Two questions:
How does one start taking pictures? and once you’re good, how do you grow?
This is the answer to both. It’s an approach that applies to every sort of subject matter, regardless of camera.
~~~
The Fundamentals of Haiku:
Pure Seeing
Like 20th century modernism, we are interested in the act of catching a real moment, of real things. Images are discovered and caught, not montaged together in software or prepared in studio. They present the ephemeral or overlooked, they see the commonplace in a new way. They are unset-up, undirected, completely in vivo.
Formally, but Naturally, Composed
Like a painting, every element of the image is purposeful, but not contrived. They are harmonious in their spontaneous placements. They hold a rhythm of discovery that presents an experience of delight. They embrace the nature of “the decisive moment.”
Moment, more than Object
They are very much about time—they couldn’t have been taken by another person at another moment; they embrace the essential nature of a camera to reveal the fleeting.
Simple
They are sculpted by removing the extraneous, the distracting. This could mean they are monochromatic, but not necessarily. They have a sense of clarity and elegance. There is not much visual noise.
Authentic
Whether an inner or external truth, they speak to something that is real and personal in the world, a feeling, a moment, something intimate, maybe something known and forgotten.
Doesn’t Shout
The images are unpretentious; they don’t shout “this is amazing! look at me!" They speak their truth by allusion, metaphor, somewhat veiled whispers. Whether beautiful or shocking, they speak to it in hushed tones. They take a moment. But just a moment, to grok — neither too obvious nor too cryptic.
Without Commercial Intent
Photos taken for the love of photography, not for a client or the public.