To Pay Tribute or To Strive For Originality

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Photography, like all forms of art, is an incredibly difficult skill to master and adding to that difficulty is being able to find your own style or original perspective. As we make our individual journey, camera in hand, there is a time when we look to emulate or pay tribute to other photographers we respect and there is also a time when we break out to see and document the world as only we see it. The moment we find our vision, our unique perspective of the world around us, as artists we begin to experience a new found form of freedom, a freedom of the mind and creative psyche that allows us to create original art. Breaking out and feeling comfortable with our individual creative vision can be likened to a bird spreading its wings to fly out of its nest for the first time.

This philosophical thought came to mind as I learned that the moon will be in the perfect position & phase over Half Dome this November creating the exact same seen that Ansel Adams photographed when he created his iconic photo “Moon and Half Dome”.

Moon and Half Dome “Encore” November 28, 2009 4:04 p.m. PST – Texas State University

As a photographer and fan of Ansel Adams I am like anyone else and would love to pay tribute to Ansel by capturing a similar photo of his iconic photograph. Beyond emulating his photo the act of doing this would make me feel closer to Ansel and his ideals. It would also be incredibly fun, fun to capture the scene and to share in the moment with like-minded photographers. My philosophical observation is not to discourage anyone from enjoying this rare opportunity, but to provide a gentle reminder to think beyond this moment to every other photographic opportunity before you. The moments you see are opportunities to find and share a unique vision through photography that perhaps someday others will want to emulate. If you get too caught up in emulating others you rob yourself of seeing scenes and visions that reflect who you are as an individual and artist.

This philosophical topic was one discussed in a recent podcast interview with Darwin Wiggett. If you haven’t listened to his perspective on this be sure to do so. EXIF and Beyond: Darwin Wiggett

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