Hello all, this is my third installment where I talk about a few of my favorite photographers. I'm sure you have favorites, too, but these folks have really been influential in how I go about shooting pictures, so it's fun to share.
When you think about the world and life, what do you see? Some see oppressive images; others see humor, perhaps, others are more varied. But the photographer I'm profiling this week sees life, I feel, in a gentle, joyful way. All around us are things in the world that softly and subtly compel us to look or listen or feel, and there is one photographer (at least!), who captures the essence of this world view: take a look at KarenB's photography!:
In KarenB's photos, we get a slice of life, but she goes further to show us that there is joy and interest to be found in even the most simple things like footprints, a blues sax player, or a girl on a boardwalk, or even an old boot. How does she do this? Well, I have to say that I don't know, but I wish I did. But I have a few hints:
First, her composition and point of view are marvelous. She gives the objects in her images the appropriate focus. If centered, like this photo:
she reminds us that the world continues beyond the frame, and suggests that other encounters are possible, and perhaps even expected.
She is also skilled with light, and the moods she presents are soft and playful, suggesting that life is a place in which to find peace and joy, if you would only look at the right things--which are all around us, she is careful to assert.
KarenB's photos make you want to know KarenB herself, who is, I am certain, a wonderful person as well as a skilled photographer. I'm sure she sits around and smiles a lot!
David,
What a wonderful "snapshot" of KarenB! I really enjoyed it, and spent a bit of time re-viewing her pictures, and enjoying them!
At the same time, I looked over your profile again, and especially enjoyed your "Lottie" pic. I'm a pushover for little kids and swings. Loved it! Reminded me of Robert Louis Stevenson's, "Oh, how I love to go up in a swing, up in the sky so blue..............."
I should have quoted Robert Louis Stevenson correctly, instead of trusting it to my memory, which is about to escape me completely this year! Anyway, this is it(From a Child's Garden of Verse) in it's entirety:
How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
Rivers and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside—
Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown—
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!
KarenB is indeed a marvelous photographer! (I love your mountain lion/cougar) and all of your shots in general.
That's a really great thing you do too David. It's great to know that people really aprecciate each other's work on here. You both make DPC a great community. Keep up the great pictures and sharing. Cheers.
"All around us are things in the world that softly and subtly compel us to look or listen or feel, and there is one photographer... who captures the essence of this world view: take a look at KarenB...."
"... we get a slice of life, but she goes further to show us that there is joy and interest to be found in even the most simple things..."
"...her composition and point of view are marvelous."
"...she reminds us that the world continues beyond the frame, and suggests that other encounters are possible, and perhaps even expected."
"She is also skilled with light, and the moods she presents are soft and playful, suggesting that life is a place in which to find peace and joy, if you would only look at the right things--which are all around us..."
"KarenB's photos make you want to know KarenB herself...."
..........................................
Yes indeed dsidwell, thank you - a fine and accurate representation of Karen.
Wow! Thanks, David! Thank you all so much! (blush)
I am so happy my work has begun to reach out. I still have so much to learn, but this is exactly my goal.
Six 6+'s in a row really say something that David's kind words can't even begin to - you are learning, you are keeping up with the best this site has to offer - and you're REALLY taking great pictures these days. :)
Congrats on being featured - and good luck on future challenges.
