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ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Okay... This is my little narcissistic page where I get to talk about myself for a few paragraphs. Many photographers have grandiose statements about art, spirituality, and the symbolism of the universe. In comparison, my aesthetic as a landscape photographer is very simple and straight-forward: try to capture interesting places and moments in time and show them to be as beautiful and inviting as possible. Since we can't always be in the places we love, we can at least take the image with us to remember and share with others. (Oh wait... that does sound a bit grandiose.)
I have enjoyed hiking and exploring mountains, canyons, and cities since I was very young... always taking photographs, and I finally started taking it seriously about a decade and a half ago. I don't really go after any overly artsy or abstract shots; I primarily like to take landscape images that make viewers feel like they are standing right in the scene. I find it quite rewarding to continually search for that elusive perfect shot...
Many people have written me asking for photography tips and advice, so I thought I would share some very generalized thoughts:
- Bond with your camera. While we all yearn for that top-of-the-line expensive camera that just came out (or hasn't even come out yet), remember that photography isn't just about the latest gear -- even more important is the technique and artistic sense of the person behind the camera. Whatever camera you have, take the time to really bond with it, learn its strong points as well as its limitations, and feel it as an extension of yourself. Every camera has its flaws, but you can still strive to get wonderfully artistic shots out of any entry-level model, even if it is from several years ago.
- Manual mode: If your camera has a "manual" mode, try using it as a learning experience. While not suitable for all occasions (like live events, weddings, etc.), manual mode teaches you how to take full control of your image. It is important to learn the significance and relationships between shutter speed, aperture, focus, white balance, and ISO. Note: All SLR's have a manual mode and some point-and-shoots do as well. When I am shooting in the wilderness, I use manual mode 99% of the time.
- Natural lighting: When looking for that perfect shot of a landmark or vista, always be aware of your lighting. What angle is the sun coming from; is it diffused by clouds; would the subject look better at a different time of day, or even a different time of year? Be prepared to return at a later date to get your shot. For night photography or dark situations, your tripod is your best friend.
- Composition: More important than gear and even more important than technique, interesting composition makes a photograph. While you don't have to strictly follow the rule of thirds, it is good to be conscious of balance and motion, foreground and background, and deliberate use of empty space. Your composition allows you to make a scene your own and tell the story from your point of view.
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