Why take landscape photographs?

[saulius_eidukas]

This is not a technical question but a philosophical one. I don't know how many of you are interested in landscape photographing, but those who are I am intersted in hearing your responses. Thanks.

 

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What has always drawn me to landscape photography is using it as a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In early adulthood I yearned to leave the city, the crowds of people and to be more in contact with nature. To take in the natural world, to relax and free my mind of stress. Photographing helps me focus on the landscape and in a sense meditate. This "meditation" allows me to concentrate on the landscape before me, to quiet my mind and over the years this has opened up for me new ways of seeing the world we live in. (This type of photographing naturally led me to large format with it's slow and precise technique with wonderful detail in the end product.) And it is these things I observe and experience I try to convey in my landscape photography. I was interested in hearing from others, what motivates you in taking landscape photographs. Not for commercial purposes, but for personal work. Why do you try to make an "artistic" landscape photograph?

[light-zone]

By taking nature photos, I allow myself the time to notice the

beauty that is to be found in nature that at a "normal" time I

wouldn't even notice. And by exhibiting such images, the viewer

too is given a peek at such wonders that are to be found in little

things like the structure of a tree bark, or a fabulous cloud

formation.

[skygzr]

'Cause I can't imagine NOT taking landscape photographs!

[dan kowalsky]

So I can take all my exposed film into my dark room and screw it all

up, then ask all you guys and gals for help!

Seriously, I make "artistic" landscape photographs because it's the

best way I know how to express to others what I see in front of me

without saying a word.

[kevin_kolosky]

Dan

 

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Very well said.

 

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Kevin

[trevor_crone1]

For the same reasons you do Saulius.

Regards,

[raymond_bleesz]

Saulius, Your question is a very valid question, and the responses

will also be valid, but more interestingly, diverse. The question of

why Homo Erectus does things is quite profound. In the History of

Photography, early photographers were intrigued by the "experiment" of

"capturing" light & shadows. I still think that is valid today. I for

one think in terms of "capturing" a slice of time, to record a

"fact" and to find "solitude & tranquility" in my work. However,for

me, it does not have to be landscape subject matter. From a Social

Scientist point of view, I'm interested in the "Zeitgiest" of my time

& place--people, places, events & things. I also believe there is the

element of mortality in photography--a hidden wish to leave behind a

"record" of our brief life on earth. The "camera" is a tool by

definition, and Mankind has always had a hand/mind relationship--of

leaving "artifacts". And what is Art??????? That blown out concept in

todays world is in my opinion, anything that is genuine, original and

creative--from one's own soul.

 

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This could be a doctoral thesis, so I guess I'll end by recalling a

book/author of the radical '60's---Jerry Rubin, "Do it"

 

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Raymond A. Bleesz

Histographer/Documentary Photographer

[david_goldfarb]

I want to recall what the landscape looked like before an oil well or

housing development appeared there.

[sal_santamaura]

Because it's there.

[mario_caruso]

Because in this way I can deceive myself that I'm able to fix and

understand a little portion of the "absolute", even if I really

understand that all I do is just to try to read the incomprehensible

rules of the Universe. Nothing more.

By the way I was bewatched by some picture of Ansel Adams, I like

very much to show my photos to my friends (wich take pictures with

compact cameras .... I'm treacherous, I have to admit it).... and

sometimes I'm able to sell some photo of mine.

[jim_worthington]

Chiming in with a little stream of consciousness, I take landscape

photographs because doing so helps me see. My most pleasant photo

experiences are when I see something that catches my eye and am able

to put it on film. Later, when I develop it, I remember what I was

feeling and how it grabbed me. I don't always show it to other

people; in fact, I don't always print it. One great thing about large

format is that I enjoy the negatives themselves.

If I repeated anybody, I apologize. I deliberately didn't look at

the other response, because I wanted to give my immediate reaction to

the question.

Good light and low wind to all,

Jim

[doug_paramore]

Saulius: Wow! Such a simple question to evoke such deep thoughts.

When I first read the header to your post, I thought "because you can

make landscapes when it is snowing and nude models won't pose". Then

I read you post and realized you had posted a serious question worth

some serious thought. I like to make landscape pictures to show

others the beauty that one can find outdoors, and to show others how

I responde to that beauty. It gives me a chance to make an image that

will say to future generations that "he was there, and look at what

he did with what was before him." I get the same kick now out of

showing my work at art shows and listening to the comments of the

people who visit our booth. Many times people will have visited the

same area I photographed and state they were there, but it didn't

look like that. That is extremely good for one's ego. I can't imagine

not being able to shoot landscapes and details of nature. It would

not be photography for me.

 

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Regards,

[jim6]

Great question - As for me, most of my work goes unseen by others.

Like you, this is my way to meditate, slow down and see beyond seeing.

