1. I have not posted any image for a while as I've been thinking about the images that I'm making. They are mostly 'beautiful pictures' or so it seems. I'm looking for motivation, change of style, or simply need a break. Have you been through such a period, how to deal with it?
I know that beautiful pictures are not bad in and of itself, but then how many do we need?
2. Another point that has been raised recently in a local photo club is if I add saturation to my images. I've never intentionally added any, and try to keep it as close to what I saw, or interpreted or wanted the world to see. I never really expected this from people who have some experience in making images; however recent photo club tour to national park changed many things. Many people could not convert what they saw and that partly influenced their views, perhaps. Many even said it might be a cultural thing (me coming from all the colorful India!! (really?, I actually think that that is the india europian/american tourists manage to see)) and some who have been to US said, it is more of an American style. I disagree to both arguments. What is your take?
Posted by Bill Chambers on November 28, 2007 at 10:27 AM
You said "I know that beautiful pictures are not bad in and of itself, but then how many do we need?". Personally, I think we need all the beauty we can get!!! I do know what you're saying but I wonder you may be getting the term "beautiful" confused with "intense, or deeply saturated". Take Mike Moats as an example. Many of Mike's images are not deeply saturated, but they are indeed beautiful. Tony Kuyper, on the other, has some where the color is actually dripping off the screen. Is one more beautiful than the other? I don't think so. I love both styles, and appreciate both styles.
To me, it sounds like perhaps you just need a short break. I know that works wonders for me. I take a self imposed sabbatical every summer because the heat, humidity, bugs, etc. make photography miserable here in Florida. By the time October rolls around I'm refreshed and chomping at the bit once again. On the other hand, I wouldn't worry to much about which "style" you're shooting, or whether others agree with that style. Shoot for yourself, shoot whatever style you feel like that particular day, and let the chips falls where they may. I think you'll enjoy it more, and be less frustrated as well.
Posted by Kent Staubus on November 28, 2007 at 10:42 AM
I routinely add about 10% saturation to most of my photos. Digital images seem so flat on the monitor and this seems to help. It can easily be over done, of course.
Kent in SD
Posted by Carson Wilcox on November 28, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I also generally add a little saturation to landscapes. On occassion I add a bit more than normal(for me) if I believe it adds artistic merit to the image. I don't see a problem with this as my goal in most cases is to create a pleasing image.
Posted by Richard Wong on November 28, 2007 at 1:23 PM
It has little to do with a country's style in my opinion unless nature has a style. If you live in the Eastern Sierra then you are going to have amazing alpenglow beyond what anybody who hasn't been there has ever seen so of course people will claim you are over-saturating when that is not really the case. If you live in Europe where the sun doesn't come out for 6 months then your images will be dark and moody. even within regions of the U.S., the type of light will vary greatly.
Posted by Carl Battreall on November 28, 2007 at 2:31 PM
I will address your first question. We all get the "photo blues" when we start to feel like our work is going nowhere and is meaningless. I have battled this "burn out" from time to time throughout my 15 years as a pro.
I find it is more common when we practice the "random act of photography approach" meaning, we wander through the wilderness, waiting for the perfect light, the perfect moment. No real goals, except to create meaningful work. There is nothing wrong with this approach and this is how the majority of photographers work (and this is how most of the "beautiful photographs" are created". I have and worked this way and have created some of my best work using this method.
The other way to approach nature-outdoor photography is with a project in mind. In this way you have a focus, a story to tell. You are forced to create, often in not so ideal of conditions. Projects can challenge you skills, your vision. Try and tell the whole story, beyond the landscape, include the animals, the people, the threats and the inspiration.
For me, when I have a project, I am more productive. It can be a challenge, I am not much of a wildlife photographer or a potrait photographer, but when I work on a project, I must be these things and more.
On a purely superficial note: Projects are also easier to publish than single images and prove to publishers you are more than a great landscape artist, but that you can tell a story, and that is what they want.
