I don't yet (and probably never will) have the discipline to get up at
4:00 am for two weeks running to go to a chosen photographic spot and
wait for just the right light. Even locally... let alone 2,000 miles
from home.
Chuck Norcutt
Joel Wilcox wrote:
> On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 8:08 AM, Ken Norton <ken@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> The point is, if your mindset is totally focused on getting a picture like
>> "Yosemite Valley - Clearing Storm" you will be severely disappointed with
>> anything that "flyover country" has to offer. But if you open your eyes and
>> your minds to the possibilities that exist smack dab in front of you then
>> you just might find satisfaction.
>
> I agree, of course, but I forgive those whose minds are closed to
> anything but five-star venues. Moose's attitude is not peculiar to
> him. It's a species of provincialism that affects almost everyone in
> one form or another. It seems like a kind of geographic bigotry --
> and it is in kind, though the word is too strong for the degree of the
> offense. And we all engage in it at one time or another. Montanans I
> discovered look down on North Dakotans. Wow. Who knew? NoCal looks
> down on SoCal. It's fairly harmless -- a kind of petty bigotry.
>
> I wouldn't like to create a "scenic overlook" expectation for anywhere
> in the Midwest. I do love many, many places here, but so many are off
> the beaten trails and, to my mind, are completely dependent upon the
> quality of the light. But I tend to follow the good light rather than
> try to find things which are intrinsically interesting to photograph.
> This takes some dedication and one can't be expected always to be
> successful just by showing up with lenses at f8. I have been to more
> than my fair share of scenic wonders west of the Mississippi and they
> are all a snooze to me if the light is not interesting. Even the
> Grand Canyon can be a bore. I sometimes take photos under those
> circumstances, but they are no more than a record that I was there.
>
> My brother is a what I consider a fine photographer -- and obviously
> comes from the same DNA as me. He loads up with Velvia and drives to
> the Five Star locations to shoot and puts his cameras away when he
> gets home. It's hard enough work to get to the "good" places.
> Finding how the light makes love to your own humble geography takes
> more commitment than can be expected of most locals, let alone a
> stranger. I can work a back road and feel comfortable, but many
> people might not, nor would I be apt to be different myself as a guest
> in a strange place.
>
> I think I must be more of a street photographer, it's just my streets
> are gravel roads.
>
> Joel W.
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