How much would you love to study with Ansel Adams? This photographer did.
Coming to you from Rocky Mountain School of Photography, this insightful video features Neil Chaput de Saintonge, a seasoned photographer and educator, who shares his journey from being a student of Ansel Adams to founding a photography school. His story illustrates the profound impact that technical proficiency in photography can have. Neil’s experiences, particularly his time with Adams, underscore the importance of understanding the intricacies and history of photography. His emphasis on the technical foundations as a stepping stone to creative excellence is a valuable lesson for all photographers.
Neil’s approach to teaching, influenced by his experiences and his own development as a photographer, places a strong emphasis on technical skills. This approach is deeply rooted in the belief that a solid technical foundation is crucial for creative growth. The video highlights how Neil adapted the zone system, originally designed for black and white photography, to color transparency and later to digital photography. This adaptability and technical understanding are key for photographers navigating the constantly evolving landscape of photography. Furthermore, his personal evolution from a landscape to a more documentary and people-focused photographer illustrates the diverse paths available in the photography world. Check out the video above for this story.
A lot photographers studied with Ansel. I know one myself.