Fleeting Observations

“In photography, one common refrain has been ‘the best camera is the one you have with you.’ In absolute terms, I’ve agreed with this, but sometimes the particular camera at-hand, can still keep you from catching that spontaneous moment, particularly if that ‘moment’ is coming at you quickly.

This was always my issue with cameras in phones. First with the now seemingly-primitive flip-phones, all the way to the seriously-refined smartphone cameras of the current moment. But, because as a photographer I pretty much can’t help myself, I ended up taking occasional snaps various phones over a decade’s time.

As a moved from one phone to another, I dutifully moved my images from the previous phone onto my computer. at a given point, I’d review what I’d taken. A handful of years back, I noticed a pattern: the subjects were often moving slowly, if at all, but I was usually making my way somewhere, often quickly. I’d stop, take a quick but measures photo, then move along…fleetingly. At a certain point, I’d post the more-interesting photos on Facebook almost as soon as I’d taking them, always under the title “Fleeting Observations.” The name stuck and the photos developed a smallbut apparently loyal following.

What you see in this exhibit is part of this ongoing pursuit. The pairing of images here was organic in its development, as I started almost automatically noticing an interesting symmetry/synergy between images, even though they may speed weeks or years between their taking. This has been part of the challenge, and enjoyment, of the entire process.

~~~Barrett

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Barrett Benton has pursued photography in multiple capacities for over fifty years. Born on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Barrett’s photographic interests have taken him within and beyond the cityscape, various parts of the country and world. The subject matter varies, but curiosity and enthusiasm has maintained his involvement with the medium.

This exhibit is Barrett’s second at Sunny’s.