Fire Flower Flow

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Photography. A term recognized by all, appreciated by some, and oversimplified by too many. To the average observer, it’s a 2D product AND a 2D concept: a camera captures an instant of reality.

When I think of photography, though, I see all the layers in between. In my work, I see photography as a mixed media, not just a capture of what’s already there.

Building the set is a lot like making a sculpture. It might not be very strong or permanent, but I mold it with my two hands.

Then there’s the lighting layer. Light can color a scene, set a mood, and highlight, diminish, or simply alter your subject.

Now comes the camera, and it’s not just a reality replicator, it’s a tool to further mold the image. From lens perspective to settings, there are decisions to make with sliding scales in between: Sharp or soft? Smooth or grainy? Fast or slow?

The digital layer is my favorite part of the process. With my Wacom tablet and digital pen in hand, this is when I really start to feel more like an artist and less like a manual laborer.

All these layers are now flattened onto your screen, but I just thought you’d like to know about all the others in between.

 

What are these numbered posts all about? Read the introduction to my Photo & 100 Words project and find out!

 

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