Luminous Landscape posted in March 2008 an essay titled Your Camera Does Matter, pointing out that different photographers have different needs, and that for a certain purpose, some cameras are better than others.
This is of course self-evident. And the other side of the picture is that the skill of the photographer is finally what makes the image.
It should be an equation like photographer x camera = great result. But unfortunately there may be cases when it is photographer x camera = constant. That is, the more invested in a camera, the less skills you think you need. But it is definitely not so.
I have been thinking about how to develop the skills in photography. There are two directions I find interesting. First is towards abstraction, such as texture and basic shapes within an image. The other is people. I take a lot of photos of family, but very little of unknown people.
There is a lot to learn in these directions, and perhaps I can fulfill this promise. I intend to.
Here are two examples of trying to work with abstractions from today. The other is a field of nettles, partly in shadow, partly in sunshine. The other is a red barn with sidelighting. Failed attempts, but at least I did try.
Posts
St. Johns River at Mandarin
7 hours ago
4 comments:
Doesn't look to be anything failed about these photographs. very pleasing images both of them.
Well, in retrospect they are not so bad. It is often when you take a photo you have a certain image in mind, and when you look at the result it is not quite like it, and so you are disappointed. But after a while, when returning to an image, you have fresh eyes, and can see it as it is.
Also, having read Freeman Patterson's books and looked at his masterful photos, it is hard to not to be a bit disappointed.
I thought you were going to say.. Follow the path of others or make your own way.
I'm sure you have considered both approaches....
Yes, I do like to try out things others are doing, just to know what that requires in practise. Learning by imitating - just like children. But usually I'm quite stubborn in doing my own thing, although it isn't so glamorous perhaps. Learning by walking in deep unbroken snow...
Post a Comment