The other day I was discussing photography with a group of tour participants and a comment was made extolling the VIRTUES of it. I made an immediate connection to the 7 Virtues.
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I’ve always been an admirer of clever twists on words. It’s used in advertisements to hook potential customers. So here’s the connection: the other day I was discussing photography with a group of tour participants and a comment was made extolling the VIRTUES of it. I made an immediate connection to the 7 Virtues. As the conversation grew more and more profound, I knew I had the makings of an article I wanted to share using the hook of how I can connect the 7 Virtues to photography. I fully agree with my tour participant praising the virtues of photography so here’s my twist. This week I will cover four of them with the remaining three addressed next week.
PRUDENCE: “proper judgement of reasons for action with regards to appropriateness - acting with or showing care and thought for the future.”
Photographically, prudence comes in many forms. Knowing how a given aperture or shutter speed will create a specific effect in the image is important in determining its look. Does the moment call for a lot of depth of field or would selective focus net a better image? Stop the lens down to f22 to increase the depth of field or open it up to f4 to narrow it. What shutter speed is necessary to freeze the motion or would it be better to pan the camera? Each decision determines the look of the image. Prudence also relates to what you do to make the picture possible. Will the release of the shutter have a positive or negative effect on others, the environment or for that matter, yourself. If you’re photographing wildlife, do you take into consideration that what you do in order to get the image doesn’t have a negative impact on the animal? Prudence also comes into play regarding your subject. In the accompanying image of the motorcyclist, poor judgement will certainly have a detrimental effect on his health that will have a ripple effect on all the others in his life.
JUSTICE: “proper judgment regarding individual human interests and rights.”
Given the times and point in history where the word crisis dominates the news, Justice is a timely virtue that unfortunately, many did not take to heart. With this in mind, I share with you an image symbolic of what we need to adopt. It’s time to put aside selfishness and do what’s right for all, not just oneself. Photographically, challenge yourself to make an image that depicts Justice and put it in a prominent location. Be reminded of what it stands for each time you view it. Just maybe, it will help expedite a solution as you pass on good karma to others.
RESTRAINT: “practicing self control, abstention, and moderation.”
Caterpillars are voracious eaters as they near the point of spinning a cocoon or chrysalis. This is done out of necessity. Practicing restraint at this point of their lives would not be good for the species. To put a photographic “spin” on this virtue, I share this thought. While it’s great that we have cameras that shoot nine frames per second, is it always necessary? While I certainly plead guilty to using my 6 frames per second to capture peak action, I sometimes find myself not using it for the sake of a challenge. I think about the old masters who created peak action images using single shot cameras and manual advance of each frame. I certainly don’t encourage you to try this on a money shot, but when it’s not critical, practice a bit of restraint to see how you match up.
FORTITUDE: endurance and ability to confront fear, uncertainty, or intimidation.”
Photographers with fortitude have a huge advantage. While it helps to practice some restraint for the sake of safety to oneself and others, it’s a virtue that allows the go getter to come back with images that are more unique. So here’s my photographic twist - one doesn’t need to display FORTITUDE to the max. How about trying something new or different displaying a lesser level of FORTItiude, or if you’re not ready, just a bit of FOrtitude. You’ll be surprised at just how good you’ll feel by stretching your fortitude boundary past your comfort level while still practicing some restraint. It can be as basic as going on a hike to get pics not made from the main road or perhaps delving into some night photography. Regardless of the subject, practice a bit of fortitude to go beyond where you previously established a boundary.
To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Photographic Nature Tours. Visit www.russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.
