Annie Leibovitz: 'My lens of choice was always the 35 mm. It was more environmental. You can't come in closer with the 35 mm.'

My lens of choice was always the 35 mm. It was more environmental. You can't come in closer with the 35 mm.

Annie Leibovitz, an iconic photographer known for her stunning portraits, once said, "My lens of choice was always the 35 mm. It was more environmental. You can't come in closer with the 35 mm." At first glance, this quote may seem straightforward. Leibovitz is simply stating her preference for using a 35 mm lens due to its ability to capture the environment without coming too close. However, let's delve deeper and explore a philosophical concept that contrasts and expands upon this idea.Imagine a world where we interact with the environment solely through our respective lenses, be they physical lenses or metaphorical lenses that shape our perception. This lens, whatever its nature, influences how we perceive the world around us, framing our experiences and shaping our understanding of reality. There is a fascinating parallel to draw here between Leibovitz's lens choice and the lenses we wield in our everyday lives.Leibovitz's choice of the 35 mm lens signifies her desire to capture not only the subject but also the essence of the environment in which it exists. By maintaining a certain distance, she allows the subject to become a part of something larger. This approach is not unlike the way we navigate our own lives. We often find ourselves searching for connections, striving to understand how we fit into the broader context of the world around us.In this pursuit, the lenses we choose are crucial. They define not only what we see but also what we choose not to see. A wider angle, such as the one offered by the 35 mm lens, invites us to take in more of our surroundings—allowing for a fuller understanding of our connectedness. It encourages us to step back, take a breath, and examine the intricacies of the world we inhabit.On the other hand, Leibovitz's choice of the 35 mm lens also highlights the limitations imposed by our lenses. No matter how wide our angle may be, there will always be a distance that remains, preventing us from coming even closer. This distance serves as a reminder that, no matter how much we observe, there is always an additional layer waiting to be revealed. The world remains boundless, continuously unfolding beyond the limits of our lenses.This philosophical concept reveals to us the delicate balance between immersion and detachment. It teaches us the importance of being both connected to and distanced from our surroundings. By consciously choosing the lenses through which we view the world, whether literal lenses in photography or metaphorical lenses in our perception, we gain the ability to shape our experiences and expand our understanding.In our own lives, we can apply this concept by becoming more aware of the lenses we wear. We can seek to broaden our perspectives and embrace a wider view of the world, just as Leibovitz does with her 35 mm lens. We can choose to step back and appreciate the beauty of our environment while simultaneously acknowledging the inherent distance that always remains.Annie Leibovitz's quote, seemingly simple at first glance, serves as a reminder of the power of choice and perception. It intrigues and invites us to reflect on our own lenses and how they shape the way we interact with the world. By examining our lenses and actively seeking new ones, we open ourselves up to a deeper and more profound experience of our environment and existence. So, let us embrace the wisdom of Leibovitz and seek to cultivate lenses that empower us to truly see, understand, and appreciate the world around us.