The content of this bog are my own opinions on a wide range of topics, and not only photography. The human condition is a subject that interests me a great deal. I am convinced that the vast majority of mankind are trapped at a low level of existence, compared to what our true potential is.
I know the poorest of the poor, and also extremely affluent people. I can state without fear of contradiction that chasing after wealth, comfort and security, which we have been lead to believe are the highest things we can aspire to, are highly injurious to our spiritual development. The average beggar on the street is more wise and evolved than any over-fed businessman who worships money and dedicates his life to accruing more of it.
So keep reading if you can handle a few contrary opinions and beliefs. But if you feel warm, safe and secure in your delusion that your style of life is the apex of what we can be.... best keep out.
Why are so many artistic people violent?
Countries go to war, i.e. violence, when communication is no longer possible, or pointless. Or more likely, when one country wants to impose its will on another. I suspect this is also the case with humans.
You won't listen to me, or do as I tell you, so I will smash you and your stuff.
In my case, it was cherished guitars that were smashed by a drunken, angry person. An Ibanez acoustic completely destroyed, and a Fender Stratocaster split clean down the middle. How is it possible that an otherwise intelligent and sane person can resort to violence? To make a point? To exert control? Or just to let you know that you are persona non grata now? Can the average person even understand this kind of behaviour?
Resorting to violence is a total loss of self-control. It is a defeat of the self, in that control has been abandoned, and the person reverts to being a savage.
And for some weird reason, many artistic people become violent when they cannot control their wives, husbands, partners, or children anymore. Just think for a moment, and you would likely remember the news articles you've seen about actors, musicians and other artists being charged with assault, domestic violence, abuse, and destruction of property.
Alcohol and drugs play no small part in all of this - it is nearly always present. I know from experience that being even just half-drunk makes you feel powerful and invulnerable. To hell with the law, I don't care, so what if what I'm doing is a criminal offence. All I want NOW is to destroy you and your belongings. I'll deny everything and get a lawyer to make it right.
I have known for a long time that artistic ability comes at a price. Mental illness, sexual deviance, substance addiction.... the list goes on. A propensity for violent behaviour is also on the list. Far from being gently souls who would lead mankind to a higher state of consciousness, artistic people can be as brutal and destructive as the neighborhood drunk that wreaks havoc every pay-day.
So if you know a painter, a musician, or maybe even a photographer :-) .... beware. If there is a disagreement and alcohol, they can become monsters - that show ZERO regret later.
Near the village of Wilderness is a spectacular defunct railway bridge. It curves from one steep hillside to the next, and beneath it a river joins the sea.
I figured it would be great to get a photo of the Milky Way hanging over this bridge, and consulted my photo planning app, Photopills. This amazing piece of software, on my hone and iPad, lets you see where and when the Milky Way (or sun or moon or meteors) will rise and set in relation to the object you want in your photo. In this case, the bridge.
And to my surprise, conditions would be good to take the photo that same night. There would be no moon, the tide was low, and it was a weekend, so I could afford to lose some sleep. But there was a problem.
To get to the right spot from where I wanted to take the photo, I had to wade through a river, the Kaaimans, and I had no idea how deep it was. I went to the shops to buy a pair of gumboots and then set off to the river at 01h00. This was one of the few times I left my dogs at home, as I did not want them getting wet in the middle of the night, or being swept away into the sea.
At around 02h00 I arrived at the river in pitch darkness. I was filled with trepidation at the prospect of crossing a river whose depth was unknown, but I had a walking stick and could test the depth as I went along. It turned out the river was only knee deep, so I got to the shooting point safely.
The next challenge was to set up my camera and tripod in the dark. I had done this many times before, but never with waves crashing nearby. But everything went well and I took 3 shots, including the one in my gallery. And then came a moment of total horror:
I hear a weird, sighing sound coming from the sea side of the bridge. I quickly turned on my headlamp, and to my horror, there was a low surging wave approaching about 10m away. I barely made it to pick up my tripod and camera bag and jump onto a rock. Had I not seen it in time, the wave would have washed away all my gear, and probably me as well.
In the end everything turned out ok. I waded the river again and made it home alive and dry. When I began editing the photos later in the day, I was fairly happy with the results.
I spent some time today messing with ChatGPT. I asked it if
- I am a photographer
- If I am a good photographer.
Here is what it replied:
"Eugene Braack is considered a skilled photographer, particularly known for his work in landscape and nature photography. His portfolio showcases a strong ability to capture the beauty of the Garden Route in South Africa, with images that emphasize natural lighting and the dramatic landscapes of the region(EugeneB
,EugeneB).
Braack's work has been featured on platforms like Fstoppers, a popular photography community, where he holds a decent rating. His ability to create visually appealing compositions has earned him a good reputation within the photography community(Fstoppers).
