Photographer Clay

Category: Photography

  • All creativity isn’t art

    All creativity isn’t art

    One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is the swapping and substituting of terms to encompass all art or all creativity. At its root, creativity is creating. It’s making something, anything! While you can say that all art is creative, all creativity doesn’t have to be art.

    This is something that I have often wondered about, and I have been guilty of falling into that misconception. There are times when I feel creative but definitely not creating art.

    While all creativity may not be art, being creative inspires me. It inspires me to want to become more creative and work towards creating something artistic.

    I just today realized that by ignoring my blog as I have for the past year and a half, I have become less and less creative. Writing this blog has, in the past, inspired me to create art. What reminded me of this was today was time to renew my blog site and domain name. How I was reminded was that my Venmo account didn’t have sufficient funds to renew (I keep only enough funds in my Venmo to pay for many of my online accounts as a way of lowering my chances of being hacked and scammers stealing funds). With all that being said, I hope to become more active in writing my thoughts and I certainly hope that you join me by reading and then sharing your thoughts on what I have written with the intend to keep us all creative.

  • Is great photography dying?

    Is great photography dying?

    In previous years, it was much easier to find high-quality photographs online. However, in the past couple of years, locating great photographs has become increasingly challenging. I won’t mention the name of the website, but one I have frequented for years is now inundated with snapshots and often AI-generated images.

    I know that I am capable of taking photographs that would not be classified by many as great. I know I’m capable of generating snapshot-style photographs. I have been known to generate images using A.I.

    What is beginning to be a bit of a concern, for me, is that the search for great photographs is becoming more challenging.

    It doesn’t matter to me what equipment is used to create wonderful photographs, I am more concerned about photographs that generate emotion, and evoke a feeling of art, rather than merely pointing a camera at a scene and pressing the button.

    Ansel Adams said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make a photograph”. Which, to me, means that the content and execution were deliberate and planned.

  • The struggle to become artistically creative again

    The struggle to become artistically creative again

    Just over a year ago, I was preparing to move from where I had lived for years. The original plan was to travel for several months and decide where to live. I discovered that a “life on the road” wasn’t really for me and because of so much travel to places I had not visited before I unintentionally put much of my photography on hold or was uninspired, for many that may sound odd as there are a lot of travel photographers.

    Now I have a home base in an area I really enjoy, but I’m finding it tough to get going again. I purchased a lens I had been wanting for several years, hoping it would inspire me to be more active in photography. However, I’ve only managed to use it twice so far. It isn’t a lack of vision or creative ideas but it is, seemingly, a bit of procrastination.

    I have set some goals and concepts to draw from especially now that the winter months are rapidly approaching. My travels will be limited during the winter so I will have time to revisit some of my photographic props and techniques using still life and winter scenes.

  • Photography My Way – A Journey of Expression and Discovery

    Photography My Way – A Journey of Expression and Discovery

    Photography My Way: A Journey of Expression and Discovery

    Photography is a powerful medium of expression that allows us to capture moments, emotions, and the world around us. It’s a personal journey that can be both exhilarating and daunting. As photographers, we often find ourselves in a tug-of-war between our creative vision and the vulnerability of exposing our inner thoughts through our work.

    For many, photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s a form of self-expression that conveys our unique perspective on life. It’s a silent language that speaks volumes about who we are, what we value, and how we see the world. The reluctance to share our photography can stem from a fear of judgment or criticism, or perhaps it’s the intimate connection we feel with our creations that makes them feel so personal.

    Embracing the personal aspect of photography can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our craft. It’s about recognizing that each photo we take is a reflection of our emotions, experiences, and growth as artists. Whether it’s the play of light in a landscape or the candid moment of a street scene, our photographs tell a story that is uniquely ours.

    So, if you find yourself hesitant to express your feelings about your photography, remember that it’s a natural part of the creative process. It’s okay to be protective of your work, but also consider the possibility that sharing it could open doors to new perspectives, constructive feedback, and a shared experience with others who appreciate the art of photography.

    In the end, photography is a journey of discovery, not just of the world we aim to capture, but also of ourselves. It’s a continuous learning experience where each shot can teach us something new. So, take a deep breath, embrace your hesitations, and let your photography speak for itself. Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to embark on their own photographic adventure.

  • It doesn’t matter! The case for not responding to was that edited in reference to a photograph.

    It doesn’t matter! The case for not responding to was that edited in reference to a photograph.

    Whether or not I edited a photograph of mine doesn’t matter to me. I strive to captivate the viewer in my photography, effectively conveying my emotions about a specific subject or scene. In the past, I often responded to questions like “Was this edited” or “Is this Photoshopped”. My typical response became, “I use a variety of tools and techniques both at the time of capture and in post-production”.

    Here is why I now believe it doesn’t matter. If they asked that question, it engaged the viewer therefore it is a success. In addition, all photographs are “edited” otherwise we would not be able to view them.

  • Pursuing photography as an art form, focusing on aesthetics and creative expression.

    Pursuing photography as an art form, focusing on aesthetics and creative expression.

    The Artistic Side of Clicking: Photography as a Creative Expression

    Photography, the art form that lets you capture a moment with the click of a button, has long been a medium for creative expression. It’s not just about snapping what you see; it’s about conveying a story, an emotion, or a perspective. It’s the difference between a picture that says, “I was here,” and one that says, “I felt this.”

