Last spring Gary Crabbe published an essay (read it here) that has really stuck with me. Our own perception and preconceived notions have such a profound effect on the situation. Sometimes this impact is positive, but it can be negative as well. As a result, Gary’s thoughts have kept me cognizant of this, and I’ve learned to remember to break free from my own self-imposed constraints when looking at a situation and shift my viewpoint.
Often that makes all the difference in the world.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I’ve taken a great interest in the idea of “sense of place” over the last year. While I’m still fleshing out much of what this notion means to me, knowing where I am (and who I am) has had a positive impact on my creativity and photography.
This is short notice, but I’ll be talking about sense of place and photography at the Lancaster Photography Association’s monthly meeting this coming Tuesday, August 16 (6pm at the Antelope Valley Senior Center). The LPA always welcomes guests at their meetings–if you’re in the area, it would be great if you could come by.
So, check out Gary’s blog (always worth a regular read–he posts some great images and thoughts), and come to the Antelope Valley next Tuesday.
You can look at the PDF of my Powerpoint slides from the talk by clicking here.
Shifting viewpoints, July 2011
Sounds like a great talk, Greg. Hope you get a good turn out. Sorry I can’t make it…if I start now I still might be late. 🙂
Wonderful image!
Another spectacular image, wow. I would love to hear your talk. Let us know how it goes. Better yet, can you or someone record it? You could podcast it on your blog…
Oh, and yes I meant to say, that is a great essay by Gary. He is a great storyteller and quite an inspiration. If you want to remain optimistic about life and photography read this blog and Gary’s. People can see my interview of Gary if they like at: http://landscapephotographyblogger.com/photography-masters/interview-of-gary-crabbe-part-1/
Hi, David. I wasn’t able to record the talk (although that’s a brilliant idea!). I went ahead and posted my powerpoint presentation (as a PDF) in the post above.
Cheers,
Greg
Looking at your presentation, Greg, I was so impressed with your work. What an outstanding collection of photographs.
Sharon
Wow, Sharon. That’s a huge compliment…thank you very much. 🙂
I just looked through the pdf…had I missed it the first time?…and it is indeed a wonderful collection, Greg. I would love to read your presentation if you have the opportunity to post it (assuming you had written notes, that is). The quotes you chose are so inspiring.
All the images are outstanding and, while there is no reason to choose a favorite, I did find the image from Capitol Reef to be particularly interesting. The one Aspen leaf is an obvious intriguing element, but the textures in the dried mud give the impression of the ocean’s edge which is such an incongruous contrast. Definitely an image to enjoy and explore.
Thanks so much Steve. The good news is that you’re not losing your mind…I added the PDF after the fact. 🙂
Aren’t the quotes great? I thought they added a lot to the images.
I’m glad you liked the leaf in the mud…that is one of my favorites from the trip! 😀