolished aesthetic. It can be both challenging and rewarding, and it offers a unique perspective on the world around us.
The goal of street photography is to capture moments that tell a story or convey an emotion. This could be anything from a group of friends laughing on a street corner to a lone figure walking down a deserted alleyway. The key is to be observant, patient, and ready to capture the moment when it presents itself.
Tips for Street Photography
If you’re new to street photography, it can be helpful to have some tips and tricks to get you started. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Keep your camera close - You never know when a photo opportunity will arise, so it’s important to have your camera ready at all times.
Be patient - Sometimes, the best shots require a little bit of waiting. Be patient and observant, and you’ll be rewarded with some great shots.
Pay attention to the light - Lighting is key in photography, and this is especially true in street photography. Keep an eye out for interesting light and shadows, and use them to your advantage.
Look for interesting people and places - Street photography is all about capturing the world around you, so keep your eyes open for interesting people, buildings, and scenes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment - Try different angles, perspectives, and techniques to create unique and interesting photos.
Equipment for Street Photography
You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started with street photography. In fact, some of the best street photos are taken with simple point-and-shoot cameras or even smartphones. Here are a few things to consider when choosing equipment for street photography:
Camera - Any camera will work for street photography, but it’s important to choose one that you feel comfortable using. A small, lightweight camera is ideal for this type of photography, as it’s easy to carry around and won’t draw too much attention.
Lens - A wide-angle lens is ideal for street photography, as it allows you to capture more of the scene and creates a sense of depth.
Tripod - While not strictly necessary, a tripod can be helpful for stabilizing your camera and getting sharper shots.
Accessories - Other accessories that may be useful include a remote shutter release, extra batteries, and memory cards.
Conclusion
Street photography is a fascinating and rewarding genre of photography that offers a unique perspective on the world around us. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s always something new to discover and capture. Keep these tips and tricks in mind, and you’ll be on your way to creating amazing street photos in no time.”
Back to LI (Low Intelligence)…
Incredible really, though it’s like reading so many blogs you come across, it doesn’t say that much. Full of platitudes. I’m not sure mine says much either, but you got some advice from a “relationship expert”, what more do you want? I forgot to say amongst my “advice” that the most important is to be friends. Sam and I have been separated for a year now, the divorce is trundling along and we’re still friends. On a Sunday evening we always have a kitchen disco at her place, it’s a big kitchen. Running time is around five hours. Dinner first. Next the Bose speaker goes to full volume. We get through a few bottles of red wine, we talk, we laugh, sometimes we cry, but mostly we just dance. The masks are removed, we’re ourselves for those five hours. We usually take each others hands and give a huge bow at some point to the people across the street who we are sure can’t work out what the hell it is we get up to. Amélie and Louis sometimes join in, never for very long because of course they find us embarrassing and quietly disappear to another room. Between you and me I find Sam embarrassing, mainly because I’m by far the best dancer! So you need to be friends, even if you are getting a divorce. It’s not as some might say “Fraternising with the enemy”! There’s a reason why you got together in first place, just because things haven’t gone to plan doesn’t mean we have to forget that, make some new memories whilst ensuring you don’t miss the moments. There aren’t photos by the way, though Amélie and Louis sometimes video us and post to the “Harper’s WhatsApp Group”, generally with comments on how embarrassing I am. You’d pay big money to see those videos for sure, but they’re also to be kept secret whatever day it might be.
All images can be opened by clicking on the thumbnails and are made using a Leica M with Summicron 28mm Lens fitted. Except for the first and last Summicron 90mm. Amélie Noctilux 50mm.
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