Attached Link: Rob Sheppard Article

I was reading an article in the June issue of Outdoor Photographer and wanted to share this. Let me quote the relevant portion: *"..Many photographers are so awed by nature that they spend a lot of money for the best in equipment, just so they can capture that awe. The camera is put on a tripod in front of the scene, then reverentially, an image is made. I know this mode—I’ve been there with that camera and tripod. But too often, that awe isn’t captured because the awe isn’t in the nature, but in the photographer. A passive recording of the scene can’t show awe that comes from the photographer. This is why, so often, photographers will describe, quite vividly, their excitement in the photography, yet the viewer sees none of that in the actual images. I’m learning some ways around that trap. First, I need to recognize that the awe is in us, not the subject, and that I must work to master the craft of photography so that I can make the technology and techniques serve my photographs, not the subject, so that my passion can come through in the image..."* I see many photos that are nicely captured, but to me lack the passion that I am sure inspired the photographer to take the picture in the first place. They are nice straightforward captures, or they make good use of a technique, but the awe is not present. Of course, not all photo require awe as a component, but I think you get my drift. I was hoping to get some of your thoughts on this matter, and perhaps have you post an image that you feel convey's best 1) what you felt when you took the photo and 2) an 'unique' viewpoint of your own either through how your took it or through postwork, or a combination of the two. How does one capture and translate that passion in the final photo?

Here is a photo of mine from '05 that I feel captures what I felt at the moment I took it. It started with a good quality capture to start, and with a variety of postworking techniques, I tried to bring out the beauty and majesty of that place and moment.

I think this is not only true for outdoor photography but all types, even studio (portraits or still life).

We get such good ideas and see such brilliant sites, and it's all in the photographer to take a true rep of the scene.

And unfortunetly most ppl don't see that it is them not the equipment that is lacking.

While there is some hope in some photographers, unfort most are in and will stay in the happy snap world...

Yes, it applies to all sorts of photography. You can take a picture of someone, or you can take an insightful portrait. You can snap photo of a bug or you can create a dynamic macro world. You can photograph and old barn, or make an image that conveys character, personality and/or mood. Hopefully we can open the eyes of some of the 'happy snappers' somehow. And perhaps along the way we can increase the percentage of our shots that go beyond the norm as well.

Good thread... and good points to consider. I think, among others, individuality has a great role to play here. As well as sensitivity, meaning the way you personally 'sense' a scene or subject. I would like to illustrate that with two images of the same subject: a castle in Clervaux, Luxemburg that I visited last weekend.

The first image was shot quickly when I first arrived at the scene. Some family members there, and an overall view of what I thought to be a beautiful scene. It came out not too bad, technically and compositionally, and you might even consider it an interesting subject..;o))
And yet, when I look at it now, it still has all the characteristics of a typical holiday snapshot.

Then I started walking around the premises... there were lots of beautiful walls, corners, towers that looked like a beautiful subject; but the feeling I got was a sense of desolation... like a scene from the past that had somehow lost its meaning or purpose. The inner court was beautiful, but deserted. And then I saw this modern glass door, right in the distinctive shadowline in the old wall... like a dividing point between two worlds and eras... and I waited till someone appeared in the reflection of that door to bring the scene to life, and took the shot. It tells exactly what I wanted to say with it, and how I felt at the moment... I know this is a very individual approach, and the shot won't appeal to many, but it's how I like to approach photography... and that has meaning to me. I do agree that only very attentive and sensitive viewers will see something in this, but you can be sure that they do exist..;o)))

This is a very interesting conversation and, by coincidence. a friend and I were discussing this very thing just a day ago. This is something I've been trying to work on for months and to an extent vexes me because, when I look at them at home later, I find that I'm still not satisfied with the result.

I'm very glad this thread is here and I hope many will participate with their insite.

girsempa, you'r comment discribes generally what I'm trying to achieve in my thought process. You've also aluded, I think, to another point (as did the author of the article quoted) that so much may depend upon viewer. Using your photo illustrations, if I may, the first photo may speak more to your family by reminding them of what they saw and enjoyed about the trip because it does include them and shows the entire castle. On the other hand, the second photo may not mean so much (not that they aren't attentive and sensative but hypothetically) because they may have walked through that courtyard and not given it a second thought.

