Paul D'Andrea Photography

Noticing Nature

Playing with What’s Presented

While a photograph and a painting may seem like they have a lot in common, I believe photography is more like jazz. A painter with a blank canvas can paint their subject exactly how they want, but a jazz soloist must riff off of the music that’s being played around them. They have full reign but inside the designated key and tempo of their fellow musicians. 

Just like jazz, a photographer has to play with what’s presented. They must be agile and quick to adapt to their surroundings. If there were any time to be adaptable, it would be now. With the current state of the world being what it is, I’m playing with what’s presented. 

Since the corporate photography industry has come to a standstill, I’ve suddenly found myself with much more time on my hands. I’ve taken this as an opportunity to photograph nature in my own backyard (which is more like my own little park). The four acres of my wooded property presents so many wonderful subjects to work with.

Photographing nature is quiet and calm, a true solace from the uncertain and sometimes frightening world. There is still beauty in the world, as long as you’re willing to notice it. 

Teaching the World to See

When I first started getting into photography as a serious hobby, I found there was so much more to it than I thought. I realized that if I wanted to hone the craft, I would need to practice much more consistently, so I practiced like a musician, like a concert pianist or professional violinist.

I took my camera out every day, even if it was just 10 minutes to take pictures of what was around me. And the more I practiced, the more I noticed, truly noticed, the little intricacies of my surroundings.

Photographers have to work with what they’re given. You learn to adjust to whatever setting you encounter: sun, shade, movement. And sometimes you learn to transfer that skill to the rest of your life. 

This current downtime has allowed me to shift back to really seeing the world and its offerings. It has become meditative to wander into nature, which houses no pressures of deadlines, output, or running a business.  

I sincerely hope that my nature photography helps others to see what I see and notice what I notice. There’s beauty and wonder in the world for those willing to look. 

I’ll leave you with a quote that runs through my mind often.

Noticing Nature

We all have a thirst for wonder. It’s a deeply human quality. … There’s wonder and awe enough in the real world. Nature’s a lot better at inventing wonders than we are.

Carl Sagan

Commercial photographer in Indianapolis, IN.