Ansel and Me
This morning I was thinking (coffee first, thinking second). I reflected on the differences between Ansel Adams' photography, his equipment, and his writing processes to my own. No, I'm not comparing myself to Ansel Adams, but the methods. His camera was without electronics, used 8x10 sheet film, and required a mule to transport. Mine has a lithium-ion battery, a wafer that records light brightness and color, and fits in my hand or on my belt. Then I reflected on the product, the message, and the methods of sharing that message. Ansel created prints, as do I; different processes, but similar results (again, no comparison). He would write with a pencil or fountain pen and sit down at a typewriter. He would send his prints and typed pages to a publisher or gallery. The public would physically consume his product and message in person before their eyes.
On the other hand, I have a magical tool that reads my mind as I move my fingers over a keyboard. The similarity with a typewriter ends there. My computer fixes my spelling and grammar on the fly, allowing infinite revisions without throwing anything in the wastebasket, at least not physically. But instead of packing my product up, I only have to click a few buttons on my screen, and I've distributed it to the entire population of the planet, maybe the entire known universe. Ansel photographed Yosemite in 1927, Ninety-six years ago, nearly a century, yet I'm starting to envy him beyond his talent.
The irony and the summary of my reflection is this; I want to be more methodical with my photography and writing, like Ansel. I have a stack of black and white film, a developing tank and chemicals, and four cameras to take out into the wild (3-35mm Nikons, 1-6x6 Bronica SQ-A). Someday I may print them in a dark room, but first, I will scan them into my computer. I'm contemplating taking a pencil to paper and writing about my images in the field, using all my senses, and interpreting my feelings in real time instead of in front of my computer.
My stack of Film
Black and White Ilford, Fuji, and Fomapan, 120mm and 35.
I've reached my saturation point for information consumption. With age and wisdom comes personal reflection, and I want to slow down and ponder my future endeavors. I want to inform and provoke others with my photography and writing, leaving a small impression on the planet.
About Me
The purpose of my photography is to provoke, educate, inform, and guide. I will create art, write about my photographs through interpretation, and mentor fellow photographers. I will educate them on technique and composition using their camera and during post-processing. I will also help them develop their message about their photography. Hopefully, my legacy will provoke some to provoke many.