Learning from others
439 posts
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Posted 08/04/2010 - 19:29
Good Question, It`s difficult for me to quantify as i may be influenced without really knowing! We may be influenced by images that were influenced etc....etc...etc...
I have certainly admired a great many works but what effect that has had on my own images i`m not sure.
I cannot say for certain that seeing the work of any particular photographer has consciously caused a change in the way i take my images but perhaps subconsciously it does?
Regards - Pete
I have certainly admired a great many works but what effect that has had on my own images i`m not sure.
I cannot say for certain that seeing the work of any particular photographer has consciously caused a change in the way i take my images but perhaps subconsciously it does?
Regards - Pete
Link
Posted 08/04/2010 - 20:36
Excellent question, but I wonder do you/we have to only consider the work of "great" photographers. I know for a fact that I've been influenced by the work of the 'great' photographers who frequently post photos on this forum. By seeing the work of others, aren't we somehow given the incentive to open our own eyes and experiment? Enough from me, I'll step aside and let others voice more eloquent responses.
Regards,
Stephen
I gladly welcome C & C's. Being foggy minded they really help me learn.
Regards,
Stephen
I gladly welcome C & C's. Being foggy minded they really help me learn.
Link
Posted 08/04/2010 - 20:49
Quote:
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
Sorry I found the quote fitting
Basically I look at photos and remember things that I like and don't like so basically learning from someone else their photos but it doesn't have to be the work of a "great" photographer.
And here comes the part where to quote fits, I try to do things my own way, try things out for myself and experiment.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Link
Posted 08/04/2010 - 21:04
I learn a lot from the great photographer's. I also have my favourites that influence me.
I firmly believe that looking at the work of the great masters over a constant and long period of time, and being open to new ways of seeing and thinking can help to develop the mind and eye on what to look for and make sense of, or not as the case maybe.
Also, they're a great inspiration to me.
"Ifamericatoldthetruthforjustonedayitswholeworldwouldfallapart "
"All the technique in the world doesn’t compensate for the inability to notice." - Elliott Erwitt
http://paulyrichard.wordpress.com/
I firmly believe that looking at the work of the great masters over a constant and long period of time, and being open to new ways of seeing and thinking can help to develop the mind and eye on what to look for and make sense of, or not as the case maybe.
Also, they're a great inspiration to me.
"Ifamericatoldthetruthforjustonedayitswholeworldwouldfallapart "
"All the technique in the world doesn’t compensate for the inability to notice." - Elliott Erwitt
http://paulyrichard.wordpress.com/
Link
Posted 08/04/2010 - 21:40
Good question, but difficult to answer.
I'll guess the basis for my learning stage is deeply influenced by the work of some old masters. Ernst Haas taught me not to be afraid of grain, specially in colour. HCB taught me to be patient and never,never leave home without a camera. Jay Maisel influenced me deeply to search for light, form and gesture (the latter being most important and difficult) in a picture.
On the technical process of photography John Shaw was of great importance to me. He published a great volume of field guides for landscape, nature and macro photography.
And then.....Digital arrived.The last 12-15 years Digital has changed the world of Photography completely. Not in a bad way, but I really think we must consider the last decade as the "golden age" of modern photography and the way it shaped us.Camera and Printer technology, advanced image manipulation by photoshop......It has brought photography to the masses. This combined with the internet gives us a whole new source of achieving our own style/signature. Forums like PUF help to developed you as a photographer and make you better. Much faster compared to the early analogue days. There are some outstanding photographers here, active as a member and willing to share their knowledge. And the great advantage is:
A lot of these members have their own unique style.
A couple of examples I like to mention. I'm sure I forget some but these are just some of the members who influenced me in the same way as the old masters.
Ralf Prien: For his unique style of finding the "isolated landscape"
Pauly Richard: For the way he approaches life on the street and forces the viewer to take a good look in the mirror.
You as OP,Gartmore. Your studio work, specially in B&W and the used lighting techniques.
