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.
ÂÂ
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 (60)
tallpindo
There is no hurry. the head twitch might say no to time exposure but the light was right for this.
PapaGuru
Funny, a bit stupid looking but very sharp snail-face :)
linkinpark
Simply amazing Dany, as always.. I love the DOF!
creanum
superbe macro.....
THROCK
Sci-fi surealism in true nature captured!! the colors and depth of field are ammazing!!
vbarreto
Wow, this snail have a sad expression. Incredible what can I see thank to your captures Danny.
kansas
An amazing capture. I've never looked a snail in the eye before.
WiserAngel
Make him stop staring at me!!! It's like he can see into my soul!!! :) Love the point of view on this. It's fun to see the snail from this perspective. V
Lalani
Absolutely gorgeous!
hasexx
excellent shot !!! bravo
98Bones
Great pic, love the handsome little fellow! Gotta laugh at Tedz's comment too!
Niutek
Incredible shot, Danny! Splendid, stunning, gorgeous. V
Enmos
Ha this is even better without the postwork LOL :o) Awesome work my friend !!!
danob
Thanks for pointing that glitch out buddy
sheilakalajdzic
Awesome macro. really amazing. vote!
mabel45
OOH! a traveller in the woods! awsome photography here!! e/v
SophiaDeer
Beautiful close-up and detail!
Photocorderie
Superb capture ! cordialement Alain
Perry6
Wonderful shot! He is so cute, just sitting there watching you. Excellent!!!!!!
Cosme..D..Churruca
OMG! Ive just pop in the Hot20 and Ive found this, it this impossible to be at time! Speechless about this one, totally a wonder.
Michelle A.
Positive perfection! Was this taken with the Sigma 105? First time I've seen a snail shot head on like this.... awesome unique view!
gabi_w_z
wow a fantastic portr
herbstliebe
it's so lovely!
zatman
A stunning image, and amazing details and yet perfectly composed all your hallmarks
vlaaitje
lovely shot...snails are so cute to me....
jcv2
Wow, what a wonderful view on the world of this snail! Excellent work!
redpill
wonderful work
che18530
I just fell in love with this photograph when I first saw it. The amazing artistry in nature is most assuredly complimented by your masterful eye. Wonderful!...Cheryl
estevez
Brillant shot !IMO textures and the colors are perfect. "my vote" Congratulations !
Pontigary
Very impressive macro! Detalisation is incredible and so neat image! Great!