    For those who pursue photography as an art form, it’s all about the aesthetics—the play of light and shadow, the composition of elements within the frame, and the colors that dance before the lens. It’s a pursuit that requires an eye for beauty in the mundane and the ability to see the world through a different lens—literally.

    But let’s be real, it’s also about looking cool with a fancy camera and pretending to adjust settings while you’re actually just pressing random buttons. It’s about the thrill of finding the perfect graffiti wall for your Instagram backdrop, or the quest for the most dramatic angle of your latte art.

    So, grab your camera, whether it’s a high-end DSLR, a vintage film relic, or just your trusty smartphone, and join the ranks of those who turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Who knows, maybe your next snapshot could be the one that captures the heart of the art world, or at least earns you some solid likes on social media.

    Remember, in the world of artistic photography, every shot is a chance to make a statement. So make it loud, make it clear, or make it hilariously abstract—because in the end, it’s your vision through the viewfinder that counts. Happy shooting!

  • Photography isn’t about reality for me, it’s about creativity.

    Photography isn’t about reality for me, it’s about creativity.

    Back in the “olden days” when I began my photography journey, we had to rely on physical filters such as polarizers and neutral density filters to control light and achieve desired effects. Additionally, creative darkroom techniques like dodging, burning, and color manipulation were essential for developing and enhancing photographs before the digital era.

    The advent of digital cameras and advanced computer technology has indeed revolutionized the field of photography and graphic design. With tools like Photoshop, artists and photographers can manipulate images in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. These programs offer a plethora of features such as layering, color correction, and digital compositing, which allow for the creation of complex and visually stunning images. Moreover, the efficiency of these tools enables professionals to produce work more quickly without compromising on quality, thereby enhancing productivity and fostering greater creative expression. The digital era has not only made these creative pursuits more accessible but has also expanded the horizons of what can be achieved artistically.

  • As an artist don’t let others take your color and creativity away!

    As an artist don’t let others take your color and creativity away!

    Artistic creativity is a unique and personal attribute that defines the essence of an artist’s work. It’s the spark that ignites the imagination, leading to the creation of something truly original and impactful. Whether it’s through photography, painting, writing, music, or any other form of expression, it’s important to hold onto that creative spirit. It’s what sets one apart in a world of repetition and imitation. So, cherish your artistic vision, nurture it, and let it flourish, for it’s your contribution to the tapestry of human expression. Remember, true creativity lies within and should never be overshadowed by the influence of others. We so often see others attempting to impose their artistic style upon us rather than offering inspiration and insight into their interpretation of art. It’s the individual’s perspective and interpretation that make art so diverse and extraordinary.

  • It’s not just about getting it right in camera.

    It’s not just about getting it right in camera.

    The Art Beyond the Camera

    Photography is an art form that transcends the mere act of capturing an image with a camera. It’s a process that involves a deep understanding of composition, lighting, subject matter, and the message the photographer wishes to convey. The phrase “It’s not just about getting it right in the camera” speaks volumes about the philosophy behind photography as an expressive medium.

    In the digital age, the camera is just the beginning. Post-processing plays a significant role in the creation of a photograph. Tools like Photoshop and Lightroom allow photographers to refine their images, adjust exposure, tweak colors, and even composite multiple images into a single piece of art. This process can be as simple as cropping a photo to improve its composition, or as complex as creating an entirely new world that challenges the viewer’s perception of reality.

    Moreover, the intent behind a photograph is what gives it depth. A picture might be technically perfect but lacks the emotional impact that turns a good photo into a great one. Photographers often talk about ‘capturing the moment,’ but what they are truly seeking to capture is the feeling of that moment. The context, the environment, and the photographer’s unique perspective all contribute to this.

    The art of photography also involves the physical presentation of the work. The choice of paper, the printing process, and the framing all affect how the final image is perceived. A glossy print might bring out vibrant colors, while a matte print could enhance the texture and depth of a black-and-white image.

    In essence, photography is a multifaceted art form that combines technology, creativity, and vision. It’s about using the camera as a tool to create something that resonates on a deeper level, something that stirs emotions, provokes thoughts, or tells a story. It’s about the photographer’s ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and share that vision with the world. It’s not just about getting it right in the camera; it’s about getting it right in the heart and mind of the beholder. Photography, therefore, is as much about the journey after the shutter is pressed as it is about the preparation leading up to that decisive moment.

  • That’s just your opinion on photography

    That’s just your opinion on photography

    Recently, I joined a social media group focusing on Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. It is a very large group with over 100,000 members with it’s focus on “photography, Photoshop Art, Photo Composites, Digital Art, AI Art.” What I find both interesting and disheartening is the number of members that are insulting or belittling when another posts an example of their work. Often the comment goes something like, “way overprocessed making this photo look like a painting” or “This is no longer a photograph but a picture” (I’m still trying to figure out what that means). What is even more intriguing is often the members making such comments haven’t shared any examples of their work or the work they generate is a basic photograph that, in my most honest opinion, that appears to be a “saw scene took picture of same”.

    There is nothing wrong with a basic simple photograph in the world of photography as long as it is done well and at the same time, there is nothing wrong with working to be creative. What is wrong is becoming insulting, belittling, or rude because a style doesn’t fit your style. In my best “The Dude” voice I want to say, “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man”.