Around here, August naturally aligns with the theme of abundance and the cyclic nature of life. As the peak of summer starts to wind down and we begin to ramp things up for fall, we see the cyclic nature of life in full swing. This month, the prevalence of circles in our projects and work perfectly embodies wholeness, continuity, and the theme of abundance.
So, that's where I'm at with new concepts on the horizon. I've already created and printed some proofs of the larger-scale set ideas for what I'll need to do (pictured below). It's funny how ideas develop because these initial versions don't look anything like how the final version for the set will look. But to get to that conclusion, I had to go through this process of discovery by first producing these to reveal what needed to be. It's been fun to switch gears and approach ordinary concepts with new ways of seeing and interpretations. It just so happens that everything I've been feeling manifested as circles and related shapes this go-round. Of course, I'm not literally photographing circles as my subjects but integrating these shapes into the overall composition and theme of the projects.
Here's a glimpse of my scanner setup for my two film scanners in the corner of my office. I use these when I develop large-format film myself. This setup allows me to quickly scan 4x5 film shots at up to 48-bit 6400 dpi, producing files with a resolution of 25,600 x 32,000 pixels, which is more than enough for most situations. If I need higher resolution and dynamic range, I would drum scan the negatives. In this recent scenario, it helped me evaluate the models on film with a particular concept that incorporated circles.
Exploring the Symbolism of Circles
Digging a little deeper, most people know about the general symbolism of circles, such as wholeness, protection, unity, and cycles. However, circles also represent enlightenment, the universe, infinity, and the void. They are found in medicine wheels, wheels of fortune, and the unity of the material and spiritual worlds. It’s a natural progression that I would eventually reintroduce these kinds of concepts into my photography work—accessible and enriching for clients in commercial projects, and deeply explored in other creative genres.
Fundamental Elements in Visual Arts Like Photography
In visual arts like photography, everything we see can be broken down into fundamental elements such as lines and shapes. These basic components form the building blocks of any composition and are crucial in guiding the viewer’s eye and conveying meaning.
The Role of Lines and Shapes
Lines: Lines can lead the viewer's gaze, create patterns, and convey movement. They can be straight, curved, diagonal, or implied, each carrying its own emotional and visual weight.
Shapes: Shapes, whether geometric like circles and squares or organic like leaves and rocks, create structure within an image. They define spaces, form relationships between elements, and can evoke specific feelings or ideas.
Incorporating Circles and Other Shapes
Visual Harmony: Circles can bring a sense of balance and harmony to a composition. Their continuous, unbroken form contrasts with and complements the linear elements, creating a dynamic interplay.
Symbolic Meaning: Beyond their visual impact, shapes like circles carry symbolic meanings. As mentioned earlier, circles represent wholeness, continuity, and unity, adding layers of depth to the visual narrative.
Symbolic Layering: Incorporating symbolic elements like circles subtly in commercial projects and more boldly in other genres helps convey deeper meanings without overwhelming the viewer.
Looking Ahead in August and Beyond
That pretty much sums up what's on the horizon and currently in progress for this month. It gives you a peek into the insight of my mind pre-execution, before the photoshoots take place. This process is always the most fun because it’s where ideas take shape and transform through experimentation and discovery. The journey from concept to final image is filled with unexpected twists, making it both challenging and rewarding.
As August progresses and we move beyond, I look forward to seeing how these themes of wholeness, continuity, and interconnectedness will evolve and influence my work. This period of growth and creation is a reflection of the abundance and prosperity that August embodies. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as these projects come to life.
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