Galoot: For his use on extreme wide angles.
And I could go on for a while......
Best regards,
Martin.
Curious about my photography?? Just Follow the Light.
I'll guess the basis for my learning stage is deeply influenced by the work of some old masters. Ernst Haas taught me not to be afraid of grain, specially in colour. HCB taught me to be patient and never,never leave home without a camera. Jay Maisel influenced me deeply to search for light, form and gesture (the latter being most important and difficult) in a picture.
On the technical process of photography John Shaw was of great importance to me. He published a great volume of field guides for landscape, nature and macro photography.
And then.....Digital arrived.The last 12-15 years Digital has changed the world of Photography completely. Not in a bad way, but I really think we must consider the last decade as the "golden age" of modern photography and the way it shaped us.Camera and Printer technology, advanced image manipulation by photoshop......It has brought photography to the masses. This combined with the internet gives us a whole new source of achieving our own style/signature. Forums like PUF help to developed you as a photographer and make you better. Much faster compared to the early analogue days. There are some outstanding photographers here, active as a member and willing to share their knowledge. And the great advantage is:
A lot of these members have their own unique style.
A couple of examples I like to mention. I'm sure I forget some but these are just some of the members who influenced me in the same way as the old masters.
Ralf Prien: For his unique style of finding the "isolated landscape"
Pauly Richard: For the way he approaches life on the street and forces the viewer to take a good look in the mirror.
You as OP,Gartmore. Your studio work, specially in B&W and the used lighting techniques.
Galoot: For his use on extreme wide angles.
And I could go on for a while......
Best regards,
Martin.
Curious about my photography?? Just Follow the Light.
Link
Posted 09/04/2010 - 00:17
Ooh,
Good question.
For me looking at other peoples work from the very famous though to us mortals inspires me to try and recreate an image or style.
For instance I have frequently tried to re-create paulyrichards black and white style (it still eludes me through
, I have also tried to get a good set of macros that I can stack to emulate a good DoF. I have also used cross processing styles and the Orten effect in processing. None of which I would have been aware of if I hadn't gone looking at exhibitions, books and the web
So yes I am influenced by seeing other images more so with digital than I ever was with film, as I can afford to try to see if it works for me.
Regards
PaulM
All cameras are equal but.....
Some are more equal than others
Good question.
For me looking at other peoples work from the very famous though to us mortals inspires me to try and recreate an image or style.
For instance I have frequently tried to re-create paulyrichards black and white style (it still eludes me through
, I have also tried to get a good set of macros that I can stack to emulate a good DoF. I have also used cross processing styles and the Orten effect in processing. None of which I would have been aware of if I hadn't gone looking at exhibitions, books and the webSo yes I am influenced by seeing other images more so with digital than I ever was with film, as I can afford to try to see if it works for me.
Regards
PaulM
All cameras are equal but.....
Some are more equal than others
57 posts
Link
Posted 11/04/2010 - 22:38
great question - been pondering it for quite a few minutes with a glass of Jura . . .
my pictures are most definitely affected by the photography I see and experience, but it is unclear to me who specifically I would look to
the local library has given me access to many dozens of classic photo books (as has the University library) but there are few names that stand out for me - but there are many images. Some I will remember for ever (the young girl in Vietnam running won the road just after a napalm attack for instance).
But it is others that have inspired my picture taking:
The afghan girl and her eyes (taken one or two of my kids with real emotion, but not like that one).
The chap carrying a picture wrapped in brown paper across the road in a post war ruin somewhere (a single picture telling an enigmatic story, utterly amazing).
