It's all very well having a style, such as my own photographic style, but it's not much good if it can't develop. Times change, cameras change, people change, and it would be odd, nay perverse, to stick to something simply because it's what you know best. And, of course, any acquired 'style' is never acquired overnight; it takes a long time of trial, error and experimentation to get to the point where something appears easy, natural, instinctive, and individual. In the meantime, plenty of bright ideas are abandoned, while something that might seem trivial or unimportant turns out to have a major impact on a style.
I don't experiment much with cameras in the same way that I always eat the same pizza in Pizza Express (the 'Soho' with chilli oil), mainly because once I find something I like, I don't like to jepoardise my enjoyment by taking risks with the menu. But, every now and then, I try something to keep my palate up to date, to test out a new flavour, to jolt myself back into appreciating what I know and like.
It's very similar to having new toys at Christmas, when old favourites are thrown over in favour of some shiny, noisy, wacky new object which is played with manically for a couple of days until the owner realises it simply can't replace his old favourites. But you never know, one Christmas might bring a new old favourite. And how did I ever find out that the 'Soho' pizza is so good if it wasn't for trying something new?
My new toy is the Hisptamatic app. I've played with it non-stop for two days, and play is one of the best ways I know of testing and exploring and finding new ways of doing things. Who knows if it will have an impact on my style? All I know is that it's a brilliantly clever toy that isn't losing its appeal yet. Not when it makes lettuces and fennel and water and sky look so textured and deep, and makes me look through a lens not darkly but differently.
[all photos taken yesterday morning and already I see a big difference between these and Saturday's photos]
I think a sense of style is that it remains with you, no matter what else evolves; and we have to evolve or we will stagnate. So in these pictures, they still retain your "eye" or style, but with a new (and very fun) twist. I love the second to last one, which could almost be an abstract. Have fun playing!
Posted by: julie | October 18, 2010 at 13:34
Works of art Jane - abstract art in some cases!
You've not tried the Giardiniera then?
Best wishes
Claire.
Posted by: Claire Garland | October 18, 2010 at 15:18
I have that app and absolutely love it, I think it turns a not particularly brilliant camera phone to something a bit different.
Posted by: Lacer | October 18, 2010 at 16:56
I love playing with the Hipstamatic app -- it definitely lends a new sense of fun to taking photos. You've captured that sentiment beautifully here.
Seeing it use hands of an artist is inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: kelly | October 18, 2010 at 17:48
Change is good, just seen quite a lot of Hipstamatic, but I agree it can add.
Venice is In Peril, so Veneziana every time for me (despite a sultana once turning out to be a bit of gravel and giving me a chipped tooth).
Nice veg
Posted by: oxslip | October 18, 2010 at 18:11
I love what you're doing with that app. We must be living in the postmodern age... when you can get an app for your iPhone that makes your digital pictures look like old snapshots. Wonderful!
Posted by: Juti | October 18, 2010 at 20:42
Beautiful photos Jane. I love playing with my Hipstamatic app as well!
Posted by: Annette | October 18, 2010 at 22:00
I knew immediately that these were Hipstmatic because a fried of mine posts hers regularly on Facebook. Very interesting.
Posted by: Peg in Kensington, California | October 18, 2010 at 22:12
Inspired by your visit to the Malago WI I attended an introductory course last Saturday and came home with a delightful mini quilt. I'm now working on my Christmas wish list!
Posted by: just Gai | October 18, 2010 at 22:25
I really need an IPhone! Maybe one day. Lovely Jane, lovely.
Posted by: Kristin Nicholas | October 18, 2010 at 23:22
I agree with Oxslip - the Veneziana is just the best! Love the caper/sultana combo. I have only just (last Easter) got a digital Fuji finepix, as I had a trusty reliable Canon film SLR before, and still use for b&w - even my phone is 4 yrs old (a tiny Motorola I love) with no camera. Love the depth of colour and texture of these photos, Jane. Have fun playing!
Posted by: geraldine | October 18, 2010 at 23:23
I also love the hipstamatic app. - too much fun. Congrats on the new book!!
Posted by: Regina | October 22, 2010 at 17:13