Edited, black and white photo of broken fence netting

How do you pick your first subject to blog about?

So many subjects to talk about and to share, but this being my first blog, why not introduce myself and my process to you, so that you may better understand how some of my photographs take a specific shape and look.

For some of you that know me, my creativity comes in spurts. I will be very active for a while and then relax for a while.

One of the main reason is because I may not always have something to say. Sometimes my soul just needs to stay quiet.

My vision has always been not only to create art through photography. Not only to capture the pretty photo, but it is to tell a story. To allow someone looking at my photos to find what speaks to them.

Some may say my photography can be somber, and that is an accurate statement. Just as I am when I write, I seem to be more prolific when something major is happening in my life.

Ever since I was little, my drawings have always reflected my emotions and that is true of my photography. Having always loved pencil drawings, the reason I gravitate toward black and white is because it reminds me of a drawing and the emotions the proper shading will bring to a subject.

I find interest in various subjects and the way I capture them is essentially my way of seeing a certain emotion, which emanates from what I am photographing at that particular moment.

A friend asked me not too long ago what equipment I use to create certain lighting or mood, and frankly I told him my equipment is very simple.

My camera and a flash, if needed.

I utilize the natural settings. The sun, or the clouds, or certain shadows that are present in the moment. My love is taking a photo that might be discarded by others and turning it into a piece of art that could have otherwise been hidden by darkness.

Many times I have scrolled through some photos that at first glance were not my first choice, but as I go back through them, even after weeks, or months, and sometimes years, I stop and truly look at the images and pull a detail from it that may have not shown itself to me at the initial editing. Sometimes what I may have overlooked at first will tell me a very different story when I truly focus on it and after time has gone bye.

There is a reason why my eyes want to take a certain shot. I see something while snapping the many angles and even though my final concept might not be clear right away, I do know that the particular photo will have that special something in it that will come to life and take shape as I look at it and dissect it.

What will speak to me may change based on a particular emotion I may be experiencing that day. That is the reason my photography is so different and provides various subjects.

I have revisited photos taken years apart and brought up a completely different emotion or detail that I may not have been looking for when I originally shot it or even after the initial edits were done.

For me when I take a photograph it is to leave an imprint. To tell a story. To enhance a certain emotion. To have it speak to someone.

If I am able to do that, then I will have achieved my goal.

Photography, just as any type of art, is an expression of oneself. When clients hire me, I am very upfront and let them know that my style might be a bit different and within the shots we may have discussed taking, there will be a few they might not be expecting and so many times those are the ones that will capture their heart.

As an artist I hope that my vision and style is appreciated by the public. It may not be for everyone but for the ones for whom it will evoke some emotions, I can only strive that my message will somehow leave a mark for years to come.

Laura Zecchin

Sharing a Vision Through Photography