“The photography-integrated-into-life method is decidedly unfashionable. The huge majority of photographers I saw at Photolucida were more project oriented. The prevailing model is to develop a concept of something that has photographic potential —often of personal interest but not always— and then methodically take photographs of that project until a body of work is created, with the ultimate goal of showing the work at Photolucida or similar venue.

……

I think photographs should come first.  Arrange them in projects later if you must or else leave them as is in a big loose stack. Either way, photography that is integral to life seems to me to be the strongest because it comes from purest motivation: the very simple need to translate the world into photographs. Of course I am biased because this how I approach my own work, but it’s what I like to see in others too.” -  Blake Andrews

This is one of the more salient observations I’ve come across in awhile (thanks Blake!), but perhaps that’s because it articulates a feeling that’s been with me for sometime.  And really, if there were ever to be an LPV type statement of principles, this idea would have to be in there somewhere.  What I sense brewing, and has been brewing for a few years now (maybe more?) is some tension between the fine art photography establishment and the new wave vernacular movement that has grown in communities on Flickr and other parts of the web.

Put simply, I don’t think the fine art photography establishment has much respect for this photographic philosophy or method (look at the general derision toward street photography and family photography for example).  I know plenty of studious, intelligent photographers out there who treat photography as a way of life  and don’t have any sort of fine art ambition.

Maybe that’s what it comes down to: ambition.  I have this feeling, one I certainly can’t prove scientifically, but somehow I think having an ambition to make it in the fine art world interferes with your photographic intuition to some degree.  There’s a danger that the conceptual part of your brain and eye will smother the intuitive part.  Is there a way to find a balance?  Of course.  Do I have any idea how? Nope, but I do think mixing the vernacular, “integrated-into-life method” with the project method can lead to some very exciting photography.  But will the fine art world pay attention?

Shoot first, aske questions later [B:]

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via The Online Photographer

by Melinda Gennero

by computerteacher78

by kampolerta

found by James Hendrick

Believe it or not, we do wade into ‘Everyone’s Photos’ on Flickr every now and again. Sometimes you find something sufficiently odd enough to share.

by The Bacher Family

found by James Hendrick

courtesy of MangoFalls

I haven’t been able to figure out if there’s any benefit to a heavy dose of vernacular photography, but right now I’m feeling that’s it’s pretty much nothing but empty calories.  There’s no doubt one could go through found photographs forever and find interesting material, but at the end of the day, I’m not sure there’s much substance there beyond the historical significance.  Although, I did just receive ‘Evidence’ in the mail,  so perhaps with an intelligent hand behind the edit it can be insightful.

There’s not doubt it can be addicting though.  So much so Mat made it through all 1244 photographs in the Flickr stream of superbomba.

Also, thanks to Jeff for pointing out MangoFalls as well.  Another bottomless pit of found photographs.  The story and presentation are kind of interesting for those who may not have come across it already.