It is true that every photograph holds a piece of memory frozen in time and for me photography has always had a striking effect. But something that strikes me even more is the man behind the camera.
I have always considered photographers as romantics who are hopelessly in love with their art. Though, their powers are not obvious to ordinary people, their ability to think fast and calculate accurately leaves me in awe every time. The fact that they may just meet you and know precisely how to make remarkable glimpses of memory for you is truly exceptional.
Let us commend photographers for their ability to study their subjects and instantly know what is best for them without breaking into a conversation. Their ability to tell stories is a true expression of art. An art that is worth more than a million words as most people say. And yes, many times people say pictures speak. Yes they do. They speak of a moment in time and reflect the emotions the photographer projects into them. These emotions are interpreted in extraordinary ways by different people.
Photographers are motivated by their needs and plans. For some photographers, paying bills and having a lot of financial responsibilities are the actual driving forces while others are motivated by their desires to inspire others through pictures.
Photographers have special abilities of transforming ordinary subjects and presenting them in an extraordinary way as if they work with a sixth sense. Sadly, credit is given more often to the photos than their makers. We often forget the one behind the camera who gave us the opportunity to create these memories. We think of the images as memory-makers in themselves.
Let us not forget the photographerβs ability to learn so many skills in order to excel in his work. He learns to compose, edit, handle his camera and work in the light and dark spaces to make the pictures we like. These super creative intelligent individuals merge all these skills to produce amazing photographs worthy of a space on our wall.
Photographers have different mindsets to how they perceive or approach things, this is what distinguishes their works. Just like art is subjective, the work of a photographer which is also art, is subjective to him and those who look at his works.
Let’s appreciate these heroes with special powers that are often neglected, for without them we won’t have photos to create memories, shape how we remember things and in some cases, appreciate the beauty of our natural environment.
Therefore, when you see the one behind the camera just know that he is not just a photographer but he is making beautiful memories.
by Tee~ Theodora Ohiri
