PHILOSOPHY
Fri Dec. 18th 2009
My philosophy has evolved through time. I have been photographing mountains for more years than I want to admit now!! And it has always been inspiring because I have seen many inspiring mountains!!! Not the least my recent trip to the Khumbu.
Nevertheless my philosophy is simple. It is to go for quality first - without compromise. Photographers who have the time nearly always shoot film - still. I have looked long and hard at digital for my landscape work but remain with my large format Toyo view camera for the mountain work. It allows me great latitude when I get into the "light room".
Years ago I had the great fortune to attend an RPS presentation by the late and very great Norman Parkinson. What struck me then was the difference between his early work and his later medium format work. The quality of his camera shone through.
But there is more to photography than craft. I have been very influenced by the statement of Mark Haworth-Booth in his pre-amble to the first exhibition at the V&A he described how there are two end member in photography - Documentary and Pictorial. I am very much on the documentary end of photography. I believe that great images tell compelling stories. Nevertheless there is an artistic element in all images.
Photographers that have influenced me are Tom Stoddart, Simon Roberts and more recently discussions with Andrea Diefenbach. Tom for his comments on get down and get your knees dirty and get in and out quickly!!!! Simon for his use of large format colour. And his people images from former USSR and his use of the web which I aspire to!! And finally the discussions with Andrea at the Vajra.
Fri Dec. 18th 2009
My philosophy has evolved through time. I have been photographing mountains for more years than I want to admit now!! And it has always been inspiring because I have seen many inspiring mountains!!! Not the least my recent trip to the Khumbu.
Nevertheless my philosophy is simple. It is to go for quality first - without compromise. Photographers who have the time nearly always shoot film - still. I have looked long and hard at digital for my landscape work but remain with my large format Toyo view camera for the mountain work. It allows me great latitude when I get into the "light room".
Years ago I had the great fortune to attend an RPS presentation by the late and very great Norman Parkinson. What struck me then was the difference between his early work and his later medium format work. The quality of his camera shone through.
But there is more to photography than craft. I have been very influenced by the statement of Mark Haworth-Booth in his pre-amble to the first exhibition at the V&A he described how there are two end member in photography - Documentary and Pictorial. I am very much on the documentary end of photography. I believe that great images tell compelling stories. Nevertheless there is an artistic element in all images.
Photographers that have influenced me are Tom Stoddart, Simon Roberts and more recently discussions with Andrea Diefenbach. Tom for his comments on get down and get your knees dirty and get in and out quickly!!!! Simon for his use of large format colour. And his people images from former USSR and his use of the web which I aspire to!! And finally the discussions with Andrea at the Vajra.
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