Photographer Clay

Tag: art

  • What happened to social media?

    What happened to social media?

    I had a recent interaction with a long-time photography friend. After I reorganized my photographs, I found a photograph of my friend with a group that we had met up with (organized) on a photo walk. It was a fun afternoon of learning and exchanging ideas. We all met through social media and online forums.

    In the past few years, however, it has become clear that social media has changed and not necessarily for the better. I often refer to myself as a photographic artist, because create and share an emotion for a scene rather than just work to re-create reality (whatever that means since we all have a different version of reality). Nowadays, I am often fearful of sharing certain works as it often brings out the “haters”. These people are often hiding behind the keyboard, rarely, if ever, showing any of their own work. It often, appears to me, to be more about competition than cooperation and inspiration. I’m one that likes to help and hopefully by helping others I learn new things or better techniques. Now it has become a race for likes rather than meaningful dialog and discussion.

    Hopefully, things will change soon. One of the reasons I write my blog now is because I want to encourage people to be creative and to support creativity in others.

  • No matter how far you think you have come keeping learning!

    No matter how far you think you have come keeping learning!

    I’ve used Photoshop since February 2010 and have done photography since the early 1980s. One would think that with all that experience and knowledge I would know “it all”. How far from the truth that really is.

    The image above is the original edit from 2018 when the photograph was taken. Below is the 2025 version.

    The session was in mid-April, and it was a bit cool, with a gentle breeze cutting through the air, adding a layer of crispness to the atmosphere. It was shot in an industrial area filled with vibrant graffiti and winding alleyways that seemed to tell tales of their own. While I wasn’t taking meticulous notes of the precise emotions, feelings, and overall mood at the time, I vividly recall my desire to capture and convey a sense of cool, moody environment that was both captivating and slightly haunting. Fast forward seven years later, and through countless photography and Photoshop courses, along with a wealth of practice and inspiration from various artists, I think I may have actually learned how to convey what I had envisioned all those years ago, blending technique and artistry to bring that initial vision to life in a way I had only dreamed of at that time.

    My challenge to all artists, regardless of how long they have been creating their art or how much they believe they have learned, is to keep learning, growing, and challenging yourself to constantly expand your knowledge and skill set. Embrace the process of exploration, as each new experience provides an opportunity to refine your techniques and discover new perspectives. Engage with fellow creatives, share insights, and seek constructive feedback, for collaboration can often ignite inspiration and fuel innovation. Whether you are diving into a new medium, experimenting with different styles, or studying the works of masters, remember that the journey of artistic development is endless. By nurturing your curiosity and pushing your boundaries, you not only enhance your craft but also enrich your personal expression, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling artistic journey.

  • Sometimes photographers make me sad

    Sometimes photographers make me sad

    Sometimes, I find myself engulfed in a deep, reflective sadness when I consider the journeys of photographers, rather than just the images they create. My heart goes out especially to those who engage these individuals, as their stories often run deeper than the photographs reveal. This article aims not to criticize photographers but to gently remind them of the profound connections and emotions behind their art, and the experience of others.

    Two days ago, another photographer and I ventured out for some landscape photography, while my companion was busy working on a cinematography school project. As we immersed ourselves in the beauty of our city’s iconic area, we encountered a few fellow photographers. We had settled in a spot often regarded as the “money shot” for this location, and it brought us joy to share this incredible space with the first photographer we met. Just then, I noticed a group that seemed to be a wedding party, adding a touch of magic to the scene.

    The second group was quite large, consisting of a dozen or more people. The photographer arrived with just a camera, which was surprising given the circumstances. It was a bright, early summer morning, and the sun was quite intense. Unfortunately, the wedding photographer positioned the group with the glaring sun in their eyes, aiming for a view of the fountain behind them. However, that backdrop included a lot of traffic, signs, and signals that would distract from the special moment. As we were wrapping up at our prime location, we kindly offered it to them. It seemed the photographer may not have fully appreciated our gesture, as we didn’t suggest avoiding the bright sunlight that caused squinting and harsh shadows; we simply made our spot available, hoping it would enhance their session.

    My companion and I share a deep passion for both landscape and portrait photography, and we’ve learned through experience that it’s easy to make similar mistakes. This is why I often feel a sense of sadness for both the photographer and the group in situations like these. I kindly ask that you don’t take offense when others offer gentle guidance, as they genuinely intend to help and support your session without trying to take control.

  • Photographers and artists that stop learning are failing

    Photographers and artists that stop learning are failing

    A bold statement from an old photographer that has decided to continue to learn and grow in order to become more creative and artistic. I suspect many will disagree with this statement but I’m not sure that it is something I’m going to worry about, but I encourage all to think about.

