Preserving the Past. Predicting the Future

As photographers we have a unique power. We, unlike any other medium preserve the past. We are collectors of life's experiences. And, until recently, our photographs have been viewed as truth. But, that's another topic for the future.

When we see a painting or read a poem or literature or biography, we understand that the creator has taken creative liberties. We as photographers take those same liberties even in our most pure work, but our creations are viewed as factual representations. For that reason alone, and foremost, we are custodians of the past. Historians often say that they study the past to learn about the future.

I've always viewed architecture in the same manner, but actually, architecture can be representative of a time or movement, but the architect does not preserve the past. They merely represent it and it's the responsibility of others to preserve. This has come to light for me as I shop for a studio, a creative space, a place to call my home. For me, for my kids for my friends, fellows and future loves of my life. A representation of me and what I am in the form of architecture and design and purpose. I found a renovated country church. Great creative space up front in the church and great practical living space in the back, which was once a rectory it seems. Perfect, except the renovators did not bother with the structure. It suited my needs to a tee and looked great but I felt the roof would come down on me at any time. I took a regrettable pass.

Photo by Mark S Spiteri

Upon departing, I noticed a small structure that appeared to have originally been a single-bay auto repair shop. It seemed to have been expanded to include 2, then 3 bays, and peering through one of the bay windows, there was another garage door visible, suggesting perhaps 4 bays in total. It was a makeshift construction. It wasn't deserted; tire tracks were visible in the snow. It was beautiful in terms of its history because it showed a growing business that would have fed a family at the very minimum, yet poorly maintained.

Aside from film or prints not properly fixed or digital files corrupted, our photographs can overcome the test of time online, in books, attics and basement boxes. At least for another generation or two. After that, the previous two generations carve the past for their future.

I think of preservation selfishly as my legacy. But, altruistically as my job to support what becomes of this great planet. As Earth, Wind & Fire sang "that's the way of the world", and then something about "heart's desire".