Almost any photographer will tell you that they enjoy making images of pretty things.  Obviously “pretty” is subjective, but I’d lay the bet that most photographers wouldn’t argue with me.  Often times, I feel like I’m speaking for the subject by saying, “Hey, this place is really cool, look at it and admire it!”

Its natural for any artist to speak for their subject, and I really don’t believe there’s anything wrong with it.  But, sometimes, its nice to let the subject speak for itself.  This is why I like photographing silhouettes.

Joshua Tree Sunset, Joshua Tree National Park, California

A silhouette–of a tree, mountain range, anything–stands before you, stark and naked, telling its own story.  Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) were given their name by Mormon pioneers crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century.  Their shape reminded the pioneers of a biblical story in with Joshua lifted his hands to the sky in prayer.  Looking at the above silhouettes of the joshua trees, you can almost see them raising their arms upward, paying their homage to the last vestige of the sun.

Twisted Dawn, Joshua Tree National Park, California

I’ll continue to speak for the land through my photography.  However, I think its instructive and important to find a way to let your subject speak for itself; sometimes its just screaming to be heard.  Finding your own powerful way of doing that will only help to make you a better photographer.