Others thoughts.

Hey all I am knee deep in printing for a two month show at the WMNWR visitors center and although I do not shoot wildlife anymore, I could not get out of my head this one bison image. Here is the deal though, it is a Nick Brandt rip off IMO. After getting his book I could not quit thinking of this Bison image.

I did some burning in PS and this is what I came up with. I printed it 12x18 on a Hahnemuhle Photo Satin and it looks great (to me). However I am one to get tired of seeing the copy cats out there now here I am being one. :)

Do I hang it??? Am I being ridiculous? We all have our influences and that does not mean we are copy cats right.

B.

Might be just me but I like it , my vote would go to hang it.

David

Brent,
I've had lengthy discussions with other photographers about this very thing. You have created a beautiful image here, and you should be proud of it. It is not Nick Brandt's photo. It is yours. Hang it with pride. And Nick Brandt, by the way, is one of my favorite wildlife photographers. Anyone not familiar with his work should go visit his site. www.nickbrandt.com
Just my thoughts.

Good question Brent. As Dominic said, you have a wonderful image, and should be proud to display it. I think part of the creative process is seeing others' work and saying to oneself, "I like this, but how could I make it better?" I'm not sure how much this resembles Brandt's work, but it couldn't be just like it. Heck, when I saw this one of yours, I thought, "I'd like to make a similar image - a winter shot with his head covered in snow, steam coming off his coat and out his nostrils." Now, if I get that opportunity, I hope I'll take advantage. I've been inspired, and I think that's one of the greatest things about this forum.

Thanks for posting!

I have enjoyed Brandt's book tremendously. To me, this image is far enough removed from Nick's work that had you said nothing I wouldn't have made the connection. I think to some degree, we all imitate other photographer's work. Idea elements I've seen in other pictures certainly work their way into my head and pictures often enough, though usually I couldn't say who in particular I was imitating. I think it's a great picture and you should hang it alongside your other work.

Well Brent I'm back! Great topic and an equally wonderful image! I don't know Nick's work so I can't make any comparisons there but I will say that if photographers (particularly newcomers) can't imitate others style or shoot a scence that has been previously captured there will be little left for most of us to do. I say hang this with pride, but I suspect it won't be there for long, someone will snap this up if it's for sale!