Become a Better Photographer DVD: Baraka
February 17, 2007
The word Baraka means “blessing” in several languages; watching the Baraka DVD the viewer is blessed with a dazzling barrage of images that transcend language.
The experimental documentary was filmed in 24 countries and set to an ever-changing global soundtrack, the movie draws some surprising connections between various peoples and the spaces they inhabit, whether that space is a lonely mountain top or a crowded cigarette factory.
Cinematographer Ron Fricke explains that the effect was intentional: “It’s not where you are that’s important, it’s what’s there.”
The look of this DVD is so masterful and incredible that most frames of this movie would stand up to be exceptional photographs. That is what I call attention to detail and quality without shortcuts.
The movie has important and valuable lesson for photographers.
The magical quality of light, the value of waiting for a special moment, angles of drama or harmony, the sensitivity of seeing and noticing and the virtue of patience.
Baraka contains no dialog. Instead of a linear plot, the film uses themes to present new perspectives and evoke emotion.
