With apologies to Alan for not strictly adhering to his suggested format...
In yet another one an Alan’s great themes he has inspired me to reflect on the contributions that many have made to this group. Though there have been many interesting and thought provoking contributions, two people consistently rise to the top in terms of creativity, passion, curiosity, and technical mastery.
Before I talk about who, I’d like to urge everyone to pour a hot or cold beverage of your choice, find a comfortable place to sit, go to the image archives for this group, and take some time to just explore the treasure trove of images everyone has shared here over time. In most cases the collection of images here are just as insightful and revealing, if not more so, than each person’s profile portfolios.
The first person I am frequently inspired by is Alan Brown.
The breadth of his work shows a rare combination of technical mastery and a willingness to play. His ICM experience and skill, combined with his eagerness to share are very rare traits in the photography world. He is not a technology elitist, a brand fanboy, nor does he get lost down the pixle rabbit hole, but rather focuses his energy on the creative process.
One of the hallmarks of a strong image to me is its ability to bