In a message dated 11/21/2003 2:27:55 AM Central Standard Time,
bj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
If we had a few TOPEs with subjects such as Manhole covers (Doro !!),
fences, gates, doors, beaches, puddles, hands, outdoor markets, sunsets,
and bark of trees, we would have themed exhibitions with a unity that might
encourage even more development of technique to make each image stand
out from the crowd..
It's fun as well to have TOPEs that are capable of wide interpretation, but I
for
one would appreciate a few tightly defined topics
In my opinion, photography is somewhat like a two-way mirror. It reflects an
image which the photographer felt was interesting or important to capture.
It also allows the viewer to look back through the lens and see part of the
soul or essence of the person who captured the image.
Assuming there is some truth in my assessment of photography (and it is
certainly that for me) then I say that the broader the latitude for
interpretation
of the category the more likely we are to see the essence of the person behind
the lens. I like that.
One of the categories I had suggested was "Places of Worship". There are
many beautiful buildings built for that purpose and the photographs made of
them
often are ones that many will immediately connect with on a visceral level.
Although I happen to be a regular church attender, my interpretation would
likely not be that of some man made structure which was designed to be used for
worship. It would more likely be a photograph which captures the beauty in the
Universe and with which I find myself more connected with spirit. This being
an example of interpretation of a somewhat broad theme.
In my opinion, the tighter the category, the more likely you may see
technique and the less of the soul of the image maker. That is not to say
technique
is not important, as it is, however I would rather my photographs say, "This is
who I am" rather than "This is what I did". Generally, I like for technique
to be transparent.
So count my vote as one for broader topics although I wouldn't want us to not
have topics that are tighter. I get more excited about "reflections" (which
can be interpreted in many ways, more than one of which could be included in
one's image) than perhaps a topic such as "manhole covers".
My 2 cents and then some. Bill Barber
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