Five year cycle

Richard Winn said

Someone touched on it earlier, but I just had a quick scan to see how many of your images were shot in the UK (other than possible indoors shots), but I couldn't necessarily tell. I haven't shot in as many places as you have, but I do know that the UK offers different challenges to those abroad, perhaps look at trying out some locations in the UK. Also, aside from styling, perhaps trying out something that automatically tells you where the image is, without the viewer having to imagine where it is. Or the complete opposite, try out some iconic UK locations, even Durdle Door or Corfe Castle. As a landscape photographer I used to avoid the locations that have been done to death, but maybe that is the wrong philosophy and the greater challenge is to actually shoot those locations and try to find something new or a new way of doing it. I live half an hour from Glastonbury Tor, yet I don't have any real landscape shots of it, other than some basic shots from the Avalon Marshes or a nearby hill, nothing like some of the effort I have put into largely unknown locations. Perhaps trying to use them as a backdrop to a model could be something you could try as a challenge. Beyond that, your creativity is probably greater than mine and I tend to live in the moment when shooting, which is probably why I much prefer locations shoots over studio, as I can never plan too much on location, without being in danger of disappointment, due to weather or lighting conditions.

There are two issues here that I find unattractive. As I pointed out earlier with reference to the suggestion of dance shoots, I like to get quite close in. Also I want to keep the focus on the model and not have her compete with a land mark. I like to think that I can produce a rounded portrait without any additional distractions. I think I understand what you mean, but the final image is usually quite close to what I had first envisaged and my personal tastes don't extend in the direction of model in the landscape. Thanks for your suggestions though.

Not sure I can help you find the next challenge, but as far as your portfolio goes, it's sublime. You have a style that is distinctively yours, and you do it with excellence. You want a new challenge, but you also want to stay on the same path that you've already mastered. That's a difficult thing to do. The only way upwards within those boundaries, I think, would be teaching. There's no doubt you could do well both artistically and financially from running workshops or tours but you also say that you're an introvert so maybe that's not a good match for your personality.

Either way, your work is A+. 

Ken P said

Richard Winn said

Someone touched on it earlier, but I just had a quick scan to see how many of your images were shot in the UK (other than possible indoors shots), but I couldn't necessarily tell. I haven't shot in as many places as you have, but I do know that the UK offers different challenges to those abroad, perhaps look at trying out some locations in the UK. Also, aside from styling, perhaps trying out something that automatically tells you where the image is, without the viewer having to imagine where it is. Or the complete opposite, try out some iconic UK locations, even Durdle Door or Corfe Castle. As a landscape photographer I used to avoid the locations that have been done to death, but maybe that is the wrong philosophy and the greater challenge is to actually shoot those locations and try to find something new or a new way of doing it. I live half an hour from Glastonbury Tor, yet I don't have any real landscape shots of it, other than some basic shots from the Avalon Marshes or a nearby hill, nothing like some of the effort I have put into largely unknown locations. Perhaps trying to use them as a backdrop to a model could be something you could try as a challenge. Beyond that, your creativity is probably greater than mine and I tend to live in the moment when shooting, which is probably why I much prefer locations shoots over studio, as I can never plan too much on location, without being in danger of disappointment, due to weather or lighting conditions.

There are two issues here that I find unattractive. As I pointed out earlier with reference to the suggestion of dance shoots, I like to get quite close in. Also I want to keep the focus on the model and not have her compete with a land mark. I like to think that I can produce a rounded portrait without any additional distractions. I think I understand what you mean, but the final image is usually quite close to what I had first envisaged and my personal tastes don't extend in the direction of model in the landscape. Thanks for your suggestions though.

A model in the landscape shouldn't be competing, if done correctly, they should blend together as one. That wasn't necessarily what I was suggesting though. It's about finding a background that compliments the model. Perhaps if you spend some time looking for something, you might find a new vision that you can then use. I think the problem you have, is that you are looking for something different, while at the same time comparing it to what you do now and they will always compete with each other. Instead of thinking of it as a distraction, think of it in terms of what you can use. Perhaps a grassland, without any remarkable features, perhaps an interesting building that you can use to create a story. It doesn't really matter what, it's more about the challenge of using the changeable conditions in the UK.

First of all... your work is outstanding!

I see and think in BW; occasionally I find something makes a decent colour shot that other people like..
It does appear to me that you are primarily a colour photographer - maybe restricting yourself to BW for a while might provide a new direction?

KennethN said

Not sure I can help you find the next challenge, but as far as your portfolio goes, it's sublime. You have a style that is distinctively yours, and you do it with excellence. You want a new challenge, but you also want to stay on the same path that you've already mastered. That's a difficult thing to do. The only way upwards within those boundaries, I think, would be teaching. There's no doubt you could do well both artistically and financially from running workshops or tours but you also say that you're an introvert so maybe that's not a good match for your personality.

Either way, your work is A+. 

You are quite right that broadly speaking I wish to remain on my current path, but I don't feel that I am even close to having mastered it. Problem is I can't quite see the way forward.