    One of the reasons I bring this up is because I haven’t written in a couple of weeks. I’ve been busy between a short trip, some out of town guests, working with an upgraded tool in Photoshop and taking a Photoshop course.

    The photograph that I have included in this post was taken a year ago while I was driving back from the Pacific Northwest. I pulled off the highway at a scenic overlook of the Columbia River. In this part of Washington State there had been some wildfires resulting in smoke in the air. This scene also had some faint clouds in the air. According to the in-camera light meter the exposure was within the acceptable range, however, when I viewed the photograph, the smoke was barely visible, and the clouds were practically invisible. When I incorporated the training and through the use of a upgraded tool those elements were as visible as they were to my eyes.

    What is unfortunate is that there are those who believe that some of the techniques I utilized render my photograph-altered artwork is not worthy of being called a photograph. Typically, this isn’t an issue that overly concerns me. What concerns is the lack of understanding and the lack of motivation by others to learn and grow. The lack of motivation to understand and learn concerns me because I believe it stagnates the progression of art and photography. Please, don’t stop learning, experimenting, pushing the boundaries of your art and photography.

  • If you aren’t changing you’re actually going backwards

    If you aren’t changing you’re actually going backwards

    We’ve all probably heard the phrase, “change is inevitable”. It doesn’t matter if it is involving our creativity, job, or personal lives. Change happens whether we embrace it or not.

    Change is inevitable in life. You can either resist it and potentially get run over by it, or you can choose to cooperate with it, adapt to it, and learn how to benefit from it. When you embrace change you will begin to see it as an opportunity for growth.

    Jack Canfield

    I’m mentioning this because Adobe just released some new features to Photoshop, Lightroom, and Lightroom Classic, yet I continue to see people who still use very outdated versions of those programs. It’s quite fascinating to observe this phenomenon, especially as the advancements in technology and software can greatly enhance one’s creative process. I know that as these programs have added new features over the years, my workflow has transformed in ways that are both efficient and inspiring; for the better, in my mind. Tasks that used to be very time consuming, such as retouching images or organizing photo libraries, have become nearly instantaneous, allowing more time for creativity and exploration. This isn’t just about software and updates, though. This is about embracing change and growth in your photographic vision and skills, recognizing the power of modern tools to elevate your artistry, and taking the initiative to stay current in an ever-evolving field. By adopting the latest features and methods, photographers can continually refine their craft, push their boundaries, and ultimately, produce work that is more compelling and impactful.

  • Finding your motivation

    Finding your motivation

    This has been a challenge I have faced over the past couple of years. Recently, completed reading the book “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, which stands out as one of the motivational and inspirational books I have ever encountered. One of the recommendations in book was to maintain a daily journal, documenting the events of the day, highlighting went well, identifying areas that went poorly or need improvement, and goals for the following day. So far I am just about a week into maintaining a handwritten journal, and it already had a significant positive impact. I feel more motivated to write and pursue my photography, even if it is simply an image with my cellphone like the photograph above.

    In doing this, I have found that I overly complicate things rather than simplifying the tasks at hand, which often leads to unnecessary stress and confusion. Instead of breaking down each task into manageable steps, I get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. Along with this, I often allow the inner critic and past failures to rule my thoughts, creating a cycle of self-doubt and hesitation that prevents me from moving forward. This tendency to overthink not only hinders my productivity but also stifles my creativity, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled as I grapple with the expectations I place on myself. It’s a journey of learning to challenge these negative patterns and finding more constructive ways to approach my responsibilities.

    I hereby challenge you to try the same things if you are feeling uninspired or unmotivated. It very well could change your world, mindset, and creativity. Engaging in new experiences can open doors to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that ignite your passion. Embrace the small steps of change, whether it’s a new hobby, exploring different art forms, or simply changing your daily routine. Each effort, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can lead to profound transformations, rejuvenating your spirit and encouraging your creative juices to flow. Remember, inspiration often hides in unexpected places, waiting for you to seek it out.

  • Sometimes we think too much about creating art

    Sometimes we think too much about creating art

    In previous posts I’ve discussed how we often lack planning when we go out on a photographic adventure (Flying by the seat of your pants). How much planning and thought is too much? That, my friends, is a question to ponder.

    I’ve been guilty of overthinking a photo outing or shoot and ended up with subpar results. It is often very easy to overthink the creation of art as well as to under plan. The balance between spontaneity and preparation can be delicate, and striking that balance is crucial to achieving great photographs.

