Arizona Treks

One of the Blogs I read recently had an post on composition and what I got out of it was that the author believes the proper way to take photographs is to analyze the composition and apply rules while shooting.  Anyone who has read this blog for a while knows that is contrary to my approach and I believe to the approach used by many very good photographers throughout history.  When in the field, shoot what moves you.  Sure, tweak it a bit from the first take if necessary, but I have found that usually the first take is close and too much adjustment takes away from the scene that moved you.

To me, art is not an intellectual activity, like accounting, engineering, etc., it is a communication of thoughts and ideas that are visceral in nature.  Perhaps no words can express the idea as well as the image, or sculpture, or music, but it is communication nonetheless.  Photography is a language and should say something.  When you spend too much time adjusting things to fit the "rules" you lose the communication.  It may be balanced and may fir all the criteria for a "good composition" but does it communicate something worthwhile.  

The author of the article stated that those who were opposed to his views were unwilling to improve their art.  Not knowing those people, I can not speak to that and neither can he.  To some it may appear that I am unwilling to improve and grow, but the opposite is true.  I always strive to grow in every aspect of my life, and none more so than photography.

Think about your approach and what you try to do.  Last night we say a film about photographers in the West in the late 1800's.  It was quite interesting, but one thing I got out of it was that the photographers who are remembered are those that had an artistic component to their work.  Many of the photographs we saw were quite moving.  And I dare say not a lot of thought was given to making sure the rule of thirds was followed, or any of the other rules.  They were good because they had something interesting to say.

If you are in Phoenix, be sure to go see the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum.  His work is magnificent but the exhibit was put together in a manner that really showcases his work.  There are some negatives and chromes.  Some descriptions of how he did some of his work, much information to go along with the great prints.  Don't miss the exhibit!  I plan to make a few more trips down there to see this wonderful exhibit.

I have a couple of outings this weekend.  Today we are going to Sedona area and staying in the desert tomorrow.  I hope to have some work to talk about next week.