Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, trees, 14 March, 2023

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Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, trees, 14 March, 2023

watercolour, A3

 

 

 

Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, trees - detail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, avenue

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Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, avenue

 watercolour, A3

 

Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, avenue - detail

First of a series. The light can change a fair amount within an hour.

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Canasvieiras, sea, March 11, 2023

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Canasvieiras, sea, March 11, 2023, watercolour, A3

 

 

 

 

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A pair of shoes on a rug

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A pair of shoes on a rug

 

 

 

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The underside of a matchbox; modest photography

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The underside of a matchbox

 

 

 

 modest photography

 

 

What is modest photography?

Modest photography is an approach to taking and presenting photographs. In modest photography both subject matter and means of depiction are humble and unspectacular.

What is a modest subject?

This is open to discussion and, naturally, has a subjective aspect. What is modest to one will be immodest to another.

 

 But, as a general guide, it's a photographic subject that does not immediately draw attention to itself- this could be because it is undramatic in its form (unsophisticated construction methods and materials, muted colours, small size, commonness, unexciting shape, lack of interactive aspects, low cost). 

 

 It could also be because it is not an item with an important history i.e having no link to a famous person or event, or little or no symbolic value (religious artefact, talisman, monetary unit)

 

It's a subject that does not have obvious and immediate emotive aspects (such as weaponry, medical instruments, associations with criminality, moral or behavioural perversion or lingerie).

 

 It could a place which is passed though daily but rarely really observed, or consciously experienced.

What is the point of modest photography?

The purpose of modest photography is to engage both viewer and maker with the commonplace. Modest photography seeks to encourage appreciation of the everyday  with images that are unadorned, plain speaking.

Does modest photography have a political aspect?

In the sense that all communicative forms attempt to direct the people's attention to specific  ideas, and induce changes in consciousness we can say that modest photography is political. 

By increasing appreciation of the commonplace and the overlooked we likely will reduce interest in the melodramatic, the self important and showy, and gain greater appreciation of what is around us. We can argue that this is political since it eschews the celebrity culture and the cult of obvious wealth that currently belabours the west.

Can anyone do modest photography?

Yes. Modest photography is for everyone. Modest photography can be pursued with a cheap celphone, or a costly Hasselblad.

What are the favoured styles in modest photography?

Modest photography has no dominant voice. It can be in colour,  black and white, square, or oblong.  But obviously, the effect of a modest photography must be commensurate with its message: that is undramatic, humble.

What are the origins of modest photography?

The origins of modest photography are in the still life photography used for product catalogues, in Dutch 17th century painting and its appreciation of the ordinary daily life and the School of Paris photographers such as Kertész or Brassai.

What about titles?

Modest photography encourages the use of explanatory titles and writing. These should, naturally, be in a plain style.

Is modest photography boring?

Probably to some.

  Modest photography proposes that the constant need for sensation apparent in contemporary culture is tedious and demeaning both intellectually and emotionally. Modest photography challenges the idea that what is most  worth of attention is what is noisiest, most expensive or most dramatic.

 Modest photography does not, however, impose itself as mainstream culture imposes itself.

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In my living room

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In my living room, early March, 2023

 

 

 

There's been a change to this corner of the living room: that is, the Croton has appeared on the stool, replacing the Peace lily, which is now on the floor on left.

The Croton plant, in the conical clay vase, has a distinct personality: insistent yet in no way vulgar. 

What's it trying to say?

 It's a new arrival and I'm concerned about its well-being: after I had purchased it, I was siting in the cafe area of the shop and  was approached by another customer who told me about he he had purchased and planted six similar plants in his garden, all of which had been entirely consumed by ants.

 But he then added that if the plant were kept in a vase he thought it would be all right. Did he say that simply to close the conversation pleasantly, or was it something he he really believed? 

I don't know, and I doubt I'll ever find out.

Perhaps the plant wishes to tell us: "I'm still a stranger here, see me! Afford me the care and protection that is my due."

The detective in a Panama hat observes...

 

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Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, tall trees

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Parque Estadual do Rio Vermelho, tall trees

watercolour, 29 x 25 cm

Gradually, I narrow the format.

 

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