Do you photograph the thing or the do you photograph the light?

I am not so much interested in documenting the world, rather I’m more interested in interpreting it, figuratively. I could say controversially that photographers who document the world lack the imagination to interpret it. Below are 3 recent examples of photographing the light rather than the thing. What I have come to understand is that the literal is the beginning, the foundation for the figurative. Too many photographers and camera clubs strive only to master the literal believing that is the final goal without realising that is just the foundation, the beginning. And you only come to this realisation after many years, having reached the literal only to experience the lack. And wonder why their work does not sell, engage buyers, viewers or win awards.

So think of it like this

·    So if you try out an idea but didn’t work out the way you imagined it in your head – then it’s a seeing or skill issue.

·       If you have run out of ideas - copy / remix / smash together concepts of someone whose work inspires you.

If you’re inspired but have trouble getting started – you need to be more bold.

·      If you are time poor don’t have the time to create – then decrease the size of your project.

·      If you start something but can’t seem to finish it – then you are falling into the trap of perfection and it’s ok to create bad art.

I am reminded of a quote by Lee Miller about what drew her to photography, "getting out on a damm limb and sawing it off behind you."

Photo : Perth WA, Guy Little © 2026

If you lack the ability to go from literal left to the figerative right in the image below then you have a skill and a seeing issue. You are creatively blocked.

Photo : Perth WA, Guy Little © 2026

Here is the above view, on the left a literal shot taken with my iPhone and then a few minutes later walking behind the pine tree towards the lookout at the beach to shoot the one on the right. It's not work in post its about seeing and exposure.

Photo : Melbourne, Guy Little © 2026

Photo :Melbourne, Guy Little © 2026

Reading : Meditations by Krishnamurti

Watching : Emily (on the life of Emily Bronte)

Listening : John Field Nocturnes

Eating : yoghurt & blueberries

Drinking : ACV