To Pay Tribute or To Strive For Originality
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.
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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
Technorati Tags: Ansel Adams, Moon and Half Dome, Yosemite, Half Dome, landscape, photography
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To me, this is probably the kind of thing I'd shoot but only for myself. I probably wouldn't be sharing the photos with anyone other than close friends. Of course, everyone will have their own take on that.
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I wonder if you will have to camp out to reserve your tripod holes days in advance?
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Thanks for this info, Jim. I wrote about Ansel and his influences on me in a recent post: http://www.williamneill.com/blog/index.php/2009...
Plus a photo of Ansel and me! Hope it adds to the discussion…
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I'm going to hire someone to occupy my spot 4-5 days in advance.
I kid! Yes I'd imagine that there will certainly be some territory disputes and the local wildlife will wonder what craziness is happening in their living room.
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William I read that post when you posted it and tweeted it. It's a great read and I hope those that read this find it as entertaining and insightful as I found it. As someone who never had a chance to meet Ansel I'm jealous of your opportunity to get to know him.
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Hi, Jim. A very thoughtful and timely post. This is something I've thought about for quite a while now. Last winter, I ran into another photographer in Joshua Tree who had printed the iconic shots from the park off of the internet and was running around the park at lightning pace trying to emulate each and every one of them. I think he missed many of his “own” moments, as you describe.
While I have many iconic shots, I let my own vision shine through when it presents itself.
Thanks for the thoughts. Cheers,
Greg
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I wonder if you will have to camp out to reserve your tripod holes days in advance?
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Thanks for this info, Jim. I wrote about Ansel and his influences on me in a recent post: http://www.williamneill.com/blog/index.php/2009...
Plus a photo of Ansel and me! Hope it adds to the discussion…
[Reply]
I'm going to hire someone to occupy my spot 4-5 days in advance.
I kid! Yes I'd imagine that there will certainly be some territory disputes and the local wildlife will wonder what craziness is happening in their living room.
[Reply]
William I read that post when you posted it and tweeted it. It's a great read and I hope those that read this find it as entertaining and insightful as I found it. As someone who never had a chance to meet Ansel I'm jealous of your opportunity to get to know him.
[Reply]
Hi, Jim. A very thoughtful and timely post. This is something I've thought about for quite a while now. Last winter, I ran into another photographer in Joshua Tree who had printed the iconic shots from the park off of the internet and was running around the park at lightning pace trying to emulate each and every one of them. I think he missed many of his “own” moments, as you describe.
While I have many iconic shots, I let my own vision shine through when it presents itself.
Thanks for the thoughts. Cheers,
Greg
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