Photography as art and the path to creativity

[@JesseHall-gd4sd]

I have been grappling with these concepts lately myself! I have grown weary over the years of the big local instagram photography accounts focusing on the tiny sliver of reality that is only the picturesque, ignoring the beauty and humanity to be found in the overlooked areas where I live. So a few weeks ago I started an instagram presenting ‘the other side of the postcard’. While I aim to capture the reality of my city, it has become clear that I am still compelled to curate and show the beautiful moments that I have found, even though the subjects are usually ignored. So what am I doing? I don’t know, I guess doing the same thing as the post card photographers but I’m finding beautiful photos where the other’s won’t go? I thought I would bring the shadow of this society to light and reveal the uncomfortable truths, but that is much harder to actually publish than I thought.

[@EwenBell]

Instagram as a platform is focused on that section of the audience who are most readily manipulated. It now ignores those of us who want to delve into the art of photography in a meaningful way. Precisely the reason I came here to start this channel. Different algorithm, different problems! I hope you find a tribe of people who value a little gritty reality over glossy postcards.

[@tonym9635]

Great video!!!! and your words are spot on. Your images are brilliant. This is a video a lot of photographers should watch. Thanks for sharing your time and wisdom.

[@EwenBell]

Thankyou for the kind words Tony!

[@ianrolfesouthernlightscapes]

How many people have we said this to hey Buddy! Beautifully presented as we all see the world differently... and I am constantly amazed at the beauty everyone captures when taking a group of photographers to a spot and watching them interpret it! Sometimes we need a presentation like this to get us off the mechanical track we can find ourselves on at times. Gorgeous images of your trip in Japan as well... very nice E.

[@EwenBell]

Would love to share a little of Japan with you one day Ian :) A good trip for Ann as well - not much snow in the month of May!

[@peterfritzphoto]

This is another stellar video, Ewen. Your work here on KZbin deserves a much larger audience, which, having just spent half an hour learning more about you on your website, will happen soon, I expect. I almost began my career with an X300 (I lusted after that thing for months and months), but instead, it was the Ricoh XR-P that first got me published.

[@EwenBell]

You're too kind Peter :) I'm pretty happy with how the last six months have gone. Might take time to build an audience, but I'm committed to avoiding listicles and click bait on this journey!

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@EwenBellGood for you, Ewen. It seems I was editing my original comment as you replied.

[@melstruijk4433]

You really just said what I was thinking for a while now, but couldnt put in to words yet. Thanks and nice video!

[@EwenBell]

:)

[@IronChefShellie]

I'm having massive Japan FOMO! I've started to take my camera out on the streets with the nice winter sunshine but haven't caught anything yet. The good moments are only when I don't have my camera 🤦‍♀️

[@EwenBell]

Maybe you need a smaller camera that you CAN carry every day :)