A Qualitative Analysis
Featuring: A Black & White Photograph of Biochemistry Undergrads, Minutes Before Defending Their Dissertations
There is a need for an explanation, perhaps a forewarning. For a while, black and white was my preferred style. I had no incentives to shoot in colour: I had a Pentium processor, my work looked great with no editing needed, and I could not be bothered—who else but me would ever see my photographs? Why would their thoughts matter?
I am not the photographer I was, but I appreciate the younger man. You will come to see why. And maybe fall in love with his constant three colours: grey, white, and black.
We will speak of him again soon. Now, let us discuss his photograph.
I count five people: Three are in suits, one in a skirt, and another walking away with a smile on their back. I knew all of them when I took the shot. At this time, I can identify one.
My memory does not fail me. My lack of documentation has. You must understand; sometimes, photography is not enough.
There is a time to take photos for the sake of it and a time to do so with intent. The image above was for the sake of it. That is okay. There is enough occurring to guess what happened there.
On both ends, frozen in contrasting poses are two figures with one feet in front of the other. Though one’s are visible at the bottom of the frame, the other’s are implied by the mid-swing fold of one arm and a backward facing open palm on the other side. The subject in short sleeves is not bound to the frame. I imagine they were gone in an instant. While the other’s face remained sunken towards their feet—in a direction two others face
At the centre of the frame is the only head held high. It belongs to one of the three looking to the right. One of two with documents in their hands. There is an upcoming spring in their step. Eagerness? Perhaps. Do you see it too?
I must stop here and admit that this is a far less enjoyable than it was at the beginning. I find no joy in examining photographs—not even mine.
Do you feel something when you look at it? Can you tell me what that is?
If you can, you should know that there are now seven people who make up this photograph: the five of them, a bit of you, and the photographer I was, and maybe still am.
Last Time: Reading Portraits For Money
Featuring: An Alternatively Colour-graded Portrait of Voice-Over Artiste, Bayo Oduwole
I have written briefly about what I would do if money were no problem. For a young man who has never made a lot or enough of it, I have always had lots to say about money. Today will be no different. Dear budding photographer, this one is for you.
Hello again. I hope you've been well. I need to tell you something. I will be suspending all posts via this newsletter for the rest of September or perhaps longer, including the debut of B.S. originally scheduled for Wednesday.
If I do not write to you again, please know that I appreciate the time I've had with you.
Bis bald, perhaps
This has been Tam
You can't be filling our inboxes and then run away 😂
I see troubled hearts; or should I say nervous fellows. This is a strong image btw