Bill Jay: The Thing Itself

I immediately identified with this reading in the sense that Bill Jay discusses the aims of new photographers, and the direction photographic society is taking in the last several years. He talks about the anonymity behind much of photography, whether or not that was the intention of the photographer. Generally viewers focus on the subject matter of the photograph and the impact it has, instead of wondering who created the image. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the subject matter of photographs, and clearly paying attention and planning the execution of photographs. Bill Jay also directs new photographers to look inward at themselves and their interests as not only a starting point, but as a way to get themselves as well as their work recognized. His suggestion of looking at everyday things that interest the artist, and narrowing it down to several or a single focus provides a good starting point for any photographer. So many artists photograph things they think will please the public instead of focusing on their interests, and his thought process encourages the artist to go with what spikes their interest and going from there. While this might produce some unattractive images in the process, this opens up a gateway for new work to be produced.