The picture of a fir tree under the great falls in Yosemite (by Dewitt Jones, but I know that cos I use his videos on my work) that inspires different perspectives on familiar objects/places/spaces
etc
If there is one name I have to say has influenced me it is Cartier-Bresson and his "decisive moment". Every time I pick up my camera that phrase crosses my mind and that is what I hope/wait for
Curiously, my other big influence is flickr. Few great names but endless innovation and inspiration. If I am bored with photography I just go there and poke around some of the groups - wow, so many people are just so amazing and so creative it is quite humbling
my pictures are most definitely affected by the photography I see and experience, but it is unclear to me who specifically I would look to
the local library has given me access to many dozens of classic photo books (as has the University library) but there are few names that stand out for me - but there are many images. Some I will remember for ever (the young girl in Vietnam running won the road just after a napalm attack for instance).
But it is others that have inspired my picture taking:
The afghan girl and her eyes (taken one or two of my kids with real emotion, but not like that one).
The chap carrying a picture wrapped in brown paper across the road in a post war ruin somewhere (a single picture telling an enigmatic story, utterly amazing).
The picture of a fir tree under the great falls in Yosemite (by Dewitt Jones, but I know that cos I use his videos on my work) that inspires different perspectives on familiar objects/places/spaces
etc
If there is one name I have to say has influenced me it is Cartier-Bresson and his "decisive moment". Every time I pick up my camera that phrase crosses my mind and that is what I hope/wait for
Curiously, my other big influence is flickr. Few great names but endless innovation and inspiration. If I am bored with photography I just go there and poke around some of the groups - wow, so many people are just so amazing and so creative it is quite humbling
Link
Posted 11/04/2010 - 23:06
I haunt the local charity and secondhand book shops, it's almost as bad as LBA.
Last week I bought a nice copy of David Bailey's "Book of Photography" for £1-30.
And although it was written in the dark days of film ( 1981 )Mr Bailey's words of wisdom still apply.
I've only just started it, but so far his explanations are very clear and more about 'photography' than equipment.
Well worth the price.
I will generally buy any book by a photographer, the generic "Ist book of photography" books I leave alone ( I still have the one's I bought 30 years ago )so I've ended up with a mixture that could be seen as eclectic, I see it as "curious".
Linda McCartney is superb at capturing the rock and roll lifestyle, but she's not a photographer who's book I would have bought at full price.
I can't make any sense of Susan Sontag, no matter how hard I try. But it's an interesting book to have looked at, at least I know what I don't like.
I think the only photographer who's books I bought because I wanted them, because I aspire to his style, is the Canadian Freeman Patterson.
And I never tire of looking through his books, I can just pick one up, open it and look at one picture then place it back on the shelf.
To me that's learning from others, although the book is being replaced by the endless internet galleries.
I look at Flickr's 'Explore' more than my huge pile of books these days.
Last week I bought a nice copy of David Bailey's "Book of Photography" for £1-30.
And although it was written in the dark days of film ( 1981 )Mr Bailey's words of wisdom still apply.
I've only just started it, but so far his explanations are very clear and more about 'photography' than equipment.
Well worth the price.
I will generally buy any book by a photographer, the generic "Ist book of photography" books I leave alone ( I still have the one's I bought 30 years ago )so I've ended up with a mixture that could be seen as eclectic, I see it as "curious".
Linda McCartney is superb at capturing the rock and roll lifestyle, but she's not a photographer who's book I would have bought at full price.
I can't make any sense of Susan Sontag, no matter how hard I try. But it's an interesting book to have looked at, at least I know what I don't like.
I think the only photographer who's books I bought because I wanted them, because I aspire to his style, is the Canadian Freeman Patterson.
And I never tire of looking through his books, I can just pick one up, open it and look at one picture then place it back on the shelf.
To me that's learning from others, although the book is being replaced by the endless internet galleries.
I look at Flickr's 'Explore' more than my huge pile of books these days.
Last Edited by Lloydy on 11/04/2010 - 23:26
Link
Posted 11/04/2010 - 23:07
"The afghan girl and her eyes (taken one or two of my kids with real emotion, but not like that one)."
Steve McCurry took the Afgan Girl.
"The chap carrying a picture wrapped in brown paper across the road in a post war ruin somewhere (a single picture telling an enigmatic story, utterly amazing)."
