A windy day on Broughton Street. Photo by D. Paul Graham.  “Get a haircut”, Savannah GA, self-portrait circa 2023.

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Pixel Lessons …..

For the past few months, I have once again been scrutinizing, vetting, and selecting some of my best images from over 45 years of creating photographs. Sorting through thousands of images is not an easy task. Forgive me for a shameless teaser here but stay tuned as I will have some exciting news to announce over the next couple of weeks. Through this vetting process, I laughed and cried at memories, cringed at the awkwardness and timidity of the early years of my photography, and felt some satisfaction and pride as to where my art has evolved from teenage years through to today. In all, I realized how blessed I am to have had the opportunity to meet and photograph so many extraordinary people and to have lived my passions, experiencing some amazing parts of the world with cameras in hand. I began to see patterns, and perspectives through the silver halides, Kodachrome, and pixels captured by my camera. This morning’s M5T deliberates on how the art of capturing images parallels some profound truths in life.

1. PATIENCE IS PARAMOUNT. In a world constantly demanding immediacy, photography teaches the value of waiting. This goes beyond selfies, that meal you had, or walking around with your cell phone high, taking videos or pictures that you aren’t even thinking about. Nor does it mean, holding your finger on the shutter button and taking 120 frames per second of the same shot. I’m talking about the patience required to really see what’s in front of you. Composing the elements of a shot, waiting for the nuanced look and ideal expression on a face, the best light, or the right moment, the decisive moment as Cartier Bresson taught us. This sort of patience translates to life, reminding us that rushing through the important moments can lead to missed opportunities and shallow experiences. Good things take time. Whether you’re waiting for the light to change for a shot or nurturing a relationship, patience allows for depth and richness that hurried actions simply won’t create.

2. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE. A photograph can change drastically with even the smallest of shift in perspective. Simply turning around, crouching down, looking up, or looking down changes one’s perspective. Similarly, life’s challenges and joys can appear entirely different when viewed from a new angle. By moving around, trying different lenses, or adjusting focus, photographers can reveal the world multidimensionally, enriching an understanding of life from a different perspective. Looking at situations from various angles gives perspective to what we are experiencing. What seems like a setback might reveal hidden opportunities if viewed differently. Embracing the flexibility of a different perspective can transform how you perceive things and people, your mood, and outcomes of chances, challenges, and complexities that we all encounter.

3. DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. The magic of a photograph often lies in the smallest of details: the subtle transition of light at sunrise or sunset, the blurred elements of a race car at speed, the texture of a building, the glint in an eye, the nuance of a slight smirk, sneer, or smile of a model, and the interplay of shadows and light that shape an image. Recognizing and appreciating these nuances elevates not only your photographs, but also the way in which you experience life. Attention to detail fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world around us. Pay attention to the small things. Really listen to what people are saying. In every aspect of our lives, recognizing and taking time to focus on the details can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

4. LIGHT IS EVERYTHING. In photography, light is the essential element that can turn a mundane scene into something spectacular. Light guides the mood, tone, and message of an image. Similarly, in life, finding and embracing your ‘light’, your passions, values, and inspiration, illuminates your path and brings clarity and purpose to your journey. Light shapes, reveals, empowers, and manifests change. Find your light. Identify what empowers and emboldens you and relentlessly seek out that type of light in all areas of your life.

5 EMBRACE IMPERFECTION. Not every photograph turns out as planned. Outright mistakes, blurry shots, unexpected lighting, or a stray element can mar the ‘perfect’ picture. In literally every shot I’ve taken, there is always something that I’m critical about, thinking about how I could have approached the image in a different way. Yet, these imperfections often add character, tell a story, and evoke emotions that ‘perfection’ simply can’t or won’t. Embracing imperfections in photography mirrors the understanding of flaws, mistakes, defects, shortcomings, and unpredictability in life. With wisdom that has been gained by decades of experiencing imperfections, I work hard at not focusing on, or striving for perfection. I try to focus on and trust the process despite imperfections that may arise. Life’s imperfections are where beauty and authenticity are revealed. Accept imperfections, learn from them, and allow them to enhance and enrich your life rather than diminish your experiences.

Here’s to a week of using pixel lessons to navigate our world with a profound awareness of the complex interplay of moments captured, lived, and remembered in our lives.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™. He has yet to take his best photograph.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com

“Monday 5 Things” ™ and M5T™ are trademarks of D. Paul Graham