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 (64)
sparky123
Quite Superlative Danny! vote
tommorules
Excellent as always Danny. I have heard of these, but never seen one, where was this taken?
zaberc
Lovely picture !!!!!
Corwin13
I like the colors of the water! And of course the details of the bird!
logiloglu
excellent photography !!!!!!!!! #:O) !!!!!!!
cynlee
the water & bird with his own fishing hook are so beautiful! absolutely phenomenal shot!! :] hugz
SophiaDeer
This is gorgeous! I love how the water looks!
WandM
Fantastic capture of this most beautiful animal!
sksahir
too lovable and excellent capture!!!!!
madame
Oh what a superb and sweet creature... this is a fabulous capture, Danny !!!
iaacf
Very beautiful image of what we call a 'nonnetje'. It is many years ago that I saw this bird for the last time. I never saw it that close as you present it here... I think this is the best photograph I've ever seen of this bird !!!
tizjezzme
OMGosh ... such a beautiful bird !!!! I have never seen one like this before --- you have captured it soooo perfectly. Can I make him my wallpaper? :)
SNAKEY
You guys come out with crazy pics.........;)
tony_br22
You are a master of natural photography, no doubt about that. So many fantastic shots, and well composed images you have made.. one more fantastic than the other. You should (if not already) make picture for places like National Gegraphic. Excellent stuff! *V
tallpindo
A noble bird. Very slendiferous, organized and formal plumage. The subtlety of the color cauaght is a treasure.
Lledeline
Very good shot. the water is splendid.
sossy
wonderful lighted and special capture of this Sawbill! beautiful details of the feathers and fantastic colors and reflection on the water! ;o)
NataLibera70
Woww fantastic !!! excellent capture ! v
sittingblue
Viewing this is like being there. It couldn't be better.
Blush
Never heard of this bird The Smew but love the feather and its pretty too Vote n hugs Susan~
addiek
Lighting, water, reflection, clarity... everything is perfect about this! VOTE (1) Smew!
gallimel
an excellent pic.
tvernuccio
What a silly looking bird!!!!! helluva a capture!smooth & sleek!
Gabrielsdream
Stunning capture, beautiful detail on the plumage and I love the DOF on the water!
susanmoses
Amazing shot Danny! Luv those water ripples and the reflection! A funny name for a cute bird... :O)
jimry
lovely little duck Dan...great species...wonder who thought of THAT name..lol :)
qmont
Your work is always top notch my friend, and this is no exception, what a bueatiful creature, captured by your camera, outstnding work..........John
WonderfulCreation
Too bad a small part of the tail is missing.. awesome detail though!
RedundantlyAbundant
Absolutely stunning Dan! The water ripples are irresistable! Wow!
sinistar
I just love this amazing image, beautiful detail on the plumage and I love the DOF on the water as many have said ! !