Why do we photograph? I don't ask myself that question too often. Do you? Photography is such a big part of who I am, it's like asking me why I breathe.
As I pondered the question, one thing was clear: I respond to authentic imagery on a much deeper and emotional level than I do to imagery that is manipulated or heavily processed. It's also how I respond to other art forms as well. It's a reflection of my personality. It's probably why my work, urban or nature, is fairly 'unprocessed' (except for a quick push or pull of the exposure or contrast slider).
For me, photographing is a bit like experiencing life twice. So, if I want to remember the moment and the emotion through my photographs, why would I add clouds or remove a street lamp?
You may say that photographing in black and white is altering reality, and so is using a creative lens. Fair enough, and it is! It's an important creative decision that should be deliberate. It is a way of escaping reality to some degree. Maybe it is simply a way of immortalizing a moment with more intensity without the clutter and distraction of the colors. After all, if you see photographically, you will experience the moment twice: At capture and later through the photograph itself.
You may or may not agree, but these are my random thoughts for today nonetheless :)
Thank you for visiting!
Valérie