Welcome to “Between the Lens and Me”
A Journal of Photography and its Literature
For a long time I didn’t take any pictures. What, I felt, is the value of a singular photograph against the waves of imagery washing over us every day? I fell prey to the idea that art isn’t worth making when everybody can be an artist with a click and swipe. Yet, I came to realize that the value in creating is very much a matter of intention:
“…the big distinction between good art and soso art lies somewhere in the art’s heart’s purpose, the agenda of the consciousness behind the text. It’s got something to do with love. With having the discipline to talk out of the part of yourself that [can love] instead of the part that just wants to too be loved.”
— David Foster Wallace, as quoted in Tim Carpenter’s To Photograph is to Learn How to Die
The enjoyment of photography and the deep seated need to create persist in me, so I decided to jump back in; head first.
My way of doing pretty much anything is through books. In my case, attending a program beyond the occasional workshop is currently out of the question. That's not to say that what is here is an end, but a jumping off point for many personal challenges out in the world with a camera—or here at home with a makeshift studio and darkroom.
This site is organized along the following lines:
- Art & Appreciation
- History
- Science & Craft (Technique)
- Theory & Philosophy (Thought)
- Journal (personal notes and observations)
I'm sure there could be much overlap within these groupings, but for the sake of simplicity, four broad categories should do. I'll probably have more to say in the journal section of the site, but I think its worth outlining the rich world of books worth reading.
At the end of each article I will list, as I’ve done here, the books mentioned for easy reference.
A note on the name
“Between the Lens and Me” is at once a nod to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ wonderful and meaningful book and the tensions I’ve felt about the importance of whether one creates images on a sensor or film. What is between the lens and me matters, but I also hope to capture much more than mere technological considerations of that space.
Find me on Bluesky, my preferred network, or Threads/Instagram
Books Mentioned
Tim Carpenter