I always had a thing for black and white photography. I remember being a kid and looking through the old albums of my grandmother. So many pictures, only monochrome. I loved the texture, the smell, the way people, places and moments had a certain magic which only black and white can illustrate. I was in love with photography since I was small and I didn't even knew it.
I looked at this very interesting Ted talk with Sebastiao Salgado, a well known photographer. He studied economics and one day he decided that he's going to abandon his career as an economist and be a photographer. I liked his determination, his drive to follow his passion! He had the luck of also finding and keeping the woman of his dreams and got married. I always admire when a successful man admits the powerful influence of his woman in his life.
The kind of photography Sebastiao Salgado made is not easy. I was moved by his confession of his traumatic time in Rwanda. I recommend you watching his talk here to understand more
Basically watching death in the eyes while you take a picture is brutal. Starvation, poverty, malnutrition.... He was severely depressed after this. He came back ill, he didn't want to do photography anymore. I can't imagine how it must be for all photojournalists out there to witness traumatic events and still be mentally sane. Watching how humans can be cruel to other humans, watching a child dying of hunger.... It is heartbreaking. But photographers do play a massive role in revealing these harsh realities to us. The price they pay.... It's not measurable and understandable.
With the help of his wife and through the power of his own will, he managed to overcome trauma and reignite his love for photography. His works for Genesis, photographing nature, animals, tribes, came right after this traumatising period of his life. This shows the power of the right partner, the power of the right profession, the innate desire of the human mind to achieve greatness.
Sometimes, from out worst moments in life, come our biggest rewards. It is deeply powerful to go through depression and wonder "why live anymore?". I have been through it years ago and I must tell you that depresssion should not be judged. Only those who went down in the darkest corners and managed to get out sane can understand what I am saying now. I am always happy when I hear successful stories of people who overcome severe depression and came out stronger, I can personally relate to their trauma.
Pain, suffering, hardships can only make us stronger. Too many people use their past as an excuse to lose courage to try again. I believe that the human spirit is a warrior in its nature. And a powerful dream will always pull you out from the darkest corners, I am so sure of that! I am a living proof of that!
Have a spectacular day and toodle loo!
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I got chills reading this. Just seeing such sad photos breaks my heart, I never really considered what it's like for the photographer D:
As for loved ones having a big influence I'm not really surprised, I'm more surprised if it's the opposite. Ofcourse the influence isn't always a positive one, but positive inflences are definitely very admirable.
I'm sorry you had to deal with depression, and it's definitely shouldn't be judged, mental problems in general should be emphasised with not judged. There is still soo much to be learned that's just unfair to assume we know what a person is going through. I wish you well and to never go through that again <3 Take care :)
Hey! It is indeed good to know the story behind the pictures. Being a photographer in extraordinary circumstances is not easy.
I am happy that depression is behind me and I am stronger for overcoming it. I encountered people who in the past would have made me suffer, now I can happily remove myself from bad situations and negative influences. I have grown a lot and I am grateful for what I am as a person. I wouldn't be what I am today if it weren't for all of my adversities.
Thank you for making time to read this, I appreciate it😊
I can see how this would have a huge influence, and setting boundaries is so important :O I'm not great at it but I certainly avoid anyone toxic, sometimes even un-awaringly.
<3
I'm glad to hear that! Boundaries are very important. Setting boundaries towards friends, acquaintances, family members, partners. We all need healthy boundaries in order to live a balanced life.
@creativemary Black and white photography is not only beautiful, but old photos like the ones you told us you saw on old albums in your house also have specific poses, taken in certain places in the house. It is impressive to see how the culture of socialization changes over time, and we can see it in photographs.
On the other hand, it is good to know that depression can be overcome, and I think it is part of a long journey to our depths, a journey back and forth. So when we return we are ready to make good decisions to achieve the happiness that we want.
Yes, the atmosphere and the mood captured in those photos are incredible!
Depression can be defeated. For most of those who overcome it, including me, they came out even stronger.
This man is cool Sebastiao Salgado :) I have also looked all this photographer videos and photos... lot photos are very strong :) I like this black and white picture where a whale's tail comes out of the water and rises high... this is cool B&W photo what you not get every day :))
Yes! His work is amazing! This man is a legend. We can imagine all of the effort behind the pictures, it is incredible how he delivered such quality throughout the years. I admire him.
Thank you for reading and have a lovely day!
Npr :) ... I try come look more soon :)
😊
Photography is an incredible art and I completely agree with you about black & white photography specifically... it definitely holds a certain magic. Photos in general have always fascinated me... especially work by great photographers because they literally have the power to harness a specific moment and bring it to life.
I would imagine that photo journalism would expose one to some really harsh realities that MUST impact them deeply and it is admirable when an individual finds the strength to overcome something that has affected them so greatly. Our strengths are indeed found at the end of our struggles.
Great piece hon... as always! !tip
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I can agree with you that reality must be exposed, and that included harsh, uncomfortable, brutal truths. We need those kind of people who can be strong enough to bring in front of our eyes things which would otherwise remain hidden.
Photojournalism is special. Telling a story through images is powerful. I believe one has to feel a calling, an inner urge for speaking for those who can't speak and see for those who can't see. Salgado is an example of the power of a dreamer. The power of someone who finds their true calling in life and pursues it. A true inspiration for any person willing to achieve greatness.
Thank you Jaynie, I appreciate that you always make time to read my posts and genuinely engage and be kind to give a tip. 🙏🤗
Pleasure sweets xxx If we dont have that... then what do we have here? ;)
🤗
If you liked this talk, go check out the writings of Susan Sontag and Roland Barthes.
Hey! Thank you very much, I always love it when I receive book/authors recommendations! I will check them out!
Not a problem. They're not so easy to digest. But I really recommend starting with "Camera Lucida" by Roland Barthes. It's fantastic stuff.
Uuuu sounds exciting, I will search it!
I think my interest in photography probably goes to Matthew Brady and his Civil War photos (photography was brand new then, makes them even more remarkable), or more likely, Ansel Adams. I know I was hooked at 'Moon over Half Dome'. On Adams, Photography and Yosemite.
I'm going to suggest you follow a friend @derangedvisions I'll not tell any of his story, but....
Great recommendation for a follow :)
Ansel Adams is a legend too. Thank you for your recommendation, I will consider it! I appreciate you made the time to read and give a quality reply!
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I think black and white photography is all the more powerful than colour; it pushes out unnecessary noise and really lets the photographer focus on the story and emotion of the image. I have a book with Pulitzer Prize winning photographs which I still look through, and am always inspired by it.
You're spot on about depression. Absolutely spot on. It's inspiring to see that you've overcome it!
Hey! Thanks for reading this! I would love to know more about the book, I am a book worm lol.
I'm happy that I can now open up about it and be ok with it. I was inspired also by the stories of other successful people who went through similar issues.
I agree that black and white is the best for its simplicity 😍🖤
Here is the cover of the book. I highly recommend it. It's incredibly inspiring.
Hey! Thank you so much for thinking of me, I will definetely check it out!