The Essence of Place

Much has been written about the essence of place and how we associate and identify with it. The remembrance of things past "where places are the protagonists and people only appear as shadows" (Petr Král - Pushkin Press) is a recurring theme in many photographs. There are even 'shot lists' that recommend the types of shots necessary to capture the 'essence of a place'. But what is it exactly that creates such a subjective and highly personal sense of place and how do you go about successfully capturing the soul or essence of a place and portraying that to others?

In Topophilia Tuan, a human geographer, refers to the 'affective bond between people and place' and the cultural and historical associations that help shape a sense of place. He sensibly argues that places are perceived and experienced subjectively through a combination of sensorimotor, tactile, visual and conceptual modes of experience. From this we would assume that each individual experiences a place differently yet the physicists Niels Bohr and Verner Heisenberg, on visiting Kronberg Castle in Denmark, noticed how their joint perception of the castle changed as soon as they associated it with the legend of Hamlet.

I am not sure exactly what it is that makes a place resonate but in my experience some do more than others, even in the absence of any known influence relating to the history or background of the place. At the right time, in the right place, in the right mood, specific places seem to have the ability to convey something about themselves.

These photos try and relay the mood and atmosphere of a place. I hope I have been partially successful in managing to capture something of the essence of place.

King's Head Yard, SE1

Pear Tree Court, EC1

 Commercial Road

Watling Street, EC4

St. Bride's Avenue, EC4

 Marshalsea Debtors prison

Alie Street, E1

Passing Alley, EC1

Vallance Road, Whitechapel

Apothecaries Hall, Black Friars Lane, EC4

Tyler's Court, W1

Stock photography by Benjamin John (Jansos) at Alamy

Norton Folgate

Norton Folgate - Fleur De Lis Street 

I stumbled upon the term psychogeography quite by accident but it resonated and helped explain the random paths that I have been following when walking around London. The dérive, the path of least resistance, the aimless stroll, locomotion without a goal, all seem the most natural of things. How could a walk entail anything else? 

The joy of following one's instinct and chancing upon all sorts of nooks and crannies is not to be underestimated. How can such a simple pleasure be so rewarding? What instinct is it that makes you turn to the right instead of the left? Behavioural scientists that study rats in a maze could no doubt explain this but I am at a loss. The subconscious plays a part but am I right in thinking that certain paths almost speak to you and sweep you along with their own momentum and history?

For me the area in and around Norton Folgate is one such area. The lure of these ancient pathways is quite compelling. Sadly, even though this ancient and historically significant area is classified as a 'conservation area' it is still under threat of demolition from British Land and Boris Johnson's intervention. Hopefully, there still is time to try and save this historic area on the edge of the City of London but blink and it will be lost forever!

More photos on my Flickr

Stock photography by Benjamin John (Jansos) at Alamy

Smithfield

Another area I find myself being drawn to is the area around the historic Smithfield meat market. Just a few metres away from the hustle and bustle of the market there is a certain tranquility and stillness to be found.  It is most noticeable at weekends, when the area is mostly deserted, particularly in the side streets and passages around Cloth Fair. In these off-the-beaten-track back streets it is possible to get a real sense of the past. John Betjeman lived at 43 Cloth Fair. There is a great blog by the Diamond Geezer all about it here!

More photos on my Flickr
Stock photography by Benjamin John (Jansos) at Alamy

St. Giles, London

To me there is still a palpable sense of despair and despondency about the St. Giles area. I don't know whether  this is because I have read a little about the wretchedness of the area in the past or if something more sinister remains.  The garishly painted Renzo Piano office blocks at Central St. Giles do little to dispel the bleakness that permeates on a cold winter's day.

Stock photography by Benjamin John (Jansos) at Alamy

What makes a good stock photo?

I have just started to use Photoshelter and Alamy to try and sell some of the photos I take but am having limited success finding a formula that works. I know stock images should be timeless, colourful, vibrant, clean, up-to-date, portrait and landscape etc. but what exactly is it that makes an image sell? How many photos do you need to have in a stock library to have any chance of getting some sales?

Personally, I found the advice given by Martin Norris very helpful. Martin runs a variety of Meetup sessions for aspiring stock photographers. Are there any other helpful resources out there that might be of use to a beginner in this area?

Jansos :-)

Other links: Microstockinsider

Stock photography by Benjamin John (Jansos) at Alamy