Photographs create an illusion or visual representation of a place or object at a moment in time. No photograph, however, offers the “truth” of a situation or place in time. Photographic images, whether made with plate glass, paper, film, or digital sensor only can suggest shapes, textures, and colors that approximate a visual reality in a way that the viewer can interpret them using the mental and cultural language that they have available to them at the time.
At the same time, when we view a two dimensional image on paper or a screen, most of the time, people will generally agree about what the image represents or depicts.
I am curious about what happens in the mind when ethereal images are viewed – images suggesting the passage of time or giving the illusion of being in motion. Something in them causes the mind to slow down to work out the puzzle about what is going on. Why do our minds do this?
To create these puzzles, I am especially interested in pinhole photography and making images using intentional camera movement.
My pursuit of film photography started in the 1980s ebbing and flowing over time. In 2020 I began a more serious and methodical approach to photography by studying the images and ideas of many photographers. My formal photography training is limited to one course at Pacific Lutheran University, instructed by Associate Professor, Bea Geller in 1986 or 1987.
My work and other interests can be found on Instagram and Vero by following @kengibsonphotography or by visiting kengibsonphotography@mastodon.social on Mastodon.
To contact me, please send email to ken@kengibsonphotography.com.