ATMOSPHERES


The constant in any atmosphere is change - the photograph holds a unique position in that it allows us to hold onto that finite moment that has long since passed and view this fleeting point in time at a level of detail that does not exist in the real ‘moving’ world. You are presented with a moment that is unique in that you are not able to see the period leading up to this moment or the time that proceeds it. As such we are offered glimpses by the photographer as to the context of the images; we are offered clues about the emotional tone and the reason to why this moment has arisen. Through creative choices like the colours and tones used in the capturing of that moment, the photographer is suggesting the atmosphere and the prevailing mood on the image but offers only whispers in terms of narrative, the photographer as such holds onto many more secrets. This often leaves us with an image that is very open to interpretation and full of ambiguity and as a viewer, we look for patterns in the images and feed off the visual suggestions. At the same time we are pouring into the pictures our own thoughts and feelings that have thus far populated our own lives. Consciously or not when we view images, we construct a narrative in our own minds as to what has happened, creating an atmosphere and story that changes for each viewer.