I’m mid-flight from New Delhi to Bangkok, and then tomorrow I’m on my way to Myanmar. I have just enough time to reflect a smidgeon on the photography tour I just led for National Geographic to Rajasthan. One of many things I love about National Geographic tours is that they are so international in nature; there were avid photographers from the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, and France. It was a group of singular synchronicity and fun.
We had many lively discussions. They had very thought provoking questions for me as we went bumping along in our magical bus through the desert of Rajasthan, such as “What is the element that is most important for a photograph?” What makes a photograph great? I’m sure all of you will have your own answer but here is mine, quite simplied.
Those of you who have taken workshops with me know that I talk about how photographs have the possibility of great Color, Light, Action (large in your face action or just a twinkle in the eye), or Pattern (or you could say Composition). CLAP, if you need an acronym.
You need two of these elements to create a photograph but to make a memorial one, one that SINGS… you need an added factor. It could be a punctuation of another element (as I discussed in an earlier blog post). However, I think it is more than that…it is when there is a harmonic convergence of the emotion of the photographer with the emotion of the moment (even if it is inanimate). In a way it is a photographic epiphany. These are rare, but it what all virtuosos of light aim for in their art.
And, because they are rare, this is why I continue to photograph. I don’t expect to reach my photographic Everest; I just love the journey through the ups and downs and many plateaus.
© nevada wier India, Jodphur. Evening Street Scene.
© nevada wier India, Rajasthan. Early morning Pushkar Fair.
© nevada wier India, Agra. Taj Mahal.
Nevada Wier Photography 
6 comments
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November 28, 2009 at 1:26 am
Andrew Gould
Yes… the quest for the perfect image… And wonderful images, those three above. Full of colour and life.
I want to mention another great photograph of yours, Nevada, and that’s the one of the children from Turkmenistan on page 171 of Lonely Planet’s One People book. That beautiful shot, tha I look at often, is the one that led me to seek you out on the Internet, and here I am…
All the best,
Andrew.
December 3, 2009 at 6:54 am
nevada wier
Sorry for the late approval to this wonderful comment. I have been in Orisha and Chattisgarh photographing tribal groups. So glad you are in touch. nv
November 5, 2009 at 12:33 pm
terri gold
What a perfect way to describe images that sing…the harmonic convergence of the emotion of the photographer with the emotion of the moment…it is the lifelong journey to have these moments that keeps life rich and exciting.I will think more about what you said-lately your posts are all wonderfully thought provoking and have made me look at my work in a new way.I plan to work with many of these concepts and challenges on my trip to india in January. Thanks Nevada…and wonderful new images too
December 11, 2009 at 6:10 pm
nevada wier
Hi Terri: Sorry I couldn’t respond sooner. Have a great time in January. I KNOW you will get great images. nevada
November 2, 2009 at 5:09 pm
cathy scholl
I don’t know if “Everest” (perfection) exists but I must say, as much as I have always loved your photographs…you have definitely taken your work to another level. The Jodhpur and Pushkar shots you posted here are two of my all-time favorites of yours.
I am always striving to climb the next peak…while at the same time remembering the journey is the destination (in other words trying to stay in the present yet still having goals for the future…if that makes sense!) Looking forward to a great adventure in India Jan/Feb 2010.
November 2, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Robert Cowan
– I enjoyed your recap of CLAP and the photos. The more I looked at the photos I was struck by the fact that we often fail to look around us for the the everyday wonder and moods of life. What made the photos in your post so interesting was that there was something more taking place in the photos that spoke to a more universal common dimension. The photo of the men laughing was extraordinary because, in addition to technical mastery, it was joyous and life-affirming.
– All too often we are quick to pick up the camera for the awe inspiring vista, but glaze over when walking down a street filled with people. It has always amazed me that people returning from a trip overseas will first talk about the wonderful people and hospitality, but scenery dominates the pictorial record of the trip. I’m not sure why I shy away from taking photos of the fantastic people I meet, but I know I need to try harder to bring back more of the story.
Thanks, Nevada, for the opportunity to “think out loud.”