Through, Not Behind the Lens

For most of my adult life, and I’m not sure why, I have been a passionate student of Photography history.

I love it.

I proudly stand on the shoulder of giants, who made what I do….possible.
Thank you, giants and geniuses.

I also read a lot about Photography. It’s my thing.

What I have been noticing, more lately, is that the most popular, cultural stories of photographers today are from the perspective of “Behind the lens”.

Fair enough.

I’ve done plenty of this writing over the years.
That’s a safe place to be.

When you talk from “behind” anything, you are shielding yourself from transparency and intimacy.
I like to talk less about “behind the lens” and more about “through the lens”.

Maybe it is flat-out weird, but I experience a deeper, more personal sense of life “through” my lens.
Photography completes me.

In her presence, and sometimes only in her presence, I am fulfilled and whole.

Click.

Photography has never been a distraction to me. It’s more of an attraction.
I connect to the world and myself ” through” the lens, not behind it.

See the difference?

For many photographers, the camera stands between them and life.

For me, it’s less of a wall and more of a bridge.

Photography invites me to experience the visual side of life.

And it is beautiful. So, so, so beautiful.

Click.

Jack

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Jack Hollingsworth
Photographer