Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Ansel Adams

When Ansel Adam's name is mentioned in photographers' circles, you either hear praise for this man's work or de-constructive criticism for his work. Personally, I think those who criticize genius are often jealous of their own inabilities to capture what they see through the viewfinder. Instead of studying, reading, speaking to other photographers, going out into the field and trying to "perfect" ones skills, they'd rather cut down those who have mastered photography through many years of studying, reading, etc...

I admire the work of Ansel Adams. I study and look at his B&W photographs and hope that in my lifetime I could achieve one print like his. I believe, though, that Ansel Adams was alive during a time when photography was desired...people wanted to own photographs and other works of art. This was something new for the masses to be a part of, join the collective, so to speak.

You know the question, "If you could go back in time, and speak to anyone, who would you speak to?" I would love to hang out with Ansel Adams for a month. The knowledge this man had would be worth more than gold.

I leave you with this quote to think about. It really made me think about my views on the world, as I see it, with and without the camera. For me, there is so much ugliness, bitterness, hatred, and cruelty. I want to forget that for awhile and concentrate on the beauty life/nature/people have to offer me and one another.

Peace...

Luis

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety."

Ansel Adams