Episode 006: Embracing Your Surroundings
Welcome to beautiful Chesapeake, VA
If you're reading this, I have a feeling you've seen my photography. As we all know, it's nothing fancy or too exciting, but that is a reflection of my surroundings. This "style" is something I've leaned into over the years. I've become passionate about advocating for people to embrace their origins and what's around them. No matter where you live, there is something worth photographing.
As we all know, it is easy to look around Instagram or Twitter and see these beautiful landscapes or incredible scenes. For the longest time, I thought "Why can't I live somewhere like California or New York City, where everything is picturesque?" One day I realized that I was the lucky one, because I didn't live there, and my area is unique in its own way. It is my job as a photographer to show the audience why Chesapeake, VA is special.
No matter where you live, I am sure your area is just as special and unique, even if it doesn't seem like it on the surface level. Whether it's the people in your city/town or local architecture, there is something around you that is unique, even if you might not see it yet. What helped me realize this was small photo projects that had a theme. I started photographing corners of buildings the same way around town, and before I knew it I had a collection of them. Another project I started a few years ago was photographing the backs of stores.
Neither of these projects is complex, but it gave me a purpose when I would go out to take photographs. It was eye-opening to me how everything was so different even though it was the same. For example, the Food Lion grocery store on Volvo Parkway is painted orange, while the one on Battlefield Blvd was painted this pinkish color. Both are the same thing, but completely different. When you start looking, you will notice these differences all around you. It will make you appreciate things that people walk past every day without a second thought.
I'm not saying you have to hang around the backs of shops like me, but let's say you live in the most boring suburban neighborhood. In this neighborhood, how many of those mailboxes are the same? Why not spend a week or two photographing them all the same way? I bet what seems like the most ordinary subject becomes interesting because it has purpose and meaning now (If you take this idea, put me in the zine credits lol).
The purpose is really what it's all about. It's what turns the most simple thing, like a corner, into something meaningful. As you start "collecting" photographs, patterns start to arise, and you'll eventually find new ways to photograph other subjects too. I have four compositions that I use over and over again. It gives my work consistency and glues everything together. Over the years, I have started applying these compositions to everything I photograph.
What I hope you take away from this is no matter where you're from, try to make others jealous that they aren't from there. Of course, I mean that nicely. However, I know that Chesapeake, VA is a boring place, but it is always the biggest compliment when I see someone comment that they want to visit here or wish their area looked like mine. That's because this place isn't worth visiting or special, but I've worked hard to make it seem like it is. I promise you can do the same too.
It is because these places aren't special that makes them special, as silly as that sounds. We've all seen photos of California, New York, London, Tokyo, Route 66, and other places like that; however, we want to see where you're from. If you're from one of these popular places, don't take offense to this either please. I don't mean to be negative towards you all, promise.
So what do you all think, do you long to shoot somewhere else or are you happy where you live? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Also, if you like this sort of post or found some value in it, leave me a like. I hate asking, but it really does help on Substack. My editing guide reached so many people, and that is because of you all. So, thank you so much! I greatly appreciate all your support here and there are almost 1000 subscribers now.
This post was different than my original idea for my Substack so there is not a dedicated news section; however, I have some cool news from my friends Monica and Adam who run the Nomadic Photo Ark. They have a new zine out now "Portrait of US: Savannah GA 2022 VOL 1." You can see more below or buy it HERE.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
- Jason
Really well said! I think being in a place that's not traditionally known for photography (esp. within certain genres i.e. NYC/street photography) forces you to be more creative and in-tune with what's happening in your city, making you a better and more sensitive photographer.
You inspire me!