I am very passionate about photography, and have been for about 25

years now. But when I'm involved in taking pictures, it is truly the

only time when all my day to day stresses and problems escape me and

I'm at peace. If I had to explain beyond this, I feel no one would

understand.

[dan_smith]

So where do you now live? Still in a city where all the filth & crap

pulls you down or in a much smaller rurala area near the land you

want to photograph? It is as easy to move to the quiet areas you want

to photograph. To be where you can step outside your door and a short

walk or drive will put you in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere you

want to capture with your camera.

Living in these areas will give you a much different perspective on

them than having to drive hours to get to them. You will have a

greater chance of getting the lighting as you would like throughout

the seasons by being close. You can go back again and again to the

favored area since it is so close. Maybe what you want to convey in

your photos will change as you become part of what is is you are

trying to photograph.

[rico_obusan]

Saulius,

 

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So that somehow I can begin understanding what it means to "go

placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there

may be in silence". (A quote from the 60's from "Desiderata", for all

those of you who still can remember.

[james phillips]

Saulius,

 

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<p>This is a very good question which has provide us all with a

variety of thought provoking answers. Like you, I was drawn to

landscape photography and more importantly LF landscape photography

due to the relaxing aspects it provides. The act of using large

format equipment especially outside necessitates a certain amount of

patience and calmness if one wants to achieve a suitable shot.

Unfortunately unlike most others on the site, I do not have a long

history of photography or a photographical background. Instead I am a

relatively new member with only the basic experience of a 35mm casual

shooter. <p>

 

<p> I was searching for an activity that would lead more towards the

outdoors again but without a rifle in my hand or a motor cross bike

between my legs. LF photography has been that vehicle for me and has

given me ample reasons to hike and enjoy the beautiful mountains once

again. I also was seeking some solitude from the day-to-day grind and

wanting something to do with my hands and my mind while traveling

outdoors.<p>

 

<p> The paradox for me is that frequently I come upon an area, which

moves me in some way, so out comes my equipment, and I begin to set

up for a shot. I can wander around the area for a good half hour

looking at this and that perspective and trying to use the mental

tools I have learned so far. Surprisingly I will sit on a stump or

hill and enjoy the area but never quite find an appropriate shot to

take. After a while I will concede that I am not satisfied with just

taking a shot and will move on. On the average for probably every

three or four locations I check out I feel fortunate to have take a

single exposure. From a 35mm perspective I would have probably taken

a full roll in the same amount of time.<p>

 

<p>In essence I feel that by taking the time, enjoying the moments

and not feeling self obligated towards getting results has proven to

be the reasons I am attracted to landscape photography. Of course I

have never attempted any other style such as studio still forms or

architectural photography. Who knows? Perhaps there may be just as

much enjoyment in these areas in my future.<p>

 

<br> Regards,<br>

<br>GreyWolf<br>

[bill_youmans]

I shoot landscapes to capture beauty which I cannot buy with dollars.

[steve_clark1]

I shoot landspapes and other things because drawing and painting

never went very well for me and the music that I make is downright

unpleasant! Photography however, I can do...

[steve_clark1]

Dang, typing was never a high point either. L-A-N-D-S-C-A-P-E-S

[charlie_strack]

Because I want to capture some essence of the feeling I had when I

was there. I don't take as many photos as I have opportunities to.

That is, I'm selective. The scene must evoke some emotional response

in me before I take a picture.

[matt_oulman]

Living in the Idaho panhandle, the beauty of the land becomes such a

normal part of everyday existence, that many of us fail to appreciate

it. It becomes the wallpaper in our lives, and we stop SEEING it. We

forget that many others must hang it on their wall to regain that

connection.

Through photography, I rediscover it, and even the minor details of

nature that most of us have not noticed since childhood - when we were

not reluctant to be wowed by a leaf.

[haim_toeg]

I shoot landscape in black and white only for the artistic and

technical challenge.

 

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The main point for me is to see how I can convey what I think and feel

through a photograph. Also, no beating the to the sense of

accomplishment once I have made a well composed, framed and exposed

negative.

[armin_seeholzer]

Hi all

 

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Allmost very bautyfull thougts, for mayself its not very different to

what is allready stated, I want communicate to others what I feelt or

saw at the time when I was there!

[paul_owen]

I understand and agree with the majority of the previous postings.

Lately I have also found myself simply sitting and watching the land

even though I have my gear with me. I seem to be slowing down a bit!!

I am definitely taking longer to make a picture and I REALLY enjoy

the slow pace that LF offers!!

Regards (a very chilled out) Paul

[linas_kudzma]

Saulius,

Lois Conner in her book "China" said something along the lines of:

photography gives us an excuse to look closer. I feel this is very

true. Like you, I feel that the process of LF photography is akin to

meditation. The doing is the thing. If you actually capture the image

you wanted, that's a plus.

 

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Kur jus givenat?