Hope this helps some. Oh and about the saturation and all, forget about what others think or say, its your work.
Wow, you cashed in on some great advice here, Pal. Both Richard and Carl nailed it IMO.
I'd like to expand on what Richard offered. He said
beyond what anybody who hasn't been there has ever seen
and that's very true and Richard's intent can be applied in reverse. I live considerably farther North than most of our more Southern neighbours and from mid August through fall and winter and early spring the sun here never gets really high and so it's always lighting the land from a lower angle and through a lot of atmosphere. The quality of our light during these seasons is very warm but somewhat weak. I think it's beautiful because I've lived here all my life and I love where I live but I've often seen the work of photographers from this area misunderstood by people who have never been here and don't know what we have to work with. In addition to that, it has been my experience that even the differing attributes of our landscape and countryside are not always appreciated by some people who may have their own ideas about which locations make for good pictures.
Carl's advice about a project is very good and I also find that to be a great benefit. I am currently working on a 2 year self assignment in one of our beautiful northern wilderness parks. The fruit of my first year's labor has been very gratifying and is already being well recieved locally.
One more thing I'd like to add ... don't pay too much attention to other photographers or to critics in general because they sometimes don't get what you are trying to say or show in a picture. A little story from personal experience might better illustrate this point:
I posted one of the images from the above mentioned wilderness park project here on NPN in the ESS gallery. It's an image that I thought was quite good but it recieved a very bad review from one of our very own moderators. He failed to "see" the image and only saw a "photograph" which promptly failed when judged by the criteria used to judge photographs. I was devastated and I came very close to trashing that image! Only my good wife managed to talk some sense into me. That very image was hung in a show recently and recieved much local acclaim. As a result of that show 2 local art galleries have suggested that I offer that image as a numbered, limited edition. It is presently showing in one of those galleries and selling well on an escalating price per print. It works locally because the locals know the land and recognize that I've done a good job of presenting a little piece of our local landscape in a beautiful fashion.
Follow your heart instead of everbody else's expectations and make the pictures the way YOU see them.
Bob
Perspectives Digital Imaging
"See with your heart"
Posted by Arnab Banerjee on November 28, 2007 at 8:36 PM
I have seen your work here - I did not feel those shots are oversaturated. It's matter of personal style and artistic vision, but that "India" argument is ridiculous. Many fail to see and understand the subtle differences in light - as others indicated here.
Re. your other question, motivation may also come from looking at other people's work and getting some ideas. Sometimes, it's just leaving your camera aside and thinking a bit about photography and other things really help - at least for me
Posted by Anil Rao on November 29, 2007 at 1:15 AM
Hi Prashant,
> I've never intentionally added any, and try to keep it as close to what I saw, or interpreted > or wanted the world to see.
I find the above statement to be quite confusing. On the one hand, you try to keep things as close to what you saw, interpreted or wanted the world to see. Yet at the same time you don't intentionally increase saturation. Does this mean that you never (ever) enhance saturation because if you do, whats so non-intentional about it?
> I know that beautiful pictures are not bad in and of itself, but then how many do we need?
Beauty, in my opinion, is timeless. We could certainly use more of it. Its the "pretty pictures" that we get to see today as examples of mainstream color landscape photography that can become tiresome very soon. A lot of photographers seem content re-making photos in the exact same manner as has been done by countless others before them. That's one thing I have never quite come to terms with.
Finally, when I am lacking in motivation and need a dose of inspiration I turn to reading. I have found that to be very helpful. Give it a try.
Posted by Keith Anderson on November 29, 2007 at 7:09 AM
I'm going to add a different viewpoint.
