Evolving Lanscape images

Tree Grove, Warsaw Indiana

Earlier this year, I made the image above, Tree Grove, Warsaw Indiana, and I have realized that my landscape photograhy has evolved yet again. I believe that I am a long way from what I thought landscape photography must be and actively practiced back in the mid 1970’s. Those were the days just after the f/64 group and when a landscape photograph, especially on the West Coast, had to be razor sharp and full range of black & white tones (zones). Thus the use of the 4×5″ cameras with the tilts and swings neccessary to provide a field of focus from the foreground to infinity.

I had made the decision even back then to use a medium format camera for my landscapes, to work with a limited depth of field. Having the area of focus defined as a part of my images was what I thought defined a better reality than the total image in focus. But other than that difference, I had followed the rest of the pack as to what constitued a landscape photograph.

Now I am interested in not having a totally static image, perhaps my continued interest in images that inculded flowing water. I want to create images that are infused with atmosphere and feeling. This image, Tree Grove is an important image for me. With the exception of the snow packed ground, there is hardly anyting that is not moving by the wind that was present that cold evening. Maybe I did not capture the full essence of that moment, but it sure feels like I created an image with more feeling than most of my earlier static images made in similar situations.

Best regards, Doug