Repost: Valid In 2016 And Reasonable Today

My Midwest / Occasionally Elsewhere

Friday, June 3, 2016

TGIF: Rhythm and in the Zone

In many many ways this has been a week of discovery. Nothing new or recent but rather a big return to the past.

After reading way too many photography blogs this past week, have become really bored with the repeated examinations of the new and latest pieces of digital equipment. Get this, buy that and you will be a great and successful photographer 

These are often written after a short and quick use of the camera, lenses, etc. Usually not much more then a listing of the manufacturers product statement.

You can, in fact, walk into any photography store or open up a photography store page on the internet and pick any recent offering. They are all - for the most part - well made and produce fine results. Individual desires may separate one offering from another, but they all produce acceptable results.

Boring, boring and boring.

Instead of the never ending equipment reviews check out some actual images either on the web or in person.  After all, it is the results of using the equipment that are important.  Not collecting - self queens - the equipment, rather using it. 

After sitting down with a cup of coffee and a bit of looking out the window, came to again realize that the new / latest is not the answer.  What really matters is person producing the result.

In sports it is often said, " that the player has their rhythm and / or in the zone".  That is, all is under control, the results flow easily and are successful. 

The same should also be true in creating images.  Choosing your tools, subjects and means of presentation should be under control, flow easily and be successful.  To accomplish these goals, the new and latest is not necessarily needed.

Perhaps a step back, not forward, is what called for. Instead of first choosing tools, consider subject and form of presentation, then pick the tools. 

Later, after more coffee and looking out the window, came to understand the latest and greatest is not what is called for but rather something more in keeping with a chosen subject.

This realization took a couple of forms.  First presentation and then tools.

Was a time when Gum Prints were my chosen means of expression. Been a while, but this might be the time to return.  

            Richmond, Indiana.

Gum bichromate is a 19th-century photographic printing process based on the light sensitivity of dichromates. It is capable of rendering painterly images from photographic negatives.  

Gum Bichromate printing was popular among the Pictorialists at the end of the 1800's. These artists sought the acceptance of photography as a Fine Art medium. Gum printing was used to introduce the touch of an artist's hand into what was seen as a purely mechanical process. 

While these effects can be achieved using digital tools - cameras and software - more traditional equipment - film and analog cameras - would seem to be a better / honest choice.

These days, analog  tools are plentiful and relativity inexpensive.  All it takes is choosing those which allow control, so that the results flow easily and are successful. 

 

 All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.