    On one hand, overthinking can stifle creativity. When we become too focused on the technical aspects or potential outcomes, we risk losing touch with the emotional and spontaneous elements that make photography an art form. For example, in some of my earlier outings, I meticulously planned every shot, analyzing the lighting, angles, and even potential subjects. While this may seem beneficial, it often led to stiff and lifeless images that lacked the spirit I was aiming to capture.

    On the flip side, under-planning can lead to missed opportunities. Without some level of preparation, we may find ourselves unprepared to connect with our subjects or to capture the right moment when it arises. It is essential to have a general idea of the location, what gear to bring, and the kind of shots we want to achieve.

    In essence, a successful photographic adventure requires a balance of planning and a willingness to embrace the unforeseen. Perhaps the key is to set a foundational plan while staying open to the spontaneous moments that can transform an ordinary outing into something extraordinary. It’s in this blend of thoughtfulness and freedom where we might find our most authentic and compelling work.

  • Sometimes the sun shines through a storm

    Sometimes the sun shines through a storm

    For the past month or so, my desktop computer has been experiencing a frustrating memory management issue, which has resulted in the machine unexpectedly rebooting at the most inconvenient times. It has been particularly exasperating, especially when I was immersed in gaming sessions or processing photographs, where any interruption could ruin my focus and waste valuable time. A couple of days ago, feeling a wave of hope despite my frustrations, I decided to perform a diagnostic test to pinpoint the source of these disruptions, and I learned that there was indeed a serious problem with the computer memory. Unlike my typical luck with tech mishaps, fortune smiled upon me, as I discovered a fantastic sale on memory modules just when I needed it the most. Seizing the opportunity, I was able to double the memory from 32 Gb to an impressive 64 Gb for less than $100. Since upgrading, I have put my system through its paces with early tests using Photoshop and similar resource-intensive programs, and I have noticed a significant improvement in speed and responsiveness. The once annoying crashes have become a thing of the past, allowing me to work efficiently and enjoy my gaming without interruption, truly transforming my computing experience.

    Sometimes in the middle of a storm a ray of light comes through showing you the path to move towards.

  • Flying by the seat of your pants!

    Flying by the seat of your pants!

    If you are like me, we have done this more times than we can count. You have a plan to grab your camera and head out on a walkabout to grab some photos, or a planned event that you want to document, but beyond that, you have little to no concept of what or how you want to accomplish your images. It often starts with a sense of excitement, the thrill of possibility that hangs in the air, yet as you step outside, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of choices before you. The vibrant colors of nature or the hustle and bustle of a city can be both inspiring and intimidating, leading to a moment of indecision. You might think about the stories you want to tell through your lens, the emotions you want to capture, and the unique perspectives you can showcase, yet the pressure to produce something truly remarkable can feel paralyzing. Embracing the spontaneity of the moment, however, can be where the magic happens; sometimes the best shots come when you least expect them, turning an ordinary walk into an extraordinary adventure of creativity.

    How then can we ensure that we get what we want or envision? While I’m not necessarily a gearhead, we must take into account what gear we need to accomplish our goal. The right tools can make a significant difference in the quality of our outcomes, whether it’s photography, writing, or any other creative endeavor. We also need to be able to employ our skills or be willing to be open-minded and work outside our so-called box. Being adaptable allows us to explore new techniques, learn from our experiences, and ultimately grow in our craft. I don’t know how many times I’ve done it myself, let alone how many times I’ve seen others do it, but so many times I’ve never changed my position when taking photos. You know, from a standing position, which can limit our perspective; often we need to get low or higher, to try different angles and viewpoints that can completely transform the narrative of our work. It’s essential to embrace these varied perspectives, as they can lead us to discover compositions we never thought possible. We need to become more creative, constantly pushing the boundaries of our imagination and allowing ourselves to experiment with the unfamiliar. By doing so, not only do we enhance our skills, but we also create more engaging and dynamic results that resonate on a deeper level with our audience.

    Let us get creative.

  • Motivating yourself as an artist

    Motivating yourself as an artist

    I seemingly lost my motivation a couple of years ago when we were in the process of moving and beginning to travel. For the past year, I have been looking for a way to get my motivation back. I’ve been trying too hard. It is like looking for happiness. You can’t find it, happiness finds you. It is like the old country music song, “Looking for love in all the wrong places“

    What I have found is that the motivation and inspiration is there I’m just wanting it to be extraordinary whereas what I really need is to find the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Art, inspiration, and motivation are all around us. To coin another old adage, I couldn’t find the forest because of the trees.

    I’m not saying I’m back to where I was, that will never happen because I’m not that same person. As time moves forward we must move with it. We can’t stay in one place forever, that is why we have the ability to move. Unlike a tree or plant that is stuck in one spot we have the ability to move forward.