My class on expressing creativity through photography started recently.  I’m enjoying it because it’s not a technical class about how to use a camera.  Instead, it’s, ummm, focused on the philosophy of photographic art.  Pun intended. 

I found the class through a local university extension program, by the way.

The instructor asked that each student bring in personally compelling photographs .  My classmates brought in some phenomenal examples of historical photographers – meaning photographers who are important photographically.

I had heard of Ansel Adams of course, but the rest were new to me.  I thought you might be interested in seeing some of these amazing photos:

• Robert Doisneau’s Musician in the Rain and Kiss by the Hotel d’Ville
• Edward Steichen’s The Pond – Moonlight and Gloria Swanson
• Lisette Model’s Bather Standing (this one appears in Harper’s Bazaar!)

Now, here’s something to think about.  These artists died before Photoshop was invented.  They pretty much had to get their pix right the first time around.

My first reaction to the Gloria Swanson portrait was “Wow.  Is that a texture?“  I know you all know exactly what I mean. I thought someone added a texture in overlay mode as a new layer in the photoshop file!   That is actually a lace veil that you see.  It was hanging between the camera and her.  Luckily, the class teacher thought by texture I meant some fancy dark-room technique so I didn’t look too silly!  (Not until my class reads this post anyway.)

My next homework assignment:  analyze my personal photographic style by bringing in examples of my “Successful Failures.”  Successful failures are pictures I took that weren’t technically perfect, but that that were nevertheless pleasing to me.  Regardless of anyone else’s opinion.  The point is to define personal photographic styles by examining photos appealing for reasons other than basic technical competence.

Of course, my photo catalog has plenty of failures, and I’m surce I can find some successful mistakes also.  What about you?  I’ve just added a plug-in to my blog that will let you upload images.  Would you like to test it for me?  Do your successful failures tell you anything about your style?

I’m so excited to have a way for you guys to upload your photos to this site, by the way.  It’s about time someone else’s images started appearing here!

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