I shoot 4x5 for landscape, digital to me makes me bored in landscape and no digital file I have ever shot has been able to replace the look of a 4x on a lightbox. The detail is amazing and I love it. But I don't shoot that much landscape, other things get in the way of my shooting more (work) so I became bored, got sick of not being able to shoot heaps or even get out into the wilderness much and was going to just give photography the flick. I'm in the fortunate position to have a extremely beautiful niece and so I decided to give portraits a go. This brought on a whole new challenge, I had never shot people before, I have no idea about posing, lighting, anything. But I took up the challenge and started shooting people. Been the best thing for my photography and I love it, make money off it and it byes the time in between my landscape trips. THat got me out of a slump. of course I wish I could still do more landscape work but at least now I still shoot.
As for saturation. I've been back and forth with saturation, heavy and more toned back. I prefer more toned back at the moment but this could be because of my portrait work either being B&W or myself trying for very natural skin tone.
Give it a go. I'm no portrait expert still but I'm having fun
Posted by Jerry Greer on November 29, 2007 at 8:40 AM
Prashan,
As you may have noticed, I've been really bored with the photos of late. Big landscapes with huge crazy saturation. Photos that would be normal if it not for the location, nothing really special other than the location with the saturation kicked up a few notches. To get through this I've spent weeks working in my favorite location, Rocky Fork. Working on contemplative photos that make the viewer search the comp and hopefully give them a feeling of being there. It has really worked for me and I feel that I've moved, again, to another/different level in my career. Also, I've been working assignments for three different conservation groups and this has really changed my way of thinking when it comes to all of my photographic goals. My photography and my book and calendar projects have been changed forever.
Discussion
10 repliesI know that beautiful pictures are not bad in and of itself, but then how many do we need?
2. Another point that has been raised recently in a local photo club is if I add saturation to my images. I've never intentionally added any, and try to keep it as close to what I saw, or interpreted or wanted the world to see. I never really expected this from people who have some experience in making images; however recent photo club tour to national park changed many things. Many people could not convert what they saw and that partly influenced their views, perhaps. Many even said it might be a cultural thing (me coming from all the colorful India!! (really?, I actually think that that is the india europian/american tourists manage to see)) and some who have been to US said, it is more of an American style. I disagree to both arguments. What is your take?
To me, it sounds like perhaps you just need a short break. I know that works wonders for me. I take a self imposed sabbatical every summer because the heat, humidity, bugs, etc. make photography miserable here in Florida. By the time October rolls around I'm refreshed and chomping at the bit once again. On the other hand, I wouldn't worry to much about which "style" you're shooting, or whether others agree with that style. Shoot for yourself, shoot whatever style you feel like that particular day, and let the chips falls where they may. I think you'll enjoy it more, and be less frustrated as well.
Kent in SD
I find it is more common when we practice the "random act of photography approach" meaning, we wander through the wilderness, waiting for the perfect light, the perfect moment. No real goals, except to create meaningful work. There is nothing wrong with this approach and this is how the majority of photographers work (and this is how most of the "beautiful photographs" are created". I have and worked this way and have created some of my best work using this method.
The other way to approach nature-outdoor photography is with a project in mind. In this way you have a focus, a story to tell. You are forced to create, often in not so ideal of conditions. Projects can challenge you skills, your vision. Try and tell the whole story, beyond the landscape, include the animals, the people, the threats and the inspiration.
For me, when I have a project, I am more productive. It can be a challenge, I am not much of a wildlife photographer or a potrait photographer, but when I work on a project, I must be these things and more.
On a purely superficial note: Projects are also easier to publish than single images and prove to publishers you are more than a great landscape artist, but that you can tell a story, and that is what they want.
Hope this helps some. Oh and about the saturation and all, forget about what others think or say, its your work.
I'd like to expand on what Richard offered. He said and that's very true and Richard's intent can be applied in reverse. I live considerably farther North than most of our more Southern neighbours and from mid August through fall and winter and early spring the sun here never gets really high and so it's always lighting the land from a lower angle and through a lot of atmosphere. The quality of our light during these seasons is very warm but somewhat weak. I think it's beautiful because I've lived here all my life and I love where I live but I've often seen the work of photographers from this area misunderstood by people who have never been here and don't know what we have to work with. In addition to that, it has been my experience that even the differing attributes of our landscape and countryside are not always appreciated by some people who may have their own ideas about which locations make for good pictures.
