I know, not a bloom one would think of as a spring flower and in most cases, you’d be right. This photo was actually made a few years ago January in the lone star state of Texas. There’s a number of things which in Texas don’t seem to follow my definition of normal but I won’t get into that here. So, for the sake of this post let’s just state it’s spring and this is most definitely a flower. :-)
I chose this image for its simplicity. As with my previous post image, I’ve tried to simplify the image. In times past I’ve often moved toward higher contrast, lots of detail and sharpness and very vibrant colors but I understand that can sometimes be the image equivalency of ALWAYS SHOUTING, similar to typing in all caps when writing text. It may be appropriate in some circumstances but “shouting” is not best for expressing subtle points. A slightly ironic fact I’ve discovered is following a simplified or less-is-more development process doesn’t mean there is less post-processing involved but may, in many cases, require even more post-processing.
This effort at “quieter” artistic image creation is also my attempt at finding a balance, a path within myself for dealing with this social and environmental period of chaos we are living in at the moment. So, how’s that working for you, you might ask; “I don’t know it’s still a toss-up?” However, it’s nice spending a few creative hours letting my right-brain drive and then being surprised at where I arrive.
It’s interesting, isn’t it, how it often takes more effort to do something subtly than to do it, as you suggest, loudly. Perhaps the photographic equivalent of the frequently misattributed quote about “If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter.” The same goes for finding an escape from the chaos of our world. It sometimes takes quite a bit of effort to find that quiet place!
I think the additional effort is because it’s often about removing complexities rather than adding simplicity. Making a photo less complex is often like the game of “Pick-up-Sticks” where you try to remove one stick without all the rest tumbling.
Thanks for the photography lesson! I have so much to learn. Love the photo!
Hi Kathryn. Not so much a lesson…I’m a life-long student myself. Thanks. :-)
My favourite process: “… letting my right-brain drive and then being surprised at where I arrive”. And I don’t mean just for photography :)
Kinda seat of the pants “flying”…I know it well, Cedric. lol
I do believe simplicity and subtlety take more effort, as well as practice I think. I seem to find the longer I spend with any particular subject, the more simplification takes place. This one certainly speaks about energy and seeking sunlight to me.
That aspect I think is hard to portray in flowers when you are trying to keep and eye out for excessive or harsh contrast. So kudos to you for doing it!
I find it interesting contemplating at what point does an artist decide, “it’s enough…I’m going with this.” I’ve never felt my photos were “finished” and I find with revisits, I’ll often make additional changes/adjustments. I’m sure you’re dealing with those same circumstances as you revise and relocate your photo galleries on your website. Any input?
“This one certainly speaks about energy and seeking sunlight to me.”
Hey, I’m pleased with that result…thanks! :-)
As a programmer it was easy to spend too much time with “creeping elegance” rather than have a program that worked and move on the to the next project. Simplicity in life is much more enjoyable tome. Chaos causes me headaches.
It’s interesting in life chaos often comes easier. I guess there are things to be learned from both. Thanks, Monte.