Last night was our third Zoom meeting in a row and Huw Alban gave us his talk titled ‘That’s not a Landscape!’. His talk was about the use of our creativity and imagination to take pictures that were perhaps a bit out of the norm - a different way of looking at the subjects we chose.
He told us right at the beginning that it would be an evening of stories to illustrate his points and he certainly was a very good storyteller, beginning by relating two anecdotes of children to illustrate how children are prepared to ‘have a go’ at things and don’t spend time worrying about how it may turn out or what convention expects.
He reminded us that first and foremost our images should please us. If others don’t see what we were trying to achieve but we are happy with the outcome that’s fine. Comparing ourselves with others can sometimes undermine our creativity. The camera is just a tool and we choose how to use it. But the best tool is our own imagination and creativity. We may need to be prepared to be considered 'wrong' by others as everyone interprets things differently. But as long as we are happy with our own images that is all that matters as the best ideas come from the sentiment or reaction that we feel at the time we take the picture.
Of course Huw’s talk was accompanied by some amazing pictures, most memorably the raging sea in a storm at Portland Bill. He also showed us examples of pictures taken in other difficult circumstances – pictures taken through the windscreen of his car whilst he sheltered from the pouring rain showed the effect of the patterns created by the water. He urged us not to give up if a new method does not work the first time. He talked about using In Camera Movement and finding out what shapes appeal most to us and seeking them out.
He also took us through his foray into street photography. Like many of us he was concerned about invading people's privacy but developed a way of taking those images with people as part of a larger subject and often with their backs to the camera, which did not disturb them and made him feel more comfortable. Creativity means taking risks and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones.
In summary Huw encouraged us to build knowledge and experience and develop new thinking and methods. To try different things and be prepared to experiment and make mistakes. Connecting with our chosen subject and being aware of what our reaction to that subject is.