77 The Smell of Something Artificial

Though I am still a novice photographer, I am aware of a certain deepening of artistry. A well respected photographer whose name I can't recall at the moment remarked that young photographers tend to pull in for tight shots but that older photographers learn the value of context and place (a bit of a paraphrase on my part).

It also reminded me of a time when I enjoyed hunting for collectable old furniture and a wise collector warned me then not to be overcome by the glitter of polished brass. That that was a young man's game. But rather to appreciate the beauty of joinery and grain.

One of the tendencies that I had early on was to over-process and, as I look back over some of my work, I realize the ones I love most are the ones I worked least. This train of thought came as I was selecting images for today's post. I was reviewing the last few fall foliage shots. I had run some curves on many of them but there were a few I hadn't touched. These are two of the untouched ones. They remain more natural and have a greater believability. They don't smell like artificiality. Maybe it's all in my head. We'll see.

Of course, it isn't possible to capture and reproduce a scene with perfect neutrality especially in this modern digital era.

And maybe it's a pendulum that swings back and forth until arriving at perfect equilibrium.

My post-processing technique will mature, too. And will become a more refined artistry. Then perhaps I will be able to pull out greater beauty without leaving the smell of artifice.

Till then, maybe I'll step back and take a bigger view. I'll process less and spend more time appreciating the beauty that comes naturally.

Peace friends,

Glen