You know when your photo may not be original?  When someone has put an “X” to mark the spot.  That does not mean you should not try to make an image,
it means you should try to make one different than those that stood before you on the “X” and there were likely many. 

Many photographers travel to well-known places to try to capture the magic that others have previously caught, hoping the light, clouds and other conditions will be kind to them to so that a remarkable image is captured.  Almost like a check-list. Looking out at the Snake River Overlook at Teton National Park that Ansel Adams made famous is just one such spot.  I do this sometimes.  While it is satisfying to make an image that others respond to in a positive manner, and it is exciting to catch peak action of eagles in flight (while tossing them breakfast), my most satisfying photos are those I make for myself, some small moments, some happenstance.

More recently, while traveling in France with my wife, we went looking for a spot to photograph the harbor of Morlaix with the viaduct and city in the background.  We drove a short distance, found a dock that jutted out into the river and had a spot to capture the scene I had imagined.  As I was gathering myself to leave, I remarked to Carol that I am sure we were not the only ones to have made that picture.  She laughed, pointed down, and there it was, the “X” in spraypaint on the dock’s surface. 

I have been reading essays by Utah artist  Guy Tal.  I am working to embrace his photographic philosophy of trying to communicate more than likeness in my images. I want my photos to evoke feelings.  I want people to consider my photography as more than documenting a moment in time, of trying to be representational.  I know I have a ways to go, but I want my photographs to communicate more than likeness.  I am trying to take the road less traveled. Yes, you may still find me with a gaggle of others waiting for the sun to come up at Schawbacher Landing at Grand Teton National Park (I was there well before sunrise, with two others, and by the time the sun came up there were many dozens creating a forest of tripods) but I plan on striking out on my own more often for my own vision quest. 

As Edward Weston wrote:  “This then, to photograph a rock, have it look like a rock, but be more than a rock.”

Guy Tal does not consider himself a photographer who creates art. but an artist working in the medium of photography. He has written a number of books on the topic and I recommend them to anyone trying to expand their artistic universe. I want to be more like Guy. I recomment you check him out (https://guytal.com/)

In your quest to make images, don’t forget to live in the moment.  If you don’t, how can you convey the moment in your photography.  I know there have been times when I was making photos that I become so focused on being in focus, I lose focus of why I am there, what has drawn me to that place in space and time in then first place, why is it important, why should others think it is important?   I am trying to slow down and appreciate my circumstances, and I hope that my appreciation is felt by others who are looking at my work. 

I hope you are inspired to slow down and appreciate your own photographic circumstances.  

Thanks for stopping by.