Thursday, January 13, 2005

On Assignment: Cincinnati, Ohio-Day Two


"Heart of Cinci" by Wes Aldridge

I felt that the detailed shot of Fountain Square (On Assignment: Cincinnati, Ohio-Day One) in downtown Cincinnati wasn't a good enough representation of the actual location. I think the tall buildings' architecture and layout really added to the attractiveness of the fountain itself. Here is another shot that showcases the pinnacle point of the fountain, the figure on top with out-stretched arms, in front of the U.S. Bank building. It gives a better feel and representation of the scene.

I read a New York Times article last week (thanks for the link Quigley) about truth and accuracy in a photograph. This quote from Richard Avedon, an extremely accomplished and highly regarded American photographer, appeared in the article: "There is no such thing as inaccuracy in a photograph. All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth."

I started thinking about this and I wasn't happy with only showing a detailed shot of Fountain Square. So I offer another today. "Heart of Cinci," like the previous shot "Fountain Square," is still accurate, but still not the truth. The Times article brought up the point of truth being 360-degrees, a panoramic of life. A photographer can take a shot, turn slightly to the left and snap the shutter seconds later, and still be accurate when representing a scene. So, in essence, every shot you see is a partial truth of a greater whole.

I want every shot I take to be total Truth. With the case presented here, that is impossible to attain, so I guess I have some work to do before I die. Just have to keep shooting.