Page 28 - NyghtVision Magazine Volume 5 #2

The digital revolution has
diminished our ability to see the
difference between a picture and

a photograph.

is nothing accidental about it. There is no "point andBehind the ScenesAbove: Azalea blossom (2015)
shoot." A photograph is a visual invitation to an emo-
tional experience. That invitation requires intentional- PHOTO BY Falcon
ity, focus, discipline, and an understanding of the tech-
nology of photography.
Seamus: So, if I have a quality camera with a motor
drive, and take dozens of snapshots, I might be able to
select one that creates an emotionally powerful image,
but it is mainly the result of luck and not conscious and
deliberate action.
Falcon: Absolutely.
Seamus: By definition, a still image, a photograph is cre-
ated intentionally, purposefully, not by happenstance,
for instance with a disposable or camera phone. Not
that it is impossible, but certainly not probable.
Falcon: Right, exactly.

Recently, I was reminded that there was a time when
our lack of expertise had a significant impact on our
work.
Seamus: How so?
Falcon: It so happens that we are releasing the "Face
of a Woman" project for a second time this year - in
celebration of its 10th Anniversary. I am reviewing the
thousands of images of women taken since 2003, and
last night I reviewed our images of a model we nick-
named "Innocence." In 2005, thee year in which we
worked with her, we took 12 to 15 photos to create that
single still image that was good enough - technically,
artistically, emotionally - to be called a photograph.
Now, largely because our technical knowledge, our un-

28 | Behind the Scenes