As for my photo illustration... it's one I have posted in my gallery thinking that I had caught exactly what I was trying to convey (a rare occasion) which was a sense that the solitude of the "Cozy" resturaunt was protected by the length and darkness of the hallway. For those who had been there or a place like it I think I succeeded but some others thought that a tighter crop on the archway would have been better.

I don't really know what I mean by all of this (I haven't typed this much in years) but I hope you all get the gest of what I'm trying to say. And if I'm off base and not comprehending what this thread is about please tell me and I'll just hush and listen.  :)

Although I haven't yet read the article, it is an interesting discussion here...
The quoted section I think ,says it all...in that "awe" or feeling can only be within the person who "felt" it at that time.
Perhaps we can manipulate our captured mages to come close to representing that feeling within ourselves....we cannot however expect that same image to convey the same feelings to all viewers.

As an example, when I walk along a stream, I see things that others who walk with me do NOT see...or when I stare in wonder at an amazing sunset, the person next to me may be totally uninspired by nature's show.  Similarly, I am sure there are things that others see, that I would not notice.

To expect everyone to have that same sense of "awe" that the photographer experienced is, in my mind an unrealistic expectation.

On a side note Kort, I take some exception to your comment;

"Hopefully we can open the eyes of some of the 'happy snappers' somehow.
And perhaps along the way we can increase the percentage of our shots that go beyond the norm as well."
We must all understand that not all folks have the same desired "end" result with a captured image.  Perhaps they are not interested in "going beyond the norm"...perhaps they are merely trying to record an event...and are happy with that result.  It is unfair to label anyone a  "happy snapper".  

There was only one Ansel Adams...those of us who know about him, also know that we will never even begin to accomplish what he did...because we lack the talent, skills, eye, gift AND passion that he had in creating those wonderful images  Those that don't know about him, probably don't care....

What is the 'norm' anyway..?
There was only one Shakespeare, only one Mozart, only one Picasso, only one Leonardo...
But there have been many artists that had at least something meaningful to say.
Do you know of a writer, painter, musician, sculptor or any other artist that had nothing to say..?
Should a photographer be content with just 'recording an event'..? Does a painter make a painting because he just likes to paint..? Does a writer start a book because he just likes to type..?

My sweet Kortalouche, I think you definitely suceeded with that shot of urs! "Magical" is the word that came to mind when I first saw it! Straight out of a fairy tale!

Passion: Strong, enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance.

I think that technology has a way of biting us in the a$$! While enabling us to express ourselves and share our views of the world...it has also NEUTERED the "art" of photography IMO....  Made it less unique in ways.  We no longer are limited to a small number of captured images.  We can  take pics to our hearts content and worry little about techniques like "in camera" composition, proper exposure and focus. Knowing full well that postwork can fix it later on the computer.  Even  subject matter has become less important it seems....is everything and anything "truely" artworthy?   Or is it just the end result and how its presented? Hmmm....not sure anyone can answer this really, as its all about percerption.  Hey, but has THIS...our perception also been skewed by our technology evolution as well? 

Just some food for thought.  (get off of my soapbox now)

As for passion, well I'm trying to rediscover mine....ya see real world stuff kinda "happened" and photography didn't have the same attraction that it once did.  Slowly but surely its comin' back!

So, Here's a pic that I took back in 2002...It wasn't about DSLR....no  postwork...no Frames or signature...it was just me at lunchtime....for a week....with my Olympus C700uz....  trying.... failing ALOT...but determined and not giving up until finally I got this butterfly! 

This one sparked that special something....sorta go me going....showed me what was possible....damn I want to get THAT back!

Joe

I can so relate to what your saying here Kort.  Sometimes the scene is so awe inspiriing that you figure you just can't take the image incorrectly.  Wrong!  What was captured doesn't always translate when the image is viewed.  It really bums me out sometimes that I can't get what I really see, and no matter of PW will bring out the image in my mind.  But every once in awhile....you get that shot that just pops and you forget about the crap shots that didn't come out as expected.  I've come to realize that even if you have the proper equipment and it's used correctly under the right conditions,  what you see is not always what you get.  What was magnificent to see in person, might turn out quite mediocre when up on the small screen.  But IMO that's the challenge of going on photo shoots, correcting past mistakes, trying different techniques, and always trying to improve on what you have already done.  Lord knows it takes more than just lifting the camera up and taking a shot.

