Dinner is Served

[aprilS]

I don't post images here often, because they don't yet have much depth. But then I was thinking...if I don't post, how am I going to get feedback or suggestions on how to reach for more?!

Playing with an idea for a series...


#1: Chrysanthemum


#2: Boronia


#3: Daisy

[habakuk]

April. You shouldn't restrict yourself, for you have so much excellent shots to show! While the first one is very nicely composed, it also is the most "classic" and least surprising shot. The second and third are very nicely executed, but mostly stunned me by their very clever and creative subject matter. The way the flowers and lines form a flow and thus add dynamics is incredible. I think this is a extremely nice example of composition with lines. Very powerful. Also the way you put flower heads at the end of the lines, like drops from a gushing... this is really clever.

I love the third one for the unexpected way of the subject matter. I really like the simplicity that you managed to compose with all those many elements! Maybe the plate could have been aligned perfectly parallel to the frame, but the arrangement is so incredibly nice that I don't mind much about parallel lines anyway.

great work!

cheers
®

[Ted Byrne]

You are becoming one of the most important image makers of the digital millennia April. You are working in a classic field and finding great original beauty with a voice that is simultaneously witty and sober. My critique is that you must NEVER post more than one of your images at a time. They are simply too overwhelming. I flit from one to another until the ideas they generate overwhelm my ability to focus words.

Paradigms shifted as we were handed digital tools. Abruptly we were freed from wet B&W darkrooms and the tyranny of technical details that were now overcome by our computerized cameras. Now so little stands between the mind and the image... no more focusing or metering. Strobe lighting is a simple extension now of our imaginations. Lenses zoom tack sharp, high contrast images onto sensors that capture the tiniest nuance.

Now the race is to take everything we've learned about aesthetics and interpret our ideas in minute detail and color. AHHHHH.... color. I have come to the conclusion that in most cases B&W is cowardice. The world we are now permitted to explore has all of the dimensions of reality.

And you are doing all of this in still lives that ROCK! That anthropomorphize these objects to reflect your own spirit and wit. They are also images that are so feminine that show me the world in ways that my male art muscles will not stretch. You join Roland in consistently doing things which most of us will never be able to do, but which we love to watch, study, and peer through to whole worlds beyond.  I cannot wait to buy your book. 

[aprilS]

Thank you, Roland, for your encouragement and thoughtful comments.

While the first one is very nicely composed, it also is the most "classic" and least surprising shot."

Ah-hah! I like the idea of an element of surprise, especially in a still-life. Something to keep looking for...

Along with lines. It seems the theme of lines -- with implied movement -- keep drawing my eye/attracting my attention.

Maybe the plate could have been aligned perfectly parallel to the frame, but the arrangement is so incredibly nice that I don't mind much about parallel lines anyway.

Lol! Is this why/where I should have learned how to use a view camera? I wonder...will digital view cameras be the next BIG THING? Could be cool. Lensbabies don't seem to be too far off from that. Maybe they're the offshoot of failed efforts to develop one.

[aprilS]

Good heavens, Ted; my head is going to explode! 

I look at the richness and imagination of your work, the beauty and emotional depth of Roland's, the incredible craftsmanship in both --
and can only aspire to work as engaging and rewarding as yours.

But I am having fun, and am delighted you enjoy these images.

...I flit from one to another until the ideas they generate overwhelm my ability to focus words.

Your ability to focus words and images is definitely not an issue.

Now so little stands between the mind and the image... no more focusing or metering. Strobe lighting is a simple extension now of our imaginations. Lenses zoom tack sharp, high contrast images onto sensors that capture the tiniest nuance.

With my new camera, I'm learning this is so true. Set up, evaluate exposure, click. Then I wonder, "that's it?!" Well, of course there's review on the computer, then refine the setup if possible, and processing. But I used to spend so much more time trying to modify the camera-tool, I'm still amazed at how it now almost disappears as an interface.

AHHHHH.... color. I have come to the conclusion that in most cases B&W is cowardice. The world we are now permitted to explore has all of the dimensions of reality.

I sense another thread developing in your mind.

I've definitely not yet come close to training my eye to see tones. But one thing that is helping is to start the processing in b&w. And I have a big sticky note on my field notebook/to-do list I swiped from somewhere: "If you have time, take the first shot in b&w!", to help evaluate the composition and light. I have the sense that if the underlying tones are right, then color on top is going to be just beautiful. (Perhaps like an under-painting in oils?)

So much to do...so much to try!

[eob]

I don't post images here often, because they don't yet have much depth.

What are you talking about, April? Your images have plenty of depth. You can't expect that your images will be like other people's. That would be boring. Everyone has their own style and you've got your own.

So much for the encouragement. Now, let's talk about images.

I think, all of them are finely pre-visualized and executed. From a photographer's point of view or from an illustrator's point of view. You did not leave anything to chance. The simplicity and elegance of your compositions are exceptional. I think you could have a great career in illustrative still-life photography, if you'd choose to go along that path.

[aprilS]

Thank you very much, eob, for your encouragement and comments. I value your assessment(s).

Someone else mentioned potential for a job in food styling, which does not appeal to me. (It's too hard. :) But "illustrative still-life", now that sounds intriguing. I could tell stories, and shoot any time/all the time with (nearly) absolute control. Hmmm...