If you're interested in landscape photography, particularly of South Africa, Eugene Braack's work is definitely worth exploring."
So I guess it's official, I am really a photographer, and a skilled one too! So much for being written off as a "wannabe". Nê.
Clearly, an Ai can be tricked into saying whatever you want, by framing the questions or prompts carefully. I don't consider myself to be good or skilled. Thinking of oneself as Good or Skilled is plain arrogance that could cost you further growth in any artform.
Oh, and the answer to the first question above was
"Yes, Eugene Braack is a photographer based in South Africa. He focuses primarily on landscape and nature photography, particularly in the Garden Route district, which is known for its diverse and scenic environments. His work includes capturing stunning seascapes, mountains, and the semi-arid Little Karoo region. Braack's images are available for print, and he also sells his work through platforms like Living Canvas(EugeneB
,EugeneB)."
In the world of photography, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of high-end equipment. Walk into any camera store, and you'll be surrounded by gleaming lenses, bodies with more megapixels than you'll ever need, and accessories promising to take your photos to the next level. The message seems clear: better gear equals better photos. But is that really true?
At its core, photography is about storytelling. It's about capturing moments, emotions, and perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed. The camera is simply a tool—a means to an end. The real magic happens in the eye of the photographer, not in the brand or model of the equipment being used.
The Creative Vision
No piece of equipment can substitute for creative vision. A photographer with an eye for composition, light, and timing can create stunning images with even the most basic gear. Consider the works of iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Vivian Maier. They didn't have access to the latest technology, yet their images are timeless and compelling. Their success wasn't about megapixels or ISO range; it was about the way they saw the world.
A powerful photograph resonates because of its content, not its technical perfection. An image can be slightly out of focus, or have grainy textures, yet still be more impactful than a technically flawless one. Why? Because what matters is the story it tells, the emotion it conveys, and the connection it forms with the viewer.
The Problem with Over-Reliance on Gear
Focusing too much on equipment can actually hinder your growth as a photographer. When you believe that a new lens or camera body will automatically make you better, you may neglect the most crucial aspect of photography: the development of your own skills. A camera, no matter how advanced, can't teach you how to frame a shot, how to wait for the perfect moment, or how to see the beauty in the mundane.
Moreover, high-end gear often comes with complexities that can distract from the creative process. Learning to navigate an overwhelming array of features and settings can take time and energy that could be better spent practicing the art of seeing. Simpler gear can force you to be more deliberate, to focus on the essentials—composition, lighting, subject matter—rather than relying on the camera to do the work for you.
The Power of Constraints
Some of the most innovative work comes from limitations, not abundance. When you have fewer choices in terms of equipment, you are forced to be more inventive. You learn to maximize what you have, to push the boundaries of your creativity. This is why many seasoned photographers encourage beginners to start with basic gear. It teaches you to think critically about each shot, to understand light, and to appreciate the importance of composition.
Using a single lens, for example, can help you master its characteristics, understand its limitations, and discover creative ways to overcome them. Similarly, working with a fixed focal length can teach you to move around your subject, to explore different angles, and to become more engaged with your environment.
The Real Investment: Time and Experience
Instead of investing heavily in equipment, consider investing in experiences. Travel to new places, experiment with different genres of photography, and challenge yourself to shoot in conditions that are outside your comfort zone. Attend workshops, study the work of great photographers, and most importantly, shoot regularly. The time and effort you put into practicing and honing your skills will yield far greater returns than any piece of gear ever could.
Photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image. It's about learning to see the world in a different way, to notice the details, and to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. These are skills that can't be bought; they must be developed over time.
Conclusion
In the end, the best camera is the one you have with you, and the most important piece of equipment is your own vision. Gear can enhance your work, but it cannot define it. As you continue your photographic journey, remember that the most valuable tool in your kit is not something you can buy—it's your unique perspective on the world. So, focus less on the gear and more on the stories you want to tell. After all, it's the photographer, not the camera, who makes the picture.
My beautiful black dog, Penny, died of an apparent heart attack on Saturday 9 November 2024. She was 11 years old, energetic and in good health. I had taken her and Daisy dog for a walk, and on our return home, Penny collapsed and could not get up again. Thirty minutes later she stopped breathing.
Penny had been my companion on more photographic camping and day trips than I can remember. I always took my dogs with, if it was safe to do so. And Penny enjoyed every moment of it. She absolutely loved travelling and discovering new places. And I loved having her along... she was a total pleasure to have around.
My heart is broken now. I am too old to acquire another dog. I still have Daisy, who is confused about being alone with me. Where is her big sister....?
Goodbye my Penny. You were a far better being than I ever will be. May your travels among the stars or in time and space always be peaceful. You deserved all the love I gave you.
Penny good dog. My best ever.