I came across the phrase “point of departure” for the first time in a photo study post by Brenda with title “the photographer II“. In her post Brenda mentioned about Ralph Gibson (An American art photographer best known for his photographic books).
Point of departure according to Ralph Gibson, “to have a point of departure is not to go out and shoot. It’s to have a project in mind and going out looking for a shot that represents or showcases this emotion or concept that your project is about.”
“From now on, before I go shoot, I’ll consult internally to focus on one thing I want to capture, and have that point of departure. It’ll give purpose to my work and me being out there. The advantages are that I’ll learn patience, presence and a deeper sense of observation. This is a powerful and deep message…have a point of departure.” ~Ralph Gibson
I was caught up with the idea of point of departure and I started to look into my own philosophy about photography. A question I was asking myself, have I ever had a project in my mind? Tiny details of my photography tours. Gosh! I am such a bad learner. Of course I was not standing or sitting still to get my subject in my frame but my themes were quite broad. My only aim was to get an interesting photo either while walking up on a mountain for few hours or visiting an arboretum or a botanical garden. A very few times I had a fixed idea in my mind, a point of departure, like when I tried to capture moon from my kitchen window, capturing first fresh snow or capturing sunset sky after a rainy day. The duration of such projects were quite short.
Having a point of depature is not that easy. Aamateur photographer like me will always have a feeling of loosing some frames beacuse they do not fit in. Getting that matuarity is difficult than it seems.
There is so much so say but I donot want to bore my readers. I am happy to share that last Saturday I had my first proper photo tour with a point of departure, “low angle photography”. I am sharing some photos from that tour. Hope you will enjoy these and give me feedback.
I am sorry if I confuse some of you with my earlier post on “low angle photography: looking up“. Yes I shared pictures on low angle photography in there as well but the photographs were taken on difference occassions. This post is about having a fixed plan and trying to get some good shots.
wow you have talent Rupali, whatever label you give it or the angle you only post exquisite photos! These are stunning ..
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I tried to do my best.
Thank you Kate for your support.
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always a pleasure Rupali, you photos and words bring joy 🙂
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You made my day.
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These are incredibly beautiful, Rupali! I love the angles you took. 🙂
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Thank you so much Amy. Your words always inspire me.
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kya kahen aapko…..saare pictures lajwab hain…..magar dusra photo ka kyaa kahna…….umda photography.
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Ji bahut bahut shukriya pasand karne hetu aur hausla afzai ke liye
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These are beautiful images Rupali, I especially love the tulips. I think it is healthy to give yourself the freedom to capture the unexpected that comes your way, even when you go out to shoot with a specific ‘point of departure’. The Universe may have something more magical in store for you than you might have planned for yourself :o) xxx
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If I have a point of departure it is often abandoned because I spot something else. Yesterday I went out looking for foals, didn’t see any, focussed on something else, and didn’t photograph the one foal we saw son the way back.
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Sounds so similar! With a very unpredictable and gray weather I do not have much freedom anyways. Thanks Derrick.
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Oh I can’t tell you how happy I am while reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your views.
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You are very welcome Rupali 💜
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🙂
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Nice reading Rupali
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I am glad you find it interesting, thanks.
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You are welcome Rupali
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Wow ! Amazing shots !!
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🙂 thanks again Megala.
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You are teaching us about photography! Thank you!
I especially love the leaves photos!
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Me and teaching 😀 hihihihi……., I am trying these techinques and learning new names so that when two people talk on photography I should not feel stupid 🙂
Thanks Carolyn fro taking interest.
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Excellent work Rupali!!!
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Thanks a lot Nidhi.
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Welcome dear🌹
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