I created Poetography to unite my love for poetry and photography. Although the term ‘Poetography’ isn't entirely new, it perfectly captures this unique art form. What differentiates my approach is the reversal of the typical process: instead of writing a poem inspired by an image, I start by crafting, or at least initiating, the poem first and then plan the images to complement it. To formalize this practice, I established a set of guidelines and principles. Thus, Poetography was born on July 7, 2024, driven by my desire to reconnect with my poetic side and discover new horizons in photography.

It's been a long time since my last poem, and even longer since my last collection, which dates back to around 2008. Although poetry has been on my mind, I lacked the motivation to start writing again. This hesitation arose because I tend to think about collections requiring a central idea or strong themes to sustain them. I didn't want my new poems to be merely lazy venting or commentary on things that bothered me. I wanted something with personal significance and substance, something different that could reignite my passion.

On July 7th, after a disappointing monsoon shoot where I didn't capture any photos I cared for, I began contemplating a new creative photography technique. I wanted a reliable Plan B for times when my photography wasn't producing the desired results. After a couple of hours of pondering, I realized I was looking in the wrong direction. Instead of just a new camera technique, I needed a form of photography that embraced my poetry. I needed to create an entirely new art form.

Now, the task is to create that first poetograph. How can I launch a new art form without a tangible example? It needs to be impressive and truly representative of Poetography, something that can stand on its own and prove the concept is viable. If I can achieve this, it won't matter to me if Poetography becomes mainstream or not; I'll be content as its sole practitioner. As a personal challenge, despite my better judgment, I want to announce this on my limited social media platforms, declaring that I’ve conceived something "great on paper." Admitting I haven't yet created a single poetograph should serve as motivation to get started. In the meantime, here's how you can embark on your own journey into Poetography and explore this uncharted territory.

Abstract

Poetography is an innovative and emerging art form that seamlessly blends the lyrical beauty of poetry with the visual impact of photography. Unlike traditional approaches where imagery often inspires poetic expression, Poetography operates on a fundamental principle: the poem is the genesis of the creative process. This unique methodology ensures that the written word dictates the visual narrative, resulting in a cohesive and deeply intertwined artistic expression. A piece of work from Poetography is referred to as a Poetograph, which encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between the poem and its corresponding photographic representation. This thesis outlines the core tenets of Poetography, establishing a structured framework for both the creation and appreciation of this art form.

Introduction

In the realm of artistic expression, both poetry and photography stand as powerful mediums capable of evoking profound emotions and conveying complex narratives. Poetry, with its rhythmic language and evocative imagery, engages the mind and soul, while photography captures fleeting moments in vivid detail, freezing time and space. Poetography merges these two distinct forms, creating an art form where the poem not only complements but directs the photographic process. This deliberate inversion—where the poem precedes and inspires the photograph—sets Poetography apart from traditional photo poems, emphasizing the primacy of the written word in shaping visual art. Each Poetograph, therefore, is a carefully crafted piece that embodies the essence of this artistic synergy.

Core Principles and Tenets of Poetography

First Tenet: Poetry First and Intentional Imagery The cornerstone of Poetography is the primacy of the poem. The creative journey begins with the written word, setting the thematic and emotional foundation for the subsequent photographic exploration. This tenet ensures that the imagery is deeply rooted in the poetic narrative, creating a visual extension of the poem’s themes and emotions. By placing the poem first, the poetographer ensures intentionality and coherence, allowing the photograph to serve as a visual representation of the literary work. You can start with just one line, part of the poem, or the entire poem. The process can be fluid, allowing for evolution and adaptation as the project develops, referencing the iterative nature mentioned in the Third Tenant.

Second Tenet: Authorship of the Poem Central to Poetography is the principle that the poem must originate from the poetographer themselves. This personal authorship ensures that the creative vision and emotional resonance are authentic and unique to the artist. The poem must be specifically conceived and written for the purpose of creating Poetography, meaning that existing poems, even those written by the poetographer, are not used. This deliberate approach emphasizes the intentionality behind each piece, as the poem is crafted with the creation of the photographs in mind, ensuring a deep and cohesive integration of both mediums. This intentional exclusion of using other people's poems further distinguishes Poetography from other forms and reinforces the originality and personal expression inherent in the art form.

Third Tenet: Iterative Process Creating impactful Poetography is often an iterative process. The poetographer must be willing to revisit and refine their poems and photographs until the combination perfectly encapsulates the intended message and emotion. This iterative approach ensures the highest quality of artistic expression, allowing for continuous improvement and deeper exploration of the themes and narratives. While the primacy of the poem remains, the workflow can move back and forth between writing and photography, blending the two worlds seamlessly. There’s no formula; each poetographer follows the calling of the poetograph and working conditions. A poetograph need not be strictly finished; it can be rewritten, reshot, or continuously evolved. This flexibility allows for an ongoing creative journey, unlike traditional poetry or photo projects.

Conclusion

Poetography stands as a unique and powerful fusion of poetry and photography, guided by the principle that the poem inspires the image. By adhering to the core tenets—poetry first, authorship of the poem, and an iterative process—poetographers can create cohesive and impactful works that engage both the mind and the heart. Each Poetograph is a testament to this distinct approach, offering a new pathway for artists to explore and convey the richness of human experience, establishing Poetography as a singular and innovative art form.