by tmoffett | Apr 10, 2012 | Color, Landscape, Photographic Philosophy, Ramblings
Storm Watchers
Having returned from a Spring Break trip to Moab, Utah, I have settled back in to the routine, sort of. My students are preparing for our big state photography competition that is later this week, my seniors are getting ready for their final show, big projects in my intermediate classes are coming due, personal project deadlines are fast approaching, Spring projects around the house need completed and I am trying to keep my head on straight and not show my stress through it all! This time of year always feels like being on the stormy seas. Then it all will pass and I will begin moving forward again, just in time to have the craziness start all over again. Life seems to get that way frequently for me. Maybe it is just to make me stretch a little. It definitely gets me out of my comfort zone, but always, at least in the past, has been for my good.
I am planning a trip in early May to photograph on the Oregon Coast. The stresses of April will have past and I will be able to find some time for relaxation and regrouping at one of my favorite places on this planet. Even in foul weather on the coast, great photographs await those brave enough to battle the elements. This image attests to that. Enduring the storm and waves, waiting for the perfect clouds, light and waves was a bit miserable, but upon capturing this image, it all became worth it! I have learned that if great effort is made, good things will nearly always be the result. This is not just in photography, but in life itself as well.
by tmoffett | Apr 5, 2012 | Color, Composition, Landscape, Photographic Philosophy, Portraits, Ramblings
Reaching Upward
While out photographing one evening with a small group of students this image presented itself to me. The students all were hurrying out to the shore of the lake while I took my time observing and enjoying the environment. It was a great teaching moment the next day as I showed the image that everyone had passed up in an effort to get to the final destination. This was my favorite image of the evening. I hope that my students learned something from the experience.
I have learned much from other photographers. Some I have met, others just learned from their photographs. Here a few of my favorite photographers, but by no means is this an all inclusive list. I could list a hundred others who have in some way or another influenced me and my work.
1. Paul Caponigro He will always be on the top of my list. Paul Caponigro is my all time favorite. His images of Stonehenge and other megaliths are very moving. He has a way of really showing emotion in his photographs. I never tire of his photographs.
2. Henri Cartier-Bresson Famed for coining the phrase “The decisive moment.” His simple journalistic style and masterful composition make his images one of a kind. Finding a location and waiting patiently for the right moment to appear in is lens is something that we can all learn from.
3. Yousef Karsh My favorite portrait photographer of all time is Karsh. He had a way of capturing the soul of his subject. This, I believe, can only truly be accomplished by spending time with the subject, which he did. Learning who your subject is and then carefully crafting the portrait with perfect lighting and natural posing are a few of the things that Karsh’s portraits have inspired me to do. A Karsh portrait really communicates.
4. Arnold Newman Another portrait artist whose work has had a great influence on me. He was a master of the environmental portrait with a very simple style.
5. James Nachtwey The importance of being trusted by your subject is evident in his work. His photographs speak for his subjects and can make a difference in the world. Nachtwey brings a very intimate approach to war photography that makes him an advocate for peace.
6. Jay Maisel It’s all about light, shape and color. Find photographs in your everyday world and surroundings. They are there, we just need to find them. That is what Jay Maisel has taught me.
7. Irving Penn I really like his still life images. Simple, yet powerful composition and masterful lighting skills make his photographs some of my favorites.
8. John Sexton His black and white landscape photographs are inspiring. Learning to photograph in the quiet light at the end of the day after the sun has set is something I have learned from the images of John Sexton. Many of his images have a very peaceful, simple look that is very fresh. He is another whose images I never tire of.
My list could go on and on. Everyone has a favorite that could be added, but these are a few of mine. As I look at the work of these eight photographers, the common thread I see that draws me to their work is simplicity. They all have a way of making simple, powerful images. That is something that I have been trying to master for as long as I can remember. The simpler a photograph, the more power that it has. In our complex world, simple is also very refreshing. It is easy to look at. It is peaceful. It communicates. I have learned that by studying the work of other artists and photographers my own work improves. I only wish that I had more time to devote to looking at photographs.
by tmoffett | Mar 26, 2012 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
View from the La Sal Mountain Loop
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. Most all of my photography trips are combination trips where family time and photography time are combined. This trip is no different. Yesterday was a very laid back day. We attended church and then went for a Sunday Drive in the afternoon. I have been to Moab, Utah before, but spent most of my time at Arches National Park, so am really unfamiliar with the rest of what is here. We decided to explore. The weather was heavy overcast for most of the day, so the light was not very exciting, so not a great time for photography. We had a great time anyways, and at the same time found some great locations for when the light is better.
