karen maze photoblog

“It isn’t what a picture is of, it is what it is about.” - John Szarkowski

Thanks to Eric Chuang of  Pixfeed LA for posting this quote today.

In this age of globalization, the world is smaller and more accessible than ever. Information rains down all day long. It’s interesting then, that even today people find nothing more gratifying than going local. Maybe it’s because even in this age of 24-hour non-stop niche news, it can still be hard to find information about that coffee shop or hair dresser on the corner, never mind photos of them. At its worst, globalization means homogenization and impersonalization. Could it be that those local vendors and personalities represent the last stand of individuality? Whatever the case, this desire for the unique and personal has helped to feed the trend to buy, support, and go local. It’s a powerful idea, and the fact that it persists in today’s global culture is reassuring and inspiring.

Why not go local with your photography? Document your city, your neighborhood, and your block. Choose a theme. It could be anything! Make it personal to you, and specific. The possibilities are endless. Give yourself time to explore the theme. You’ll know when you’re done.

Your checklist: A camera, lens, fresh batteries, memory card/film, and passion for your subject. Don’t get hung up on equipment. Keep it simple and use what you’ve got or can borrow. Some days you might have to ‘force’ inspiration. But don’t despair, because that’s when commitment to your project and your craft kicks in. Inspiration will come. The crucial thing is to keep shooting.

Most importantly, forget everything you have been told about what makes a good photo and shoot from the heart. You just might touch somebody else’s.

A selection of images from my ongoing study of Aerialists and TSNY LA in particular.

-km