I was never content to stand apart from the landscape, looking in, being a transient visitor—a tourist, an outsider—showing up to harvest an image or practice some form of recreation before moving on. When in a place that interests me I am not content just seeing it; I want to be a part of it, to immerse myself in it, to know it, to become comfortable in it. Certainly I might accomplish these things in a great variety of places, but they take time to evolve. And my time, alas, is limited. I have made my choice, and there is no doubt in my mind that I chose well. It’s not about the landscape; it’s about this landscape.
Guy Tal
I’m aware I lean towards Guy’s idea of immersing myself into the landscape and desiring to experience it. I confess that for many years my interest in landscape photography has been in harvesting the image. I would then share it for the likes and the oohs and aahs I imagined everyone is making.
I’m also aware that to know and be comfortable with the landscape requires me to be there on a regular basis. I think you will agree immersion in the landscape can’t happen from our recliner or desk or someone else’s images. It may mean we must sit in the cold, rain, snow, heat, or swat at the tiniest bugs when we would rather sleep in late. Or relax at some coffee shop with a mocha. We can only fully experience this landscape when we are there and present to it. So, I will continue my mornings within the landscape. And, yes, time is limited.
8 Comments
Earl
Selfishly I certainly hope you do continue your mornings within the landscape. I enjoy and look forward to those photos you share from this immersive landscape experience. Of course, I also enjoy your photos from coffee shops or perhaps from home.
I think your photos, quotes, and writings most often intertwine and become a paragraph of a continuing story. A worthwhile and sincere story.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Earl! I feel it is worthwhile for me in my creativity, my spiritual growth, and my growth as a participant in this amazing universe.
Tom Dills
Although it is not my style of photographing, I do love Tal’s approach to nature and to the special places he visits. I find fascinating that he often talks about not taking a photograph until he has connected with a place and feels like he can make a photograph that expresses his experience. Sometimes it is days before he makes a photograph, and on occasion he doesn’t make one at all.
There is a distinct and important difference between sharing photos primarily for the likes and comments, and posting a photo to share the experience. It can range from “I was there and saw this” to posts like yours where you not only share a photograph, but accompany it with an appropriate quotation from another or a heartfelt message of your own. To me that exemplifies an intersection of vision, experience and emotion, which you do well. I echo Earl’s comment that all of your photos tell your personal story and I look forward to more.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Tom! I have three positive comments at the moment and it does go to my head. I have this website to share my images and words that all come from within because I hope someone will be moved by my experiences. I will continue to make this a part of my life and share it. Thank you, again!
Joe
If you watch Sean Tucker’s YouTube channel he just did and interview with Simon Baxter from Yorkshire. Simon does 99% of his work within a 20 minute drive of his home. He is very reflective and articulate about this approach and I think you’d enjoy his talk.
Monte Stevens
Thank you for the information. I just watched the video and inspired to see more of both photographers. I like their vision and goals with their photography. I can also say that about your work!
Joe
I really like them both. I could binge Sean Tucker all day as I like his philosophical approach to art and photography.
Monte Stevens
I could find it a deep black-hole where hours would be spent instead of cleaning the bathroom. 😁