Like any hobby the more you practice the better you get, and  in this hobby self satisfaction plays an important part to my soul. I wish I had something recent to illustrate my point but alas nothing really worthy...Good thread Kort, really makes ya think!  I really like your image, I think it illustrates well what you saw.....I would have shot it!!

Aloha~

Attached Link: Aviles Street

Thanks for all the feedback so far in this thread everyone. I am glad some discussion has been sparked and appreciate you all sharing your thought processes and images that have meaning to you. @ gradient -- no offense was intended by my happy snapper remark. I could have worded it better perhaps, and not implied that it is neccessarily and negative thing or that everyone must strive for it. But this post is in the context of putting your passion into your work and trying to convey as best you can through your image what you felt when you took it. I have seen a number of members start of with taking snapshots and being happy with the result but in time wanting to grow as photographers and take things to another level. *' "Perhaps they are not interested in "going beyond the norm"...perhaps they are merely trying to record an event...and are happy with that result. It is unfair to label anyone a "happy snapper".'* I am not sure why that is an unfair label -- I myself often go around taking quick snaps of things without really thinking overmuch about it, and am quite happy while doing so. There are also times when I approach photography with intent and preparation and do my best based on my experience to capture a scene that is moves me in some way, and then if postwork is needed doing what I can to bring out that vision. The link above is to another image where I tried to do that. I find the postwork a bit heavy handed now clumsy now, but I think you can see what I was aiming for. More please everyone! And thanks again for contributing to this thread.

Well I am a happy snapper some days too :D

Other times I will try to put across some feeling in my photography. I don't think it always has to be sense of awe though - no problem with showing other emotions or feelings too.

In this shot I was trying to show the bleakness and emptiness of the place. I'm not sure anyone can really understand this unless they have experienced it.  The huge skies where the clouds are always high and the flatness of the horizon. In all fairness I didn't put all my efforts into this as it was taken on last weekends photo outing.  It is July and there were other boats close by so i couldn't use as wide an angle as I will when I go get this shot again in winter. Not to mention I didn't have the wide lens ;) LOL (Akpe & Vera).  
I chose this boat because of the tatty flags, wind torn, blowing about . The pov was good because it was shot against the light without a polariser so specular reflections and highlights bled all the colour from the mud flats and sky. The image is not desaturated or colours changed ! 
With the wet mud flats reflecting the sky which was more or less featurless and grey it left only my subject as the main point of interest in the image and fortunately this is a cool blue only adding to the bleakness.   
No lead in lines available here but there was a handy anchor chain which is a lead out line from all the detail into the greyness. I reckon you are going to jump straight into the image at that orange flag.  I deliberately chose 50/50 sky land to emphasise the space and distance, - again could have been done better.
I was pleased with the shot though I regard it as more a trial shot for ones I plan to take come winter. This estuary is miles wide with huge skies and featureless mud flats. The wind blows across there unhindered and it can get pretty bleak if the weather turns.

No special equipment is needed, or super camera to take this shot. A good pair of wellingtons or waders is more usueful so I agree with the sentiments of the article it is what the photograph is about not what equipment it's taken with. 

"You cannot depend upon your eyes if your imagination is out of focus"  - Mark Twain

True enough Richard, though I have to chime in and agree that I think a wider angle would have helped convey better what you were trying to capture with this photo. I understand that there were other boats around. Perhaps cropping a bit of the top and bottom to give more of an impression of vast bleakness? Sometimes we see potential in a certain scene but circumstances just don't let us make the most of it. Strangely, my eye goes to rear corner of the blue hull first, then to the flags.

Thx Kort you are right.

The rear corner of the hull is the highest contrast area so probably will take precedence over the flags. Hopefully there will be some mist and poor light in winter to reduce the contrast more.
In truth I had hoped to blow out the background even more than I have done here.