"Photomancy" (Yes, it's a made up word)
A new concept of introspection
Well, it’s been a little while since we sent out this newsletter but better late than never.
We just published our 196th episode of Street Shots and Ward and I spoke on a subject that I thought would also be a great article for the newsletter. So think of this issue as a companion to our latest show. It would be great to hear what you think of the new concept we came up with. Please drop your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
Exploring “Photomancy”: Finding Self-Meaning From Within Our Photographs.
As a photographer, I believe that many of the photographs I take may have a story to tell. Whether it's a landscape, a candid portrait, or even a seemingly mundane street scene, there's a hidden narrative possibly waiting to be discovered. But how to uncover these hidden tales within our photographs? That's where Photomancy** comes into play.
I stumbled upon the idea for this by chance, having a discussion with a friend about the ancient Chinese divination text known as the “I Ching.” The I Ching, often called the Book of Changes, is like a wise old friend from ancient China. It's a special book filled with hexagrams, which are like mysterious symbols made up of broken and unbroken lines, kind of like secret codes. People have been using it for ages to get advice and think about life's big questions.
As I thought about the I Ching, something crossed my mind: What if, instead of relying on this ancient text for creative inspiration, I could turn to my extensive library of photographs to explore and find the wisdom I sought?
So, what exactly is “Photomancy?”
It involves selecting a random photograph from your collection and delving deep into the emotions and thoughts it evokes. It's a bit like exploring the untamed wilderness of your own mind, searching for hidden treasures amidst the chaos. And let me tell you, I think it's a journey worth exploring.
So, here's how it works: Pose a question or topic to yourself such as "How can I overcome my current creative block?” or “What if took this path?” It helps to write this question down first. It could be a very broad question or something specific; just not a “yes or no” question. Then randomly pick a photograph, any photograph from your archives, without any bias or preconceived notions. This part alone can be quite an adventure as you confront the unexpected and the unexplored within your own work. It's akin to flipping open a book to a random page and reading a passage you've never encountered before.
To kickstart the Photomancy practice, introduce a crucial element of randomness. Utilize a random number generator to choose a photograph entirely at random from a designated collection of images in your Lightroom library, for instance. This infusion of unpredictability brings an intriguing layer to the process, eliminating any personal influence over the selected image that will serve as your introspective guide. Think of it as akin to drawing lots or flipping a coin, embracing the capricious nature of fate in determining the photographic oracle for contemplation.
No cheating.
A key principle in the Photomancy practice is an unwavering dedication to the image randomly generated. Even when faced with an image that you initially lack enthusiasm for and may be tempted to dismiss, I would emphasize the importance of not bypassing the process. Regardless of the photograph selected, commit to it, recognizing that the challenge and the potential for profound insights reside within. By resisting the urge to swap or manipulate the choice, you honor the essence of Photomancy and allow its enigmatic power to unfold.
For my first foray into Photomancy, an image was chosen that captured the essence of a moment – a cat, a hairless and vulnerable creature, peering at me through a grimy window of what seemed to be an abandoned storefront. The scene was cluttered, filthy, and the atmosphere reeked of neglect. I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions – sadness, fear, uncertainty, isolation. These were the first impressions the image invoked.
But, here's where Photomancy gets interesting. It's not about analyzing the technical aspects of the photograph, nor is it about critiquing its composition. Instead, it's about tapping into the well of emotions and thoughts that your own work can stir within you. It's a journey inward, a reflection on the deeper meanings and connections that your photography carries.
As I contemplated this image of the cat behind the dirty glass, I couldn't help but confront my own fears and anxieties. I realized that this exercise wasn't just about the image itself, but about what it revealed about me as a photographer and as a person. It made me ponder the purpose of my craft, and more importantly, how I could find meaning and direction in it.
What you seek is…
Photomancy, you see, won’t just be a creative exercise. It’ll be a form of self-discovery. It can be about finding your purpose as a creative photographer and understanding what drives you to capture moments through your lens. In my case, it led me to consider various aspects of being a photographer – an artist, a job, a documentarian.
The image of that cat served as a catalyst for me to think about new directions, like exploring opportunities to teach photography or organizing local photo walks. It made me realize that, as a photographer, I had the power to break free from isolation, connect with others who share my passion, and create something meaningful.
This process isn't about finding clear-cut answers; it's about embarking on a journey of introspection. The photograph chosen for you might not have all the solutions neatly wrapped within its pixels, but it can certainly point you in a direction worth exploring.
In a world filled with countless distractions and endless digital images, Photomancy provides a refreshing way to connect with your work on a deeper level. It's a reminder that there's more to photography than just capturing pretty pictures; it's about capturing the essence of life and the human experience.
So, if you ever find yourself in a creative rut or seeking deeper meaning in your photography journey, give Photomancy a try. It might surprise you, revealing not only the untold stories within your images but also the hidden corners of your own mind. And in the end, isn't that what art and self-discovery are all about?
**Yes, "Photomancy" is a totally made-up word which can be broken down as follows:
1. "Photo" - A prefix derived from the Greek word "phōs," which means "light." In the context of "photomancy," it relates to photography or images.
2. "Mancy" - This suffix comes from the Greek word "manteia," which means "divination" or "prophecy." It is often used in words related to various forms of divination or mystical practices.
When combined, "Photomancy" can be understood as a term that implies a practice or method of divination or insight using photography or images, where one’s own photos can be used for introspection, reflection, or gaining deeper insights.