Intentional tension and the space in between

Photography is intentional tension. Finding enjoyment in the space in between is the fuel. If the subject is too hard then you won’t do it, it won’t be fulfilling, too easy and it’s throw away work or worse it’s boring and dull.

So many variables and investing in ideas and time and effort all so that an image represents a moment that no longer exists is captured in such a way so that it best represents that moment, that feeling and that intention. Take a breath...

Creating tension in a image can be achieved using composition but there are so many variables that are constantly happening that knowing when the time is right to push the shutter release is tension filled in itself. I’m always self conscious when shooting, should I take this now, are there people watching me, is this even worthy of a shot, my precious time as a human?

Then the result. The time delay when using film is a breeding ground for rising expectations. The idea of what you shot being realised builds tension, and then ultimately when it is all said and done, reflecting on what has been achieved will test if all that tension was worth it.

Looking for the space in between all that tension is what compels me however to make photographs. In art speak this would be called negative space but in life it is anything but negative. How to describe the space in between? I think of it as being a little like this Zen koan; The way is not a matter of knowing or not knowing. Just best to recognise it exists, revel in it but don’t expect an easy interpretation and perhaps there isn’t one.

© Christian Pearson