by Editor Lourens Durand
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 4th of March 2022

Time does not stand still. We cannot photograph time itself, only moments of it.
It is not an object, but a concept – we cannot touch it or see it, except for its effects.

'Through Time.' by Silvia Simonato

Einstein maintained that time is relative to the observer’s frame of reference. For example, clocks on orbiting satellites tick infinitesimally more slowly than stationary ones, with the effect being more pronounced as the moving clocks approach the speed of light.
What happens then? Do the fast-moving clocks turn into light themselves, or does time start going backwards? Impossible, they say. But who knows?

Be that as it may, as photographers we understand that time implies movement and that movement implies the passage of time. So, we can reflect this passage of time as implied movement, using slow shutter speeds, intentional camera movement, multiple exposures or a combination of fast and slow shutter speeds. The illusion of movement and passage of time can also be achieved by the judicious use of the tools of composition: using diagonals, directional lines, gestures, moods, repetition or by careful positioning and size of elements to encourage the viewer’s eyes to move through the picture.

Clever choice of props can also help to recreate the effects of time.

Common devices and symbols are:

* Skulls representing death and the ultimate passage of time
* Wilting flowers
* Clocks, watches, sundials and hourglasses
* Sunsets depict the passing of the day, and sunrises herald new days
* Candles with smoke
* Vintage ornaments, musical instruments and costumes
* Wrinkled skin
* The Devil and Father Time
* Sepia effects

As in all other kinds of photography it is important that the photographer sees and recognises the moment that the picture is right – THE moment – and takes the shot at that time. People may say that you got a lucky shot, but there is no luck involved. It is a matter of perseverance and knowing when to shoot and when to stop. It’s all a matter of timing.

Here is a collection of fine images composed by 1X.com photographers illustrating the theme of time. Enjoy!

Lourens Durand

'Midnight Story' by Alfredo Yañez

'too late' by Hilde Ghesquiere

'Time Walk' by Andre du Plessis FRPS

'Noir' by Cyrill Theodoroff

'Men' by Petri Damstén

'The weight of time' by Julie de Waroquier

'Lancaster Bomber' by John Madden AFIAP AIPF

'time travel' by Sebastian Luczywo

'ok, lets go' by Carmine Chiriacò

'Tempus fugit' by Stephen Clough

'Meditation. Out of time and fuss' by Victoria Ivanova

'Like the Wind ….' by Angela Muliani Hartojo

'Speed' by Antonyus Bunjamin (Abe)

'Little-Jumbo' by Harri Aho

'Ballerina Story' by Martha Suherman

'Above the water' by Rob Li

'Saint Jerome' by mario lotzin / uwe friessner

'The Lesson' by Peter Kemp

n/t by David Minster

'The Spy Who Loved Him' by Richard Bland

'The Lamp Keeper' by Daniel Springgay

'Casablanca bound' by robin-bird

'The Goodbye Kiss' by Daniel Springgay

'Neediness' by Saeed Dhahi

'Facing Fear' by Ben Spurgeon

'Vintage Rebel' by JP Palmunen

'Looking in the candle light' by Colin Dixon

'Long LOVE' by sarawut intarob

'Grandfather's Lap' by Avishek Das