Tell the story or ask the question?

[Thilo Schmid]

Don,
every work of art is a concrete thing. In its appearance and in its expression. Whether it tells a story or asks a question has nothing to do with its "value", although it might have different impact on different individuals. Art in general is rather abstract and cannot be explained or explored by 2 or even 200 samples. IMO, it is a synonym for "having a (higher) concept". And the concepts of the world are countless.

 

[Ed Sukach]

I find myself in full agreement with Cheryl and also Sean on this topic.
I guess the most interesting part of this thread is that it is quite obvious we each have a different outlook. Our tastes and appreciations are our own which are neither better nor worse than anyone else...just different.

Taking Cheryl's images, which I also like, what is that ingredient? Is it...
I am asking these questions because I also recognize this quality...what is the ingredient that separates her images from a portrait at Sears or Walmart?

What is it that transmits the "nature of the thing"?

Is there an echo in here? Seems like I've been babbling on about the differences (beautiful differences) in our work for a while now.

What makes us become "drawn" to the work?

I think those of the Wisdom of the Ancients gave up on this one. They copped out by creating the concept of "Aesthetics" (sometimes spelled "Esthetics") - which linearly translated - means "Existing as a product of perception - and not explainable by rational argument."

Hey, if the Ancient Greek Philosophers couldn't figure it out, I don't feel too badly about my inability to explain it, either.

In the meantime - I wander about in wonder - wander and wonder - and I'll be grateful for the (unexplainable) beauty in the world.

 

[juan]

The photo, like Dharma, is within you. After the process and equipment become part of you, stop seeking and let the image come.
juan

 

[SteveGangi]

I like Juan's answer. Years ago, I got all bound up in all the rules and theories etc, and a sort of paralysis set in. Instead of just doing it, I kept looking for that "perfect" scene with that "perfect" light and perfect framing, so on and so on. Of course, perfection never happened. I took some time away from shooting. Then when I came back to it, it was fun again. Sometimes we think TOO much, and we just get in our own way. I'm not saying we should ignore the craft, the rules and techniques - just that we should be aware of them and use them as a guide. I gave up looking for absolute perfection (based on someone else's ideas), and started doing things my way. It's not some conscious artsy thing, I am not an artist or artiste. I am not trying to invent some pesonal style, since those that do always look forced anyway. But, since I stopped worrying about it, I enjoy it more, and actually have a higher percentage of keepers. The funny thing is, my photos do end up following the famous basic rules, I just don't have to agonize over it anymore. As far as liking someone else's work, either i like it or I don't. If pressed for reasons, I can explain why, and relate it to all the "rules" such as balance, overall distribution, contrast, chiarascuro, all the big words. But, I do not consciously think about that when I form the initial opinion. Good is good, even if we don't know exactly why. I am also finally learning that good can be good, even if it isn't my personal cup of tea.