Page 6 - Demo

6 || FASHION MAGAZINE || AUGUST 2015ecently we had a discussion here at MOST about what makes a good photograph. I wanted to talk about photography in this note to you, and it took me back to that staff discussion. When we had talked about it, we discussed components of the picture, light, subject, composition, focus, etc. But how do we decide if a picture is good from an aesthetic position? Photography is a complicated art. It takes diligence, practice, and a good dose of OCD. In photography every detail matters. The composition must be in balance with the scenery, and colors have to be used in just the right way. Background or scenery, and one must always be mindful of capturing some unintentional object that might be interpreted the wrong way. I remember when I was growing up we lived in a small town and most of our shopping was done through catalogs. And of course Sears and Roebucks was one of the most popular (it was the 70%u2019s). One edition came in the mail and a model wearing boxers shorts inadvertently was %u201cadvertising%u201d a little too much. Sears tried to get them back, but I doubt that happened. The wonder of photographs lies in what can they can elicit in us. When I fall in love with a photograph I do for reasons that are emotional. When a photographer looks at a picture there may be an emotional reaction but also an appreciation for the art of capturing the shot. The art of photography requires many things, exposure compensation, lenses, resolution, lighting, angles, it involves models, maybe animals, babies, or athletes. One sometimes is trying to capture something that is moving or make something appear that it is moving. There are so many variations in photography that it is impossible to list or describe all of the possible components necessary to make photograph memorable. So, can we put parameters or grades on a picture for its beauty, its appeal, its emotional impact? One may love a photo because of its meaning. A precious picture can be slightly out of focus, imperfect, but it has captured a loved one%u2019s smile; it earns a frame. Beauty, appeal, value come from the meaning it wakes in the viewer, the memories flashed back upon or possibly dreams and possibilities. There is an association that wins one over, an association to something memorable, a time in one%u2019s life, or the people that one associates with the memory. Of course the point of a photograph may be to incite, or stir a viewer to action. If a photo appeals, it is because one is being led by memory, meaning or feeling. No, we cannot define a list of things that make a photograph esthetically beautiful, a beauty that is characterized because of the emotions it evokes is obviously subjective. And I will disagree with the old axiom, beauty is in the eye of the beholder no beauty is in the heart of the beholder. I hope that as you read through this issue you find beauty that surprises you, or maybe a new subject of interest that you had not considered. More than that, I hope as look at a picture you like, you think about the meaning it has to you, why you paused and studied it further. Was it a face, bold colors, that perfect dress, a location or hair style? As you read through this issue you will find we are focusing on the cornerstone of our magazine brand, stellar photography. We are focusing on capturing your imagination and stirring up any hot (see Burning Man layout) or cold (Siberian feature) meanings. Does our cover story with Danish pop, dance and R&B singer and songwriter, Medina inspire you, or make you reminiscent of your garage band days? Many best awards and songs have her name etched in, including Best Danish Act, New Danish Name of the Year, Danish Hit of the Year, Danish Co-Songwriter and Co-Producer of the Year, Danish Female Artist of the Year and Danish Album of the Year. Beautiful, inspiring, and talented, with Beatle-like popularity, we are honored to have her on our cover and share her wonderful pictures with you.Turn up Medina%u2019s Forever and enjoy the rest of your summer. Managing Director& Associate Publisher