Teaching is not for me and what I have seen/experienced of photographic teaching, well in one word 'disappointing'. Could I do better? Possibly, but I am not interested in trying nor do I look for financial rewards. Thank you for your kind words.

Richard Winn said

A model in the landscape shouldn't be competing, if done correctly, they should blend together as one. That wasn't necessarily what I was suggesting though. It's about finding a background that compliments the model. Perhaps if you spend some time looking for something, you might find a new vision that you can then use. I think the problem you have, is that you are looking for something different, while at the same time comparing it to what you do now and they will always compete with each other. Instead of thinking of it as a distraction, think of it in terms of what you can use. Perhaps a grassland, without any remarkable features, perhaps an interesting building that you can use to create a story. It doesn't really matter what, it's more about the challenge of using the changeable conditions in the UK.

I like the grassland idea. I have tried that in the past, but was disappointed with the resultant perspective and angles. Maybe I should spend a little more time on that and try a bit harder.

Ken P said

Richard Winn said

A model in the landscape shouldn't be competing, if done correctly, they should blend together as one. That wasn't necessarily what I was suggesting though. It's about finding a background that compliments the model. Perhaps if you spend some time looking for something, you might find a new vision that you can then use. I think the problem you have, is that you are looking for something different, while at the same time comparing it to what you do now and they will always compete with each other. Instead of thinking of it as a distraction, think of it in terms of what you can use. Perhaps a grassland, without any remarkable features, perhaps an interesting building that you can use to create a story. It doesn't really matter what, it's more about the challenge of using the changeable conditions in the UK.

I like the grassland idea. I have tried that in the past, but was disappointed with the resultant perspective and angles. Maybe I should spend a little more time on that and try a bit harder.

I know Cranborne chase isn't far, but it might be too flat to get the angles right. Perhaps further afield like Dartmoor or Exmoor, perhaps even in late August/early September when the heather is out as well for other options. The Purbeck coast might also work. Also, try looking at other styles or genres, not so you can do the same thing, but to explore them, to see if there is anything within them that you can make use of to bring to your style. Some of the wildlife photographers who take portraits use similar techniques (albeit with minimal processing usually), so they may have things within them that you can see without actually exploring the same areas. Even exploring sections of landscapes and imagining what they could look like with some blur. I know my style is very different to yours, but I essentially combined my wildlife style and landscape style and blended them with my model photography. In essence, all photography is the same and I think we can all learn from looking at things we aren't necessarily interested in, but it is very easy to avoid them and thereby not learn something useful (even if it is "there is bugger all I can pick up from that" :P). I probably also need to practice what I'm trying to preach :P.

Ken P said

KennethN said

Not sure I can help you find the next challenge, but as far as your portfolio goes, it's sublime. You have a style that is distinctively yours, and you do it with excellence. You want a new challenge, but you also want to stay on the same path that you've already mastered. That's a difficult thing to do. The only way upwards within those boundaries, I think, would be teaching. There's no doubt you could do well both artistically and financially from running workshops or tours but you also say that you're an introvert so maybe that's not a good match for your personality.

Either way, your work is A+. 

You are quite right that broadly speaking I wish to remain on my current path, but I don't feel that I am even close to having mastered it. Problem is I can't quite see the way forward.

Teaching is not for me and what I have seen/experienced of photographic teaching, well in one word 'disappointing'. Could I do better? Possibly, but I am not interested in trying nor do I look for financial rewards. Thank you for your kind words.

Completely understandable. Just for the sake of suggesting it, how about some more work with male models for a change of pace? I think your style and editing would work just as well with male models?

KennethN said

Ken P said

KennethN said

Not sure I can help you find the next challenge, but as far as your portfolio goes, it's sublime. You have a style that is distinctively yours, and you do it with excellence. You want a new challenge, but you also want to stay on the same path that you've already mastered. That's a difficult thing to do. The only way upwards within those boundaries, I think, would be teaching. There's no doubt you could do well both artistically and financially from running workshops or tours but you also say that you're an introvert so maybe that's not a good match for your personality.

Either way, your work is A+. 

You are quite right that broadly speaking I wish to remain on my current path, but I don't feel that I am even close to having mastered it. Problem is I can't quite see the way forward.

Teaching is not for me and what I have seen/experienced of photographic teaching, well in one word 'disappointing'. Could I do better? Possibly, but I am not interested in trying nor do I look for financial rewards. Thank you for your kind words.

Completely understandable. Just for the sake of suggesting it, how about some more work with male models for a change of pace? I think your style and editing would work just as well with male models?

It is an idea I have been toying with, but I would prefer older males and there are few around the SW.

Hard to  make suggestions for a man of much talent - As you seem to be clear  on what you don't want to do but not what you want to do  -  which I guess can help funnel down suggestions - and maybe ignite a new passion.

Building on what MidgePhoto suggested - for a time period  say three months only shoot males and from different ethnic backgrounds as a suggestion

Ken P said

KennethN said

Ken P said

KennethN said

Not sure I can help you find the next challenge, but as far as your portfolio goes, it's sublime. You have a style that is distinctively yours, and you do it with excellence. You want a new challenge, but you also want to stay on the same path that you've already mastered. That's a difficult thing to do. The only way upwards within those boundaries, I think, would be teaching. There's no doubt you could do well both artistically and financially from running workshops or tours but you also say that you're an introvert so maybe that's not a good match for your personality.

