I don't think it is even possible to define what a good photograph is, so it is difficult to instruct anybody how to make one. Beauty and aesthetics are subjective, and very much in the mind of the beholder. Michael Kenna More Quotes by Michael Kenna More Quotes From Michael Kenna Nothing is ever the same twice because everything is always gone forever, and yet each moment has infinite photographic possibilities. Michael Kenna photography gone forever We see in colour all the time. Everything around us is in colour. Black and white is therefore immediately an interpretation of the world, rather than a copy. Michael Kenna interpretation black-and-white world I don't have anything against colour. It is just not my first preference. I have always found black and white photographs to be quieter and more mysterious than those made in colour. Michael Kenna mysterious black-and-white firsts For me, the subtlety of black and white inspires the imagination of the individual viewer to complete the picture in the mind's eye. It doesn't attempt to compete with the outside world. I believe it is calmer and gentler than colour, and persists longer in our visual memory. Michael Kenna eye memories believe The golden rule in the arts, as far as I am concerned, is that all rules are meant to be broken. Michael Kenna golden broken art I often think of my work as visual haiku. It is an attempt to evoke and suggest through as few elements as possible rather than to describe with tremendous detail. Michael Kenna details photography thinking I believe that photographers should be passionate, determined, disciplined and ready to seek out their own styles and identities. Michael Kenna style identity believe I gravitate towards places where humans have been and are no more, to the edge of man's influence, where the elements are taking over or covering man's traces. Michael Kenna covering photography men Perhaps most intriguing of all is that it is possible to photograph what is impossible for the human eye to see - cumulative time. Michael Kenna eye photography impossible In my photographic work I'm generally attracted to places that contain memories, history, atmospheres and stories. I'm interested in the places where people have lived, worked and played. I look for traces of the past, visual fingerprints, evidence of activities - they fire my imagination and connect into my own personal experiences. Using the analogy of the theater, I would say that I like to photograph the empty stage, before or after the performance, even in between acts. I love the atmosphere of anticipation, the feeling in the air that events have happened, or will happen soon. Michael Kenna fire memories past Getting photographs is not the most important thing. For me it's the act of photographing. It's enlightening, therapeutic and satisfying, because the very process forces me to connect with the world. When you make four-hour exposures in the middle of the night, you inevitably slow down and begin to observe and appreciate more what's going on around you. In our fast-paced, modern world, it's a luxury to be able to watch the stars move across the sky. Michael Kenna stars photography moving My advice to any budding artist is never to be satisfied with imitating others. This is but a means to an end. A serious artist will work with intensity to discover themselves, their own personal vision. I believe this is a fundamental aspect of the creative path. Michael Kenna artist mean believe I prefer to think of photography as a never ending journey with infinite possibilities. I love to return to places to re photograph. Nothing is ever the same. The options are endless. Michael Kenna photography journey thinking There are many aspects about what and why we photograph: visual pleasure, personal empathy, intellectual stimulation, technical excellence, etc. Serious photographers and artists will try to create works that are original. Over a career period they may develop a singular identity in their images. Michael Kenna empathy careers artist I would strongly encourage anybody embarking on photography as a career to embrace and enjoy the whole process. Being a photographer can be a wonderful way to experience the world. Michael Kenna careers photography way I believe that we photographers don't benefit very much with answers from other photographers. What is more beneficial is to ask questions of ourselves and see what thoughts float out from within. Michael Kenna benefits answers believe Beauty is very much in the mind of the beholder. Michael Kenna beholder mind We all have choices and must make them for ourselves. Michael Kenna choices Sometimes the most interesting visual phenomena occur when you least expect it. Other times, you think youre getting something amazing and the photographs turn out to be boring and predictable. So I think thats why, a long time ago, I consciously tried to let go of artists angst, and instead just hope for the best and enjoy it. I love the journey as much as the destination. If I wasnt a photographer, Id still be a traveler. Michael Kenna artist journey letting-go Parks and gardens are the quintessential intimate landscapes. People use them all the time, leaving their energy and memories behind. It's what's left behind that I like to photograph. Michael Kenna garden photography memories
