My Processes
Someone once asked me about my process in creating art. I really had to think about this. Here is what I don't do. I don't create fine art like most artists or photographers. I don't create from a deep emotional, sometimes dark, state. I don't fuss a lot with technique, though I may use some to get to my final image. I don't see the final image in my head unless I am after something very specific for a pre-defined purpose (example, commercial sets).
I do create out of intuition, otherwise known as intuitive art. This is interwoven with the themes that have influenced my life and way of thinking. In synchronicity with the themes of exploration, not being bound by limits, and curiosity, I follow the urgings of my inner self, letting my intuition guide me as to where the light and beauty in nature reside, what subject to shoot, and how to capture it.
My intuition tells my eyes to look over there to find the beauty, to cock my head to one side and evaluate the light, the inner glow emanating from the plant, the tree, the pattern, wanting to show itself. And, I, in response, use my camera to capture what my self sees. It guides me in how to photograph the subject, what angle, how close, how far, how fast, how slow. The subject and my self must commune on another wavelength, sharing and receiving energy, a tranquility, a comfortable shared space, living in the moment.
Here is my very first behind-the-scenes video. I take you along with me on an early morning exploration of a local state park and show you what I see and look for to capture an image. I apologize for the dizzying movement at the very beginning of the video.
BTS Shoot Process
In post-process - it is about exploration, still. Going through some rudimentary steps of color calibration, lens correction, increasing/decreasing exposure, highlights, blacks, etc. And, then, the image, the subject, once again communes with my inner self. It lets me know how much color, which color it needs, how it wants to look, to be displayed, what parts should be in focus. All these little tidbits is telling me how it wants its light and beauty to shine through for the world to see. I want to be seen, not overlooked, not dismissed. To be understood. To feel that connection with another soul. To be lifted and to lift others at the spiritual level. Because, all we ever want is that feeling of openness, of freedom, knowing no bounds, to soar, to imbibe in happiness and serenity.
Another first, this is a video going through the edits of one of the images I took as seen in the video above. I hope it helps give insight to my decision making in the digital darkroom.