Sunday, July 4, 2010

Mind's Eye - Manipulated Memories

Photography is the ultimate tool for preserving memories.  For many it’s also a wonderful tool for creating the feel of memories.  What a powerful ability a photographer has to make that feeling.  It takes a thoughtful technique and a great sense of imagination to intentionally create an image that makes another person respond personally.  With manipulated photography an artist can evoke a sentimental quality that whispers something of our own past. A deliberate twist of contrast, a particular use of lighting, sandwiching images, a selective use of focus, added text - these manipulations can propel the viewer into something powerfully nostalgic.  Now, there are images, for example, of beaches that make me think of my own times at the beach.  There are cityscapes that remind me of my own experiences too.  But what I am referring to now are images that are unrelated to my human experience and yet somehow feel familiar.  The images feel like the past.  Here are a few images with the ability to do just that.




Mind's Eye is a monthly post by Anika Toro.  Anika lives in TN with her new baby, husband, and two naughty cats.  She loves taking photos every moment of every day.  She shares her photography in her shop, on her blog, and invites you to collaborate.

3 comments:

Nakedeye17 said...

That sense is particularly strong in Waiting. Even the color tones evoke a 50's look. Interesting post, anika.

Su

Anika said...

Thanks Su!

Yeah, I love that image. It reminds me of photos I have of my mother when she spent time in Central and South America.

Thanks for commenting!
A

KristiMcMurry said...

Great post! Those are lovely photographs.