I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about where I want my photography to go. Should I stay with the traditional look with landscapes, arcitectural, and wildlife? Or do I want to go a completely opposite direction and do photomanipulations (creating new images and composites with existing images)?
On the one hand, I live 10 minutes from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in northern Wyoming. So there’s no shortage of breathtaking views. But I also love Photoshop so much that I want to incorporate it more into my work.
Now I don’t believe in “Photoshopping” my work to fool people. I think that’s immoral. However, if I do it to the point that I’m creating a new piece of art using my photographs I don’t feel there’s a problem.
Ok, so why don’t I do both? Well why don’t painters do charcoal? Why don’t potters do scrapbooking? Because that’s not their focus, or their specialty. Because if they did it all, they couldn’t be experts in their chosen field.
Photography is a bit different I guess because it would be easier for me to take pictures for both traditional and creative pieces. And that may be what I end up doing. So why have this arguement with myself at all?
Every artist needs to have a vision. He needs to be focused on what he’s creating. (I say “he” because it’s me I’m really talking about!)
As I write this, I am thinking that in order for me to incorporate all that I enjoy, I will focus more on creating art with my photography, and not just take traditional pictures. I’m not saying that I won’t take that shot of the sun setting over the grand Rocky Mountains. Besides, my family would be quite upset with me if they didn’t get anymore prints!
At certain times I will also try to create tutorial videos showing how I created a piece. I’m an information junkie and love to read how people (artists) arived at their final creation, so I’ll share with you how I arrived at mine. And if along the way, I’ve helped you to achieve what you set out to do, I’d love to hear about it!
Comments are always welcome, as long as they aren’t negative towards anyone. Constructive critisism is always welcome also.
So that’s the plan, for now. It may change. And if it does, please stay along for the journey. I promise it will be adventerous!