My wife and kids are the greatest! While I am sure they often get tired of me stopping to check out a view, then get out my gear even though the light is not perfect, or the wind is howling, or it’s cold outside, they never say a negative word. Sometimes they will get out and photograph with their point and shoot cameras, other times they will help me with my gear and at times just sit patiently in the truck. Sometimes I feel like I am selfish and do only what I want, and I probably am, but they never complain. I am totally blessed beyond measure.
I love photographing in locations that are not often photographed. I like trying to make the ordinary appear extraordinary. That was another reason for the drive yesterday. While we are near several National Parks that offer great views, they are also some of the most photographed locations in the world. It is very difficult to come up with my own personal images when I have been influenced by so many images already made in these places. I will spend some time in the National Parks, but will also spend time in other locations that draw my attention. I like finding my own “tripod holes,” so to speak.
The image above is one taken on the afternoon drive yesterday. It is a view toward the Moab Valley from the La Sal Mountains. We arrived at a clearing where we could see into the valley just as the sunlight broke through an opening in the clouds for only a minute. It was one of those times that I knew I had to make an image at that moment, because if I didn’t, the light would be gone, and it was. No time to change locations, just set up the best composition possible in about 30 seconds and shoot.
Ninety miles and five hours later we arrived back at the hotel. My seven year old was asleep, my thirteen year old stating, “I’m hungry,” and my wife still with a smile on her face. We ate supper, played some games and then off to bed. I love working vacations!
by tmoffett | Feb 3, 2011 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Rainbow in the snow
A week and a half ago, Christeena and I spent the weekend in Cascade and McCall just relaxing and enjoying life. No pressing plans, just regrouping and getting ready for the next wave of action at the Moffett house. It proved to be a much needed break. While in Cascade, we drove, or should I say skated around the lake. The roads were iced over and even with my new studded snow tires we did more sliding than driving! I enjoyed the drive while Christeena became a nervous wreck, as she thought that every time we slid a little we were going to end up stuck in a snowbank or in the lake. I probably would have been the same had I been in the passenger seat. I’m sure it didn’t help matters when I was paying attention to the scenery, looking for photo opportunities more than watching the road!
As we rounded a bend and had a great view of the frozen lake, the snow was blowing and then the sun attempted to peak through the clouds, and as it did this rainbow appeared. I don’t ever recall seeing a rainbow in the middle of a snowstorm before. It was quite the sight. I got out in the storm to photograph this interesting phenomenon. The above image is the result.
by tmoffett | Jan 20, 2011 | Black and White, Photographic Philosophy, Ramblings
Iced Up
Trees and water. A landscape photographers favorite subjects. Even though many photographers shoot these subjects, they are always different. This happens due to our individual vision. I see things completely different than others and they from me. It doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other, just different. The key to creating great images is not to photograph like someone else, but to be consistent in creating images that capture your own vision. When that happens, you’ll begin to make images with feeling. Then you learn to see better. The subtleties of light and texture become not so subtle. You will see them all around you. The world becomes more beautiful as you learn to see.
This process of learning to see takes time and effort. It will not happen overnight. Study master artists. Study light. Look at the simple things in life. Photograph and analyze images. Photograph some more. As you do these things your style and vision will become evident over time. You will start to be drawn to certain subject matter and certain light qualities. Your work will mature and improve. As you evolve as an artist, listen to your heart as it will usually be right. Don’t try to be someone else, create your own style. Continue to study the masters and let their work influence you as you push your work in your own direction. Most of all, have fun.
by tmoffett | Jan 18, 2011 | Black and White, Photo tips, Ramblings
Stormy Afternoon, McCall, Idaho
I spent the extended weekend with Christeena in McCall celebrating our 21st anniversary. This was a much needed getaway! Stress had crept into our lives and getting away from it all for a few days always seems to do the trick to help us return to a more normal life. We had a wonderful time just relaxing, driving and photographing. We had stormy weather nearly the entire time, but that has never hampered my ability to have fun and make new photographs. After attending church on Sunday, we went for a drive to check out the scenery. We headed out in a direction we had never been and were not disappointed. It was raining a bit, and then the fog rolled in. It really was beautiful. I love the fog, at least photographing in it. Driving in it is a different story. I don’t get the opportunity to photograph foggy scenes very often, so I happily took advantage of this moment.
When photographing in the fog, proper exposure is critical. If you don’t adjust your exposure settings, then your image will end up dark and muddy looking. I like the light, airy feeling of the fog, so I shift my exposure a full 2 stops. This will push the image to the light side, but should not over-expose anything. Learning to use the exposure compensation settings on your camera will make making these corrections simple.
Recent Comments