In high school we had to study a famous photographer and emulate their work. I discovered a photographer named Rodney Smith. I fell in love with his work- stark yet whimsical. Strong yet free. Elegant yet amusing. It spoke to me. I remember feeling so frustrated at my limitations. I wanted my photographs to have stunning architecture, rooms with endless tall windows and drapery. I wanted my gorgeous friends to have ball gowns and time to traipse about in them for me. I still wonder, to this day, how I managed to get permission to photograph some of the places I went in search of rooms like he had, looking for landscapes like he had. My skills weren't honed, though. Let me tell you! I found some of my Rodney Smith inspired work downstairs on Saturday.
Here is my favorite Rodney Smith photograph:
(C) Rodney Smith. I am not sure if I am allowed to use this picture. His website makes me think it is, but normally, it's not. So if I'm stealing, I am so sorry. As a photographer, I understand.
While at Imaging USA (a photo conference) this past week, Brian and I decided I needed to do a personal project this spring. I am going to head back to Rodney Smith. Look at what first got me headed towards portraiture, away from leaves and rocks and Christmas ornaments (or really anything sitting near my parents' house).
I realized that much of what inspired me then, inspires me now. I was drawn instantly to many of the same images. Though I could have looked through thousands of images, pausing to get sucked in by every single one, I made a quick collection of my favorites, focusing on those that impact my work most highly on a day to day basis.
Here's what I have: http://www.rodneysmith.com/portfolios/1182
Sometime this spring, I'll have something to show for returning for some a(muse)ment.
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1 Comment:
An artist needs that time to do things just for the sake of the art. Have fun dreaming up your project!
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