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“While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see.” -. Dorothea Lange.
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This is one of my favorite quotes because it pretty much sums up the impact photography has had upon me I have kept it on my index welcome page for that very reason I have noticed though, however, that once you start to ‘see’ like a photographer – it is hard to stop doing so Perhaps this is a bit detrimental to being just a normal person :-) You appreciate things for very different reasons than some others Your mind ends up processing everything in terms of light quality, shape, forms, and textures, along with all the relationships between them A rock is no longer just a rock.
In my “Inspired by Stone” work, I know that I look at these rocks differently than perhaps a geologist would, or an archeologist, or some passer by that might happen to see one on the ground Not every piece of stone catches my eye like some others do, even though it might hold more significance to one particular field of study Someone might see a random pattern or see the rock as a whole – while I see a cave painting of a volcano erupting (Yeah, OK, that isn’t too hard to see here :-) )
I think this happens no matter what type of photography you practice, or any other art that someone might get absorbed in From portraits to nature and wildlife, you develop a sense of appreciation of some of the details that are normally overlooked Part of the fun is pointing those things out And while we can say this enriches our experiences, we must also recognize that it is possible to over analyze to the point where we lose sight of the big picture
. Pictured: Burro Creek Agate , African-Queen Picture Jasper.
Hi Mark,
Wonderful abstracts and a very interesting post. It is indeed remarkable how the world starts looking entirely different when you start looking through the viewfinder!
As for your remark,”Not every piece of stone catches my eye like some others do…” I have also noticed that a lot of people point out subjects to me and advice me to take pictures because they think those would make good images but I tend to disagree and look for my own subjects. This annoys the “advisors” a bit sometimes, but I must say when it comes to abstracts, “seeing” comes with a lot of experience and effort – every stone cannot turn into a gem.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
Hey Eric, err, I mean, Mark,
Nice images, and a great post. I think it’s a plus, and a plus ONLY, to see this way. As you said, it’s true of any art, that you learn to see or hear or feel or move differently. I think you become a little more conscious through art, a little more “awake”, and see a little deeper. AND that’s a good thing. It might not match your implied definition or a “normal person” – and I can’t see any downside to that.
I’m not saying, though, that the way an artist might see a rock is “better” than say, a geologist’s way -and the 2 might not be mutually exclusive.
Cheers
Carl
Mark, both shots are fantastic; however, I really like the second one. I can really ‘see’ the eruption. I agree, totally, about the way of seeing things. Sometimes, it’s hard to drive because I notice so many details about the light/shadow relationships, lines, curves (especially curves), etc.
I am so happy to be able to see things that way. I think that it gives life a totally new dimension.
I can easily see that these rocks & minerals has stirred something deep within you just as they have done with me.
It certainly shows in your words, and the images.
Beautiful work Mark!
While I love wide open landscapes, I am enthralled with the details that most everyone doesn’t see. These rock photos are a great see.
Big picture? Eh, let the landscape photographers worry about that! Me, I like the details.
These are just amazing pieces of art Mark, very impressive work here, you have a great eye !!
When we first moved to Canada I remember seeing these little guys everywhere. One day I asked someone, what kind of bird is that little black bird with red wings. You can guess the rest…Nice image.
This is exactly how I think of red winged blackbirds–on a cattail, with that flash of red and yellow, and making noise.
Namaste’ Mark so wonderful to see you again! These photos are beautiful! I love how you talk about your perception of natures gifts as compared to as you say a geologists, that the exact same thing could be viewed by two different people yet perceived/felt differently, the story will not be indetical to the next persons. It certainly is profoundly personal and individual.
Wonderful! Metta
sky
http://awolfadventure.blogspot.com
I really love these shots. They are so beautiful and elegant. Nice compositions, color, and eye. I’m going to try this soon I swear!
Amazing photos and very nice that you took the time to look and explore. I remember taking walks with my dad growing up and having him point things out in the woods that I’m sure helped me to see as I do today.
Very nice photos indeed. There is nothing better than a walk in the woods in the spring.
A fantastic photograph of the Red Winged Blackbird, very well done.
You’ve got a great blog going here, it’s really informative, and to hear your day by day studies, is very interesting. I’ll be back to view your blog again for sure.