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 | Apr 3, 2012 | Color, Composition, Landscape, Photographic Technique
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
As a landscape photographer I chase light. I have found that when the light quality is great, the resulting photograph will be great. The contrary is also true. If light quality suffers, so will the photograph, even if the location and composition are great. Add great composition to great light and it gets even better, then add emotion and the image becomes spectacular.
All last week I spent in the Moab, Utah area. Arches National Park, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point all offer interesting subject matter for photographers. The difference maker for good or great photographs becomes light quality. All week long the light quality was good at best, not great. Then the last evening I was there, everything set up quite nicely. Dark clouds began to move in to the east. Heavy clouds were in the west interfering with the light, but there was a small band of clear sky between the horizon and the cloud cover. I watched and waited, knowing that just before sunset, the sun would break out and bathe the rock formations to the east with warm light. I was not disappointed, it happened just as expected. Photographers all over the park were treated to a scene that does not frequently occur. I was in in awe. It lasted only a few minutes and was gone. That few minutes is what being a photographer is all about.
by tmoffett | Mar 29, 2012 | Color, Photographic Philosophy, Photographic Technique
Green River Overlook
The weather in Moab, Utah has been crazy this week. Eighty degrees one day and then freezing cold and 20-30 mile per hour winds the next. The only thing we haven’t seen is storms. Some real storm clouds would be nice. I love photographing with good cloud formations in the sky. Even without the clouds, though, I have had a good time with my family and made a few good photographs as well.
We went to Canyonlands the other evening and stayed to watch the sunset. The sky was real hazy and the wind was whipping as a cold front was moving through, but it brought no real clouds. We drove through the Island in the Sky district and stopped to check out most of the access points to the rim of the canyon. We decided to go to the Green River Overlook area to see the sunset, and I am glad we did! The wind was howling, it was bitter cold and I left my coat at the hotel, there were dozens of photographers battling for prime real estate to shoot from, but the view was spectacular. I photographed until it was too dark to focus the camera and my fingers were too frozen to operate the camera anymore, then we all warmed up on the drive back to the hotel.
The image above is one that I made that night battling the wind and cold. When I got back and looked at the images, I noticed the cool undertones that most of the images had. Interesting for sunset photos, as they usually filled with predominately warm tones. It really showed me how much my own feelings influence how I photograph. I try to absorb my surroundings and make my photographic decisions based on feeling and emotion. This has become my way of working. Even when I am not thinking about it, that is often what happens. It did in Canyonlands that evening. I was working quickly and in a difficult environment, but my emotions took over. This was evident to me in the finished print. When we allow our work to become our way of life, our work becomes personal. That is what will take your work to a new level.
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!
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