Date Joined: 8 August 2002 Hello My name is Daniel O'Byrne, ÂÂ
The belief that a good photograph is the result of a good camera places the importance upon the equipment rather than upon the photographer. It emphasizes the machine rather than the man, the tool rather than the artist, the technology rather than the artistic intent. It is as if Monet had been told that the reason why his paintings were so beautiful was because he had such good paintbrushes. Or as if Paul Bocuse’s culinary excellence was explained away by his use of superlative pots and pans. Or again if Yo-Yo Ma had been informed that his Stradivarius was solely responsible for the stunning quality of his music.ÂÂ
One can be inspired and have an idea, be very creative in making this idea into a work of art, have developed the required level of craftsmanship, without the outcome of one’s efforts being motivated by the desire to follow a vision for one’s entire body of work. Vision is an overriding envelope that encompasses both inspiration and creativity. It is a blanket that covers the entire artist’s work, a blanket that often comes later in the life of an artist, after one has perfected one’s art and moved beyond the commonplace outcome that most artists have to go through. For this reason I placed vision as the third step of this process. I placed it there not because it comes necessarily at the end of the process but because in life it is often something that artists discover later on.
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Certainly, a master needs a masterful instrument, be it a camera, paintbrushes, pots and pans or a violin, as in my examples, or other tool, since this list can be expanded to include many other professions. But to say that the quality of the art is caused solely by the quality of the instrument is to miss the point altogether about the importance of the artist. It is missing the point about the human factor, about the man or the woman that actually made use of this instrument. After all, art is made by artists and not by tools. Tools are inanimate objects that need someone to set them in motion. And to set a tool in motion so that art is created through the use of this tool, an artist is needed.
I am now retired from working as a Mental Health professional having worked in the Royal Air Force and National Health Service, giving me more time to persue my photography and artwork. I am a Semi Professional Photoghrapher. Here you will find a collection of my photographs and a selection of Digital Art, Traditional Painting and Sketches that I have also used the digital medium to enhance. Please feel free to pass on any comments. My Camera Gear
http://www.renderosity.com/news.php?viewStory=13527 Here you can find my personal website: DIGITALARTZONE Contact me: E-Mail Artwork for sale: My work Tips and tricks: Nature and wildlife Photography Tips and tricks: Bird Photography
Comments (33)
OldHippieKeyboard
A striking photo. Excellent tribute to such an interesting animal that may soon be extinct. Well done, Dan.
Zorg1955
A nice chap ! 275kgs ! ! ! ;-))) Excellent as always Dany !
kjpweb
Cool! Just having seen the big one yesterday, I can fathom the comparison. On the other hand calling something with a quarter tom living weight Pigmy is somewhat offensive - don't you think? Good image and a nice pose captured.
Ionel
What a wonderful smile! :)
Fred255
Nice one, a real heavy wieght, I would not like to get in his way in the lunch que!
Firesnuffer
Excellent shot, I've never heard of a pygmy hippo so also thanks for the information!!!
elmurray
I think he's smiling at you Danny!!! What a fabulous shot of this pigmy hippo. The detail is amazing. Bravo!!
Dianthus
Now Danny i told you not to do my portrait here. Grrrrrrrr. Great capture mate.
MrsLubner
We used to have one of these at our zoo and I would sit and watch it for the longest time. I think it was loaned to us though...the zoo no longer has one. Excellent shot.
BorisB
What a funny little fellow ;-)!!
romanceworks
He does look like he's smiling - great photo. CC
dragonmuse
An interesting subject and beautifully captured.
1010
Awesome shot of this creature Danny!
sharky_
Nice shot of this little big guy. Excellent. Aloha
LudyMelltSekher
{@}>---Hello my dear friend, Really Excellent Photography, Congratulations!!!!!! A million stars from me!!!**** (Thanks you very much for you comments) Have a wonderful day, Hug in Your heart. Luminous blesing. Ludy@>--->---
alhak
wonderful shot..he's cute! do you travel alot to get these great shots you show us?
tizjezzme
What an awesome creature! Great shot ... :)
kenmo
Incredible shot...
vlaaitje
SUCH A BEAUTY.....his tooth are superB so no need to visit a dentist..you can also see some bite marks on his back...
tallpindo
A fierce fellow when threatened. I'd love to hear the bellow that goes with this. Is his nickname "river pony?"
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful photo, have impressive textures and detail......!!!!
Littlejock
Wonderful capture Danny. Gret details and colours. I know is some hippo at the zoo but always is under water and no change to make pics of him... Hugs and thank you so much for your help.
spm91g
WOW Way too cool!! This is an excellent capture!!
kansas
Thanks for sharing this shot.
MedTran39
Super shot!
lizzibell
Great shot...
erlandpil
Great shot erland
Richardphotos
I love seeing these animals even if only in a zoo. excellent capture
RobyHermida
It's beautiful ;O) ;O) ;O) ;O) :O) Excellent work my friend...
Janiss
Fantastic shot Dany!