White Sands National Monument
Well it has been forever since my last post. Can't believe how time flies. That doesn't mean that I haven't been taking pictures, it is just that other things get in the way of adding items.As the above image indicates, I spent several days in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico as part of a photography workshop put on by Visionary Wild. As the name implies, this was a working session with reviews and comments by Jack Dykinga, John Shaw and Justin Black. White Sands provide to be a very remarkable and interesting place to photograph. One that demanded attention and precision. Where one shoots images in a forest, for example, one can get away with items elements on the edges that don't quite begin or end. But in a place as uncomplicated as sand dues sand with the dominant plant a soap tree yucca distractions on the edges easily stand out and demands attention, exactness, care and rigor to derive a quality image.
While watching Jack Dykinga and John Shaw work the area I became acutely aware of the differences between a master painter and a beginner. Their skills, tricks, visions, intuition are elements that are only obtained from years of shooting and the honing. If one were really interested in the techniques of nature or landscape photography, one could not wish anything more than to be around and absorb their thoughts and observations even if it means realizing ones shortcomings.
While the trip and experience was rewarding and enriching, it had a bittersweet element to it as well. It reminded me of how the world is changing and the gradual passing of these master craftsman. Marketing images was once a great profession which provided a good life and supported the development of professionals such as Dykinga, Shaw, Wolfe, Lanting, Rowell, Brandenburg, Mangelsen and others. However, this life is virtually gone forever. Not only has the market place changed due to the loss of magazine and art directors who worked with and refined the qualities of their products, but the advancement of digital cameras and smart phones has put into the hands of the masses the production of an overwhelming supply of digital images. John Shaw, who sells 4 or 5 images every day, was relating to me the contest he was having with one of his friends. The contest, to see who would collect the least amount for an image use. The winner, his friend with $0.04. My experience on this topic was the query of a photographer who contributed her image to one of Outdoor Photographers contest in which she gave up her ownership for the privilege of having it use to attract other photographers to do the same. She had been a medical professional, was retired and didn't mind giving up her right.
So, if one finds they have the opportunity to join a workgroup headed by one of these fine craftsman, don't hesitate. These opportunities will not last very much longer. Go check out the list of workshops offered by Visionary Wild and find a trip that suits you and absorb the knowledge. It will be well worth it.