small stature : magnificent impact : years of patience & skill
Ohayo : Good Morning -
I have a confession to make today, but first a statement. It's not in my nature to post anything here that I don't feel is worthy of your attention. I value the time you all spend visiting us and don't take it for granted. However, when I came home from kiku with over 130 photos I was so disheartened by them. I thought gee wiz I am the world's most boring photographer. Although the exhibit is compelling and unique, I thought my photos were ordinary.
A few things made me feel better after thinking about it. Most importantly, your lovely comments and support since we've entered the blogosphere. We are very lucky to have the most talented readers and I'm always inspired by each and every one of you. Your words of encouragement are always given a lot of weight and importance.
I also have a handy reference book called the 'Photo Idea Index' by Jim Krause. It's a great book as it succinctly offers practical tips about cameras, composition, lighting, etc. There are many exercises to help jump start your creativity, which is often the intent behind Jim's books. There is a section that discusses the associated 'status-quo' shots with certain landscapes - mountains for example. Sometimes, you really need to take that shot. Maybe you'll find a new perspective and maybe not. That advice helped a wee bit, but I know there are terrific photographers who will capture terrific shots of the same exhibit.
The other thing that was encouraging and helped me understand what I'm trying to capture in a photo was the bonsai exhibit. When I separated those images, I saw what was missing from kiku - intimacy. I'm curious by nature and really like to learn about the nitty-gritty. So, in photography, an interesting macro shot is often my favorite. Through the bonsai photos, I did a better job of capturing the subject up close and personal. I think that little haiku under the top image applies to photography, too!
Some of these trees are over a hundred years old, which I find to be incredible. I think the small arrangements are absolutely charming. Hope you enjoy them, too.
Matane : See you, Cindy
PS If you can, don't forget to VOTE tomorrow!
23 comments:
it's wonderful! they look so touchable; i can almost feel the texture through the photos. my favorite is the closeup of the acorns.
thank you aimee - that means so much to me :)!
You are so NOT the world's most boring photographer! Where could you come up with that :) Everything is wonderful- the lighting, the colors... it all pops right off the screen!
Great pics... Amazing how human can somehow control nature...time & patience! Harikato!
Bonsai are a real treat to see. It is patience beyond my wildest imagination. I admire your quest for bettering your work and the dedication to learning. The strive for more can make you great, so each and every photo is a potential springboard. You have a lot to be proud of!
Beautiful! you have captured these so perfectly!
Lovely bloggie~
Outstanding shots!
WOW, I think these are GORGEOUS! The macro shots are my favorite but everything is so vibrant and interesting!
Darling, these images are truly remarkable! You have an eye for angle, perspective and intense color! I loved the images in here where you could be a giant sitting on the side of a mountain, these ancient trees look huge :) I love it!
It´s wonderful...love the nuts! Ü
* Jeanette *
Why is everything in tiny form so adorable? They are very beautiful just like many have already said. Great color and composition. I know what you mean about taking photos in places like that, you really have to work with unusual composition and color etc. I tend not to do a lot of shots like this, since I don't have all the goodies to enhance the photos. How many shots do you have in a drawer or computer,that are blah ,but at the time the view was stunning? I raise my hand to this one!!!
Lovely images! I agree - the macro shots always draw me in just a little bit closer!
Thanks for the photo tips. I am so intrigued by bonsai trees and love the little figurines that you can buy. You can create a whole little world :)
Kylie
Wow, love these, Cindy! You mustmustmust read Billy Collins' poem "Bonsai" in his book _Picnic, Lightning_--I bet you would appreciate his sentiments. These photos, like his poems, speak volumes!
you guys are so wonderful - thank you so much! i love those tiny arrangements and never saw them before. bonsai is hard - i've tried with no luck and i feel badly about it, too.
krissy, i'm really self-critical, but i'm working on it and it's easier with you guys here.
julia, i wonder if that's what god sees when he looks down on a forest?
elizabeth, i just read that ansel adams said a good photographer is lucky to capture 10 good pictures in a year - so don't worry about your drawer full. another issue is that i don't want scott to be standing around waiting for me, so i move it, even though he's never complained, yet ;).
rebecca - i will have to track down that poem. i've looked online, but i think i'll have to venture to the good old-fashioned library, which is just across the street from where we vote tomorrow1
I LOVE banzai trees! they're so miniature and adorable. and those acorns are superb!
Oh, they're delightful :)
I think they are beautiful...I think us camera people go through moments of doubt and disappointment quite often...I just had one of those moments today...then it passes...you have the gift my dear and don't ever doubt that. xo
darling your photographs are GORGEOUS!! i looked around for a boring one like you said, but none to be found...hmmm....i love the acorns especially!
Cindy you're a wonderful photographer! I LOVE all of your shots! :)
these macro shots are fabulous!! i'm enjoying your journey as a photographer so much! you inspire me. i will check out jim's books. i'd like to learn more about photography as well.
Gorgeous photos Cindy!!!!
thank you so much ladies!
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