Tuesday, November 08, 2011

One, Two, Three, Four


I admit that I'm not afraid to roll down the window when I'm in my car, waiting in line for one thing or another, in order to take a picture. I'm rarely disappointed in the results. I will also admit that I have a problem with landscapes - always have, even when I was painting. I feel much more comfortable with still lifes, portraits and macros. Landscapes overwhelm me a bit... I'm never sure where to end it all, what to include/exclude, what is the focus? 

And I have to say, that with a few exceptions, my landscape images don't "wow" me. Don't get me wrong - I love the landscapes of other, more proficient photographers; those who seem to know how to frame the shot. Which brings me back to the open car window. Not that I consider this image a landscape, but I think in some way, the window frame gives me a reference. Not unlike holding up ones' thumbs and forefingers in order to evaluate a composition.

Another anomaly - I don't seem to have this problem when shooting infrared. Does black and white simplify the scene for me? Allowing me to place the elements in an interesting composition?


2 comments:

Monte Stevens said...

Now that's an interesting question, and one I have no answer for. My guess is you will probably find several different answers from several different people. I do think is a challenge to draw the viewers eyes to one specific subject in large landscapes. A friend who shoots 8x10 format will only shoot in black and white. That's what triggers him and he's color blind. :-) His images are wonderful because subject, lines, texture are what his eyes are drawn to. You may have answered your own question. Without color you are drawn to those elements.

Brent said...

I am not good at landscapes. I make no bones about it. And, honestly, most landscape shots bore the hell out of me. Even some of the good ones. My work has always been best, I think, when I narrow my focus to one object or a couple points of visual interest. And I strive for simplicity. Nature is complex. That's why macros tend to look better, IMO. The photographer is being selective. He's zooming in. He's catching something singular and inferring something larger. That can be impressive. (The use of "he" is not meant to be sexist but to be concise.)