How a stranger changed my photography

The Power of a Photograph

I recently received an email from a stranger that taught me a valuable lesson about the power of a single photograph. This email has actually changed how I think and feel about my own photography. I have been inspired by the works of many photographers, but it never sank in that a photograph of mine could have an emotional impact on others.

As a landscape and seascape photographer I am constantly out exploring Rhode Island looking for the next scene to photograph and add to my collection. I search for interesting subjects that I can combine with great light and an interesting perspective in order to create a photograph. Tide charts, maps, several software programs and a whole bunch of Apps on my iDevices all help me in my quest.

In the field I use tools like tripods, filters, levels and cable releases to help me record the scene before me on my cameras memory card. I often sing and dance along to the music playing through the earbuds connected to my ever present iPod. I am extremely passionate about my photography, and it really shows when I work.

Newport Harbor at Dusk

Part of the process comes after the fact when I then share the photograph – here on the website, my Facebook Fan Page, my Google+ account, perhaps it will get Tweeted and shared to a whole bunch of other Social Sharing sites. Many of you Like, +1, Share and Comment on the photo. Like any artist I love to get feedback on my work, and i am truly grateful for all the kind words that you share with me.

I often get emails as well, and these are often far more personal in nature. I am always touched by the stories that folks share with me. Many times these messages come from total strangers from all over the world, people that I have never met. They are often intensely personal, and powerful. Very recently I received an email from a gentlemen that impacted me, and my photography, to a great degree. It really made me understand the power of a photograph. Before I talk about how it has affected me, let me share with you what he had to say:

Hi Mike,

I would like to share something with you. I left Tiverton to join the Navy back in 1974.  I have since lived in, worked in or visited about 30 countries.  I count Newport Harbor as one of the most beautiful spots in this whole world.   My parents lived until their deaths in Tiverton so I visited every so often.  My dad was a native Rhode Islander and a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer.  He ended up dying back in the 80’s right there in the Newport Naval Hospital.  I remember coming back from Germany for what turned out to be a final visit with dad.  I can see to this day almost the same shot you took. I had visited dad and knowing he was close to the end I stood outside the front of the hospital in a moment of peaceful reflection and watched a beautiful sunset.  I knew right then that all was good as dad would pass on while under the care of our Navy and at one of the most beautiful spots in this world.

Mike, you have captured an amazingly beautiful sight with your skillful eye and hand.

 

I was speechless when I first read this, and more than a little choked up. I read that email several times that afternoon. Later that evening after dinner I muted the TV, and then I read that email aloud to my wife. We talked about it at length. It took me about a day before I could compose myself enough to formulate a reply.

As a photographer I am a visual artist, and I strive to make an emotional connection with you, the viewers of my work. I want my photograph to speak to you, to remind you of a happy time or place. Mostly I want you to feel.

I have been inspired my many photographs over the years, images that have touched me. It never really occurred to me that my photography could do the same for others.

Over the next 6 weeks I have read this email countless times. When I have gone out shooting lately I am less concerned with the technical, and thinking more about the artistic. The need for technical excellence is still there, but it is only a part of the photograph.

To the gentleman that sent the email, I thank you. I thank you for opening my eyes to the power of a single photograph.

Note: the email and the story where shared with the permission of the email author. I did not want to share something so personal without having first consulted with him. Thanks!