man & nature # 70 ~ an afterthought

Autumn '08 in Keene, NY • click to embiggenUpon further consideration, it seems to me that I should have used a BW picture to accompany man & nature #69. Don't ask me why - it just seems like a right thing to do.

So, in the spirit of homage to Sir Ansel Adams, here's one from my ongoing new learning curve for your viewing pleasure and, if you are so inclined, comments.

Comments

[Mauro]

Mark,
as an A. Adams celebration you certainly hit the target. But,
and this applies to some of your recent posts either BW either in Color, I feel that, in some ways, your have changed, somewhat, direction in your Image making. It seems that you are looking more to effects. I was in doubt about this and your #68 gave me a nice example that what I was thinking was untrue, in that Ku I found You (or better the imaginary you I devised along your posts) in full force.

I am not saying that this is wrong or right, I never express judgements of this kind. I am just saying that it seems that you are making some compromises in your former position. Could be, as in the case of some recent technical discussions, that you are looking for a broader audience. I such a case you could be doing the right move.

That said just a thought on BW today. I think that BW is an effect, as Polaroid or Holga photography is. The reason I am saying this is already in what you said about A.Adams color photography in your former post for today. A thing is "having" to work in BW (for technical limitations) an other is "choosing" to work in BW today. This does not mean that the only way is to take color pictures but that there is a subtle slope where the whole thing get simply onanistic. The best example of this are the beautiful pictures made by Robert Adams (gosh an other Adams) where the line between expression and self indulgence is quite blurred.

I am saying this cause, given yours wife alarmed recent remark, it seems you are entering the well known "lack of self-confidence" sindrome that a lot of photographers (including myself) try to solve buying some piece of equipment or heading to works that are more accepted by the public.

I apologize if this may seem out of place or, given my poor English, a bit harsh. As I already said a lot of times I am a great admirer of your work and I owe you a lot also in lack of self-confidence" department (as a matter of fact I bought some books upon your recommendations and books are a kind of equipment :-).

[Matt]

Mark,
I'd echo Mauro's comment that your images seem a little "different" lately. Still Hobsonian in subject, but a little different in treatment. Like a watercolorist switching to pen and ink for a bit.

I think your BW images are easier to "read" than the color ones. Perhaps it's because taking out any hint of "screaming colorism" your images speak a little more simply?

I really like the ability to tweak the individual channels and control tones with digital BW images - sort of a post-hoc approach to BW compared to film.
-m