Shooting a Concrete Jungle, Part 3
Jon Hill, November 2004

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Photo at left: Accordion Player, Insadong, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

I'm putting this article out later this month than usual. I've been trying to think of what to say about these photos that will do justice to the subjects. It's an idea that I've been thinking about for the last few months. I want my photography to be art, but often my subjects are art themselves. My photos, and, even more so, my words about the photos, seem much lesser versions of the originals. So a photograph of a beautiful building, or of a sculpture, or of a person working at their craft, somehow seems inadequate. I think that's my new challenge. Here in an environment where almost everything relates to people, I want my photos to meet the standards set by the subjects, or by their creators.

And perhaps this will spill over into my pursuit of nature photography as well. Much of my photography has been done to satisfy me, an idea that is encouraged in the educational literature on photography. "Develop your own vision." "You are the only critic you need to satisfy." These ideas are often told to beginners who are looking for approval for their work. In some ways I think it's a selfish view. Photos should be shared. And I think photos made for the purpose of art should try to do justice to their subjects. If it's a photo of a Korean accordion player, that player should be represented in a way that honors the player and his craft. If it's a photo of a building, the audience should appreciate the architect. If it's a picture of a lion, the Creator should be pleased by the photographer's efforts and praised by those viewing the photo.

The photos in this series are portraits of a diverse and productive people. Theirs is a culture of national pride, preservation of heritage while embracing technological progress, and a desire for personal excellence. With that said, I hope these photos speak for themselves, and speak well of their subjects.

Flute Salesman, Insadong, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

Balloon Clown, Insadong, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

Calligrapher, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

Paper Making, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

Tightrope Acrobat, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 80-400VR

Traditional Drummer, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 80-400VR

Preparing Vegetables, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

Bamboo Carver, Suwon Folk Village, South Korea, Nikon D2H, Nikkor 50/1.8D

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