Clarification

by pathwise

Posted to WritersAndGenres on 2003-05-29 12:09:00

Parent message is 458251
Sure, I’d be happy to clarify…
Now, I understand the power of Adams’ work and, yes, he did achieve a level of recognition that is seldom seen…and just because mainstream culture has embraced him…no fault there either.
It largely comes down to a very personal aesthetic for me, I guess. Photographing those big landscapes just doesn’t do it for me…I get no really feeling from them. What lead me to an interest in photography was a sense of intimacy, the capturing of a particular detail, whether it be a shadow on a wall or the grain of wood on an old gas station door (Walker) or the look on a person’s face (Arbus). That is what connects me with a photograph and its image. I guess you could say I prefer the micro to the macro when it comes to photography. That’s why I don’t like Adams…there is too much outside of the photo, whereas with the photography I do like…it’s all right there in beautiful black and white detail.
Anyway, don’t know if that is much of a clarification. Glad you liked John’s website…seems we both like those images of abandoned places. I’ll definitely check out the site on the Bechers.
Another person you might dig is an Upper Michigan poet and photographer named t.k. splake. In the same vein…many of his photographs are available through small press mags and books, but you might try searching on the internet.
I certainly wouldn’t fault someone for an interst in Ansel Adams…just not my thing.

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