The comments on my last post brought up something I hadn’t originally thought of in the context of photographing archaeological sites: the joy of discovery. In photography, and life in general, we live in a world of guidebooks, whether it be a guidebook to the greatest photo location, or a step-by-step instruction guide to being able to make agave nectar-glazed salmon just like that guy on TV. The idea of “winging it” seems to be out of style. Many thanks to Jackson and Guy for getting me thinking about the joy of discovery a bit more.
I recently looked through my personal favorite images from the last few years. What I found was that most of my favorites–the ones that have stood the test of time (in my eyes, at least)–are the ones scenes I did not expect to find. I think sometimes photographers put too much pressure on themselves to get “the shot” of “that icon” that they fail to see beauty as they walk past it. Thus, going for a walk with no expectations can lead to very inspired and personal photography.
Convergence, June 2012
“In the depths of our darkness there is no one place for Beauty. The whole place is for Beauty.”
–René Char, Leaves of Hypnos, 1946
One of my greatest sins as a photographer is saying, “I don’t want to shoot there, there are prettier places.” Beauty is indeed all around us. As a photographer’s personal style develops, an “eye for beauty” should develop along with the requisite technical skills. I think this eye for composition and learning to simplify and single out the important aspects of a scene is one of the greatest if not most difficult skills to master.
In seeking this beauty out, the ability to discover and recognize it in the most unexpected of places is perhaps the best gift there is.
Out of chaos comes elegance and grace.
Manzanita Abstract, June 2012
Great post, Greg. I agree so much with this–and not only is there genuine join at discovering things, it ultimately makes us much better photographers when we push our selves to see differently.
I completely agree Greg. We do get caught in the trap of trying to get “that shot” and in so doing we run the risk of missing the hidden beauty that is often all around us.
The desert is especially prone to being overlooked in favor of more visually digestable scenes, but that’s what makes it special. You have to get up close and personal with this landscape, but the rewards are often three-fold.
Thanks for this post–retweeted! There is more beauty lying between any two famous iconic spots than anyone could capture in a lifetime. It’s a shame to drive past it all while chasing scenes that everyone else is shooting too.
Great thoughts Greg. Beauty is indeed everywhere. You just need to stay open to it. I’ve come to reject preconceived ideas of what to photograph and let that ‘discovery’ happen, whether I’m in the mountains of Montana or the alleys of Koreatown.
Nice one again Greg… I think you’re right, but some places are easier than others. Being bowled over by a grand impressive vista, is not the same as finding a delicate leaf lying on intricate bark of a fallen log in a thicket.
Some things are more obviously appealing than others.
I agree totally though, and from what I have read from Guy recently is similar, in that we, as photographers should be open and aware of all the less obvious subjects out there…
Also, as travel gets more and more expensive, I look more and more closer to home to find my inspiration…
Very beautiful work, Greg. I spent some time lately looking at patterns and shapes while shooting. It frees the imagination.
Sharon
Fantastic post and two of your best images, IMHO. That manzanita abstract is gorgeous! As always, thanks for the inspiration, Greg.
Thanks, Bret, I really appreciate that!
Thanks for the comments, everyone. I often feel like I’m “preaching to the choir,” so I’m glad you can appreciate what I’m trying to say. Seeing beauty in the simplest things is definitely a lifelong practice.
Nice post Greg. I tend to be one that “wings it” most of the time because I do so much local shooting with only a few “big trips” per year. Unfortunately, I also come home a lot of times empty handed. I often wonder if that is more a factor of my lack of planning beforehand, or simply not having my mojo on in the field.
I really like both of these images, but in particular the Manzinita one. It is a great example of seeing order in chaos, and something many would not see if it was not composed in the way it is. Kudos.
I agree both are fine photos, and I’d add that in my opinion what Mark said about the Manzanita would apply just as well to the other one too.
Thanks Mark and PJ, for your comments. I suppose it would probably be a good topic for another blog post, but I do appreciate your compliments regarding extracting a compelling composition from chaos. I respect photographers who can do this consistently…my own success rate is exceedingly low…
Add me to the list who think that a) these are both fine images and b) your thoughts are quite true to making good images. Even when visiting an icon or just a familiar place, we do better with an open mind and few or no expectations. The whole point to being an outdoor photographer is to experience nature. Why put on the blinders of preconceived notions as what we should see. Beauty is all around us and it is our job as photographers to extract and present it to our viewers.
Thanks, Steve. I agree that in photography–as in life–keeping an open mind is key to success!