Andre Kertesz, discussed in the Genius of Photography series.
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You can take your inspiration from anywhere. A while back I did a project on "descent" and was inspired by Duchamp from the Tate exhibition. "Nude Descending a Staircase." I took long exposures with strobe of a descending foot to try and replicate the feeling of the Duchamp painting.
Saturday last, I went to the Jonathan Miller curated exhibition at the Estorick Collection and wouldn't you know it. Duchamp was inspired by the photography of the time, Marey and Muybridge's photography exploring the way animals move! There's a picture of him in 1952 walking down a stair just like his painting of 1912.
The photography of movement which I thought had little artistic merit was an inspiration to Duchamp and Futurists and probably others.
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I have lots of magazines and books and love looking though them. I'm interested why some images are special and others not. I'll buy magazines and journals, books go to exhibitions anything.
You learn lots from great photographer's work.
Looking at it in context is the hard part.
Creating something original is harder.
Creating an original body of work is the genius part.
My wife bought me a book by Slinkachu recently. Amazing.
Simple and original.
Lurking is shirking.!
Steve McCurry took the Afgan Girl.
"The chap carrying a picture wrapped in brown paper across the road in a post war ruin somewhere (a single picture telling an enigmatic story, utterly amazing)."
Andre Kertesz, discussed in the Genius of Photography series.
-------
You can take your inspiration from anywhere. A while back I did a project on "descent" and was inspired by Duchamp from the Tate exhibition. "Nude Descending a Staircase." I took long exposures with strobe of a descending foot to try and replicate the feeling of the Duchamp painting.
Saturday last, I went to the Jonathan Miller curated exhibition at the Estorick Collection and wouldn't you know it. Duchamp was inspired by the photography of the time, Marey and Muybridge's photography exploring the way animals move! There's a picture of him in 1952 walking down a stair just like his painting of 1912.
The photography of movement which I thought had little artistic merit was an inspiration to Duchamp and Futurists and probably others.
----------
I have lots of magazines and books and love looking though them. I'm interested why some images are special and others not. I'll buy magazines and journals, books go to exhibitions anything.
You learn lots from great photographer's work.
Looking at it in context is the hard part.
Creating something original is harder.
Creating an original body of work is the genius part.
My wife bought me a book by Slinkachu recently. Amazing.
Simple and original.
Lurking is shirking.!
Last Edited by dougf8 on 11/04/2010 - 23:18
Link
Posted 11/04/2010 - 23:18
Anvh wrote:
Sorry I found the quote fitting
Basically I look at photos and remember things that I like and don't like so basically learning from someone else their photos but it doesn't have to be the work of a "great" photographer.
And here comes the part where to quote fits, I try to do things my own way, try things out for myself and experiment.
Quote:
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
Sorry I found the quote fitting
Basically I look at photos and remember things that I like and don't like so basically learning from someone else their photos but it doesn't have to be the work of a "great" photographer.
And here comes the part where to quote fits, I try to do things my own way, try things out for myself and experiment.
Same here. If I see a photo I like I look at the information about what aperture they used and so on, but with digital it costs nothing to play around until you get results you like. You don't have to be a "great" to take atmospheric photos or spot interesting textures, just willing to look for angles that don't necessarily fit into a holiday album. I know the last time I went up to the Elan Valley I found myself taking a mixture of photos that I stitched into panoramas and tightly-framed shots of interesting colours and textures, such as the water flowing over the top of a dam contrasting with the stonework and the darkness of the deep water behind the dam.
It really comes down to one question - do you like the results? It's your camera, unless you have ambitions to turn pro then it really does not matter whether you follow things like the rule of thirds or not. Personally I find that images I'm happy with usually unwittingly follow at least some of the rules of composition, which are, after all, based on ideas of what humans find pleasing to look at.
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
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gartmore
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Glasgow, Scotland
How much do you learn from the work of great photographers?
Ken
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -