“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” – Ansel Adams
The secret of this type of a blog post is leading off with a quote from a great photographer of our time. Then no matter what else you say it all sounds a little “higher brow.” Of course some could look at it as a challenge of having to write something on par with the quote which the quoted artist would be proud of…some would think that, but not me. ;-)
However, in this case I think the quote has great relevance to this time we find ourselves living in. We should celebrate the differences and try to understand and learn from those who think, believe, act, and create differently then ourselves. I’ve always learned and gained more from people and things which are different then from people and things most similar.
As long as no one is telling someone what they have to believe, why should they feel compelled to demand everyone else believe as they do? Why are differences for some a cause for fear instead of a reason to celebrate? Why do some feel they have to out shout all other voices?
Feel free to ask those questions above concerning the GOP Circus, Rush Limbaugh and the Tea Party/Christian extreme reactionaries here in the U.S…but of course I’m talking about photography.
If we view, admire or study photographs and techniques different then our own style and interest does it provide more opportunity for personal growth or does this effort to become more diverse provide no long-term benefit? I personally believe we are driven in our photography endeavorers to some extent by those creative artistic currents we expose ourselves to.
For example, I tend towards more vibrant saturation and contrast in my own photography but yet I have great admiration for those who exhibit wonderful skill in the subtle use of tones…two which I visit regularly come to mind, Colin and Martina. Seeing their success will influence or has influenced my own work to some degree. I could of course name other examples of influences but let me ask a question of you.
What example can you name where the photographical work/style of others, perhaps different then your own, has somehow been reflected in your photography?
Great post, Earl. Something to think about. I do like to look and admire the work of others. Of course, there are some styles/subjects that I don’t care for, others that I just love, but that’s what makes the world go ’round. I really like Julie’s blog. She photographs items that she and her friends make, for the most part using soft lighting and shallow depth of field. And, like you, I really like Colin’s work. His toning is perfect and give his photographs a nice, calming feel to them. Also, his subject matter is fantastic.
Thanks for the link to Martina. I had a look and subscribed to her blog. Her food photography is fantastic and, as someone who is very much interested in that type of lighting, I think that there is a lot to learn there.
Paul, thanks, I’ll check out Julie’s Blog. Martina seems to have a wonderfully creative eye…I believe you’ll enjoy her photos. I’ve been blown away by Colin’s recent photos and find his historical stories accompanying the images keenly interesting as well.
It would be mighty boring if we were all exactly alike wouldn’t it. :-)
I’ve been following a few blogs and i have really learned a lot from studying their photographic styles. I have sometimes fallen under the influence of some that I admire as well. Though I didn’t mention it, my last post was a tribute to Andreas Manessinger who writes as well as he photographs. I have other examples of photos that I shot of other photographers styles but have not posted. I certainly hope that no one is offended by this practice as it is not meant to be disrespectful. I find the photographers I regularly follow to be very creative and inspirational.
Ken, I guess it depends if one feels imitation to be a sincere form of flattery…personally I doubt anyone would see it as disrespectful. I thought of Andreas when I saw your photo of the bike in the snow.
If I didn’t do that, I think that I’d run out of subjects. :) I think that I have indelible imprints: Ken = Old Cars and Emo, Andreas – Bicycles, Earl – Historic America, Anita – Horses, and the list goes on. I think that anytime that I point my camera at a particular subject that I associate with certain photographers, my style tends to creep that way to emulate that which I like, especially if I don’t shoot a lot of those types of things.
That’s a nice quote from Ansel – I haven’t seen it before. I’d have to think about the influences and differences aspect if I see it in my own work. Seems I will have to take that as a homework assignment perhaps. I must say Earl – dropping Ansel’s name in a post along with Limbaugh and the GOP is bordering on sacrilege. Since it is a perfect example of the extreme dichotomy, I guess I’ll let it slide. ;-)
Mark, I hated to soil Ansel’s name but I couldn’t help a jab at the GOP and Limbaugh…if the world was indeed flat, they would have fallen off the right edge by now. :-)
To throw in two more names of outstanding blogs: More Original Refrigerator Art and Light Scrape are a constant source of inspiration for me: Fresh vision and unconventionality helped and help me look over fences and fire my curiosity as well as my unwillingness to think about gear more than absolutely necessary.
Markus, I regularly visit “Light Scape” but “More Original Refrigerator Art” is a new one for me. Thanks for the contributions!
Not sure where I fit in here but I’d say I learn more towards images with vibrant saturation and contrast. I raise my camera whenever something catches my eye. Not much conscious thinking going on, just a lot of subconscious thinking.
It’s very difficult for me to say who has had a big influence on me but here is a shot. Guy Tal and David DuChemin are a couple of names that come to mind who have had a major influence on me through their writing. I would like to pick out a couple of photographers but it feels it would just fall short. I have blogs I follow and at this time of my photographic journey they all are impacting me. Yours is one of them. A great post, Earl.
Monte, it is difficult to know who and how much influences we’ve adopted in our photography. To me it seems like a huge melting pot where mostly our own along with some outside influences are merged and continuously blended into what becomes uniquely our own that continues to evolve.
Thanks!
I like that, Earl. I wonder sometimes how often I over think about some of this stuff rather than shoot what subconsciously calls out to me.
The problem with my listing influences is that my comment would have grown too long and fail to post here. I have learned from almost every blog I visit in some way or another. You have planted a seed in my mind. It would be a good idea to spend some time thinking about this and to notice how my work has changed due to changing influences as time has passed. I think it is truthful to say that if I become a longtime visitor to a blog, it is safe to say that I am soaking up influence. In one way or another, that blogger’s work is affecting the way I approach my work. Sometimes, it more about writing. Other times it has mostly to do with subject or processing of files. But, my admiration for the blog keeps me going back and those return visits leave an imprint on me. Sometimes subtle, sometimes profound. An interesting question to ask.
Anita, yes it’s certain I learn and am influenced in small increments daily. I believe however, once we assimilate these outside influences they become our own.
In my own journey I’ve ask myself this question on occasion looking for hints to better understand my own perspective of photography and art.
Thanks.
Hi Earl, I just read your article from March 9th. I just wanted to say that I’m humbled that you find something of value in my work, and to let you know that when I need my own inspiration yours is the first blog I turn to! Not just for your photography but for your thoughtful and insightful words. Thanks. Martina
Martina, I’ve found you’ve a keen eye for compositions which are more then a pretty picture. Your delicate control and use of soft tones is a pleasure to behold. You accomplish things with a “whisper” where often I’d resort to a “shouted.” I’d love to learn to be a bit “quieter.” :-)