Carl's advice about a project is very good and I also find that to be a great benefit. I am currently working on a 2 year self assignment in one of our beautiful northern wilderness parks. The fruit of my first year's labor has been very gratifying and is already being well recieved locally.
One more thing I'd like to add ... don't pay too much attention to other photographers or to critics in general because they sometimes don't get what you are trying to say or show in a picture. A little story from personal experience might better illustrate this point:
I posted one of the images from the above mentioned wilderness park project here on NPN in the ESS gallery. It's an image that I thought was quite good but it recieved a very bad review from one of our very own moderators. He failed to "see" the image and only saw a "photograph" which promptly failed when judged by the criteria used to judge photographs. I was devastated and I came very close to trashing that image! Only my good wife managed to talk some sense into me. That very image was hung in a show recently and recieved much local acclaim. As a result of that show 2 local art galleries have suggested that I offer that image as a numbered, limited edition. It is presently showing in one of those galleries and selling well on an escalating price per print. It works locally because the locals know the land and recognize that I've done a good job of presenting a little piece of our local landscape in a beautiful fashion.
Follow your heart instead of everbody else's expectations and make the pictures the way YOU see them.
Bob
Perspectives Digital Imaging
"See with your heart"
Re. your other question, motivation may also come from looking at other people's work and getting some ideas. Sometimes, it's just leaving your camera aside and thinking a bit about photography and other things really help - at least for me
> I've never intentionally added any, and try to keep it as close to what I saw, or interpreted > or wanted the world to see.
I find the above statement to be quite confusing. On the one hand, you try to keep things as close to what you saw, interpreted or wanted the world to see. Yet at the same time you don't intentionally increase saturation. Does this mean that you never (ever) enhance saturation because if you do, whats so non-intentional about it?
> I know that beautiful pictures are not bad in and of itself, but then how many do we need?
Beauty, in my opinion, is timeless. We could certainly use more of it. Its the "pretty pictures" that we get to see today as examples of mainstream color landscape photography that can become tiresome very soon. A lot of photographers seem content re-making photos in the exact same manner as has been done by countless others before them. That's one thing I have never quite come to terms with.
Finally, when I am lacking in motivation and need a dose of inspiration I turn to reading. I have found that to be very helpful. Give it a try.
I shoot 4x5 for landscape, digital to me makes me bored in landscape and no digital file I have ever shot has been able to replace the look of a 4x on a lightbox. The detail is amazing and I love it. But I don't shoot that much landscape, other things get in the way of my shooting more (work) so I became bored, got sick of not being able to shoot heaps or even get out into the wilderness much and was going to just give photography the flick. I'm in the fortunate position to have a extremely beautiful niece and so I decided to give portraits a go. This brought on a whole new challenge, I had never shot people before, I have no idea about posing, lighting, anything. But I took up the challenge and started shooting people. Been the best thing for my photography and I love it, make money off it and it byes the time in between my landscape trips. THat got me out of a slump. of course I wish I could still do more landscape work but at least now I still shoot.
As for saturation. I've been back and forth with saturation, heavy and more toned back. I prefer more toned back at the moment but this could be because of my portrait work either being B&W or myself trying for very natural skin tone.
Give it a go. I'm no portrait expert still but I'm having fun
My Niece
As you may have noticed, I've been really bored with the photos of late. Big landscapes with huge crazy saturation. Photos that would be normal if it not for the location, nothing really special other than the location with the saturation kicked up a few notches. To get through this I've spent weeks working in my favorite location, Rocky Fork. Working on contemplative photos that make the viewer search the comp and hopefully give them a feeling of being there. It has really worked for me and I feel that I've moved, again, to another/different level in my career. Also, I've been working assignments for three different conservation groups and this has really changed my way of thinking when it comes to all of my photographic goals. My photography and my book and calendar projects have been changed forever.