Either way, your work is A+. 

You are quite right that broadly speaking I wish to remain on my current path, but I don't feel that I am even close to having mastered it. Problem is I can't quite see the way forward.

Teaching is not for me and what I have seen/experienced of photographic teaching, well in one word 'disappointing'. Could I do better? Possibly, but I am not interested in trying nor do I look for financial rewards. Thank you for your kind words.

Completely understandable. Just for the sake of suggesting it, how about some more work with male models for a change of pace? I think your style and editing would work just as well with male models?

It is an idea I have been toying with, but I would prefer older males and there are few around the SW.

Yeah, makes sense. Pip seems like an obvious choice, and I guess Nick might be "oldish" but probably not quite the age you're looking for. Not sure if you're familiar with Erik Almaas, but I think some of his ideas combined with your style would create some interesting results. I particularly like his mentor and apprentice photos like one called Surveyors or something.

Richard Winn said

I know Cranborne chase isn't far, but it might be too flat to get the angles right. Perhaps further afield like Dartmoor or Exmoor, perhaps even in late August/early September when the heather is out as well for other options. The Purbeck coast might also work. Also, try looking at other styles or genres, not so you can do the same thing, but to explore them, to see if there is anything within them that you can make use of to bring to your style. Some of the wildlife photographers who take portraits use similar techniques (albeit with minimal processing usually), so they may have things within them that you can see without actually exploring the same areas. Even exploring sections of landscapes and imagining what they could look like with some blur. I know my style is very different to yours, but I essentially combined my wildlife style and landscape style and blended them with my model photography. In essence, all photography is the same and I think we can all learn from looking at things we aren't necessarily interested in, but it is very easy to avoid them and thereby not learn something useful (even if it is "there is bugger all I can pick up from that" :P). I probably also need to practice what I'm trying to preach :P.

I suspect that with regard to shooting in the wild, I am probably too lazy. I have a real nice, large natural light studio. It includes a large 15ft x15ft glass cupola above the main shooting area with a motorised awning which allows me to control the sunlight. Whilst I prefer shooting mainly with natural light and reflectors, I shun bright daylight like the plague. This means I find it more convenient to shoot in my studio than outdoors. I have some beautiful rural countryside right on my doorstep so there is no excuse really. Maybe I'll venture outdoors one of these days...

Ken P said

Richard Winn said

I know Cranborne chase isn't far, but it might be too flat to get the angles right. Perhaps further afield like Dartmoor or Exmoor, perhaps even in late August/early September when the heather is out as well for other options. The Purbeck coast might also work. Also, try looking at other styles or genres, not so you can do the same thing, but to explore them, to see if there is anything within them that you can make use of to bring to your style. Some of the wildlife photographers who take portraits use similar techniques (albeit with minimal processing usually), so they may have things within them that you can see without actually exploring the same areas. Even exploring sections of landscapes and imagining what they could look like with some blur. I know my style is very different to yours, but I essentially combined my wildlife style and landscape style and blended them with my model photography. In essence, all photography is the same and I think we can all learn from looking at things we aren't necessarily interested in, but it is very easy to avoid them and thereby not learn something useful (even if it is "there is bugger all I can pick up from that" :P). I probably also need to practice what I'm trying to preach :P.

I suspect that with regard to shooting in the wild, I am probably too lazy. I have a real nice, large natural light studio. It includes a large 15ft x15ft glass cupola above the main shooting area with a motorised awning which allows me to control the sunlight. Whilst I prefer shooting mainly with natural light and reflectors, I shun bright daylight like the plague. This means I find it more convenient to shoot in my studio than outdoors. I have some beautiful rural countryside right on my doorstep so there is no excuse really. Maybe I'll venture outdoors one of these days...

Perhaps some accessible gardens (if you don't have one)? Outdoor light is a challenge in itself, which is what I revel in, so it's as much about what you can do with what is available. From choice though, I prefer evening light, as it is usually softer. Maybe look at Weymouth with new eyes, it's been many years since I was there, but you never know, you might spot something that would give an interesting colour pallette as a background if blurred sufficiently. There might be more interesting towns for photography around Dorset though. I could think of ideas for Bournemouth, but not in the summer months :P. Some of your images have a hint of Turner about them, in terms of a suggestion of what is there and I'm sure it would be possible to apply that to many places, possibly without having to go into the wilds.

Perfection is one thing, but who does this sort of thing, and does it in your opinion better?

What does the better consist of.

Surpass that.

Iterate.

You don't want to go and shoot with them, I think, but perhaps even that?

MidgePhoto said

Perfection is one thing, but who does this sort of thing, and does it in your opinion better?

What does the better consist of.

Surpass that.

Iterate.

You don't want to go and shoot with them, I think, but perhaps even that?

I am rather partial to Sarah Moons work in the 70's and 80's. She has evolved further since, but left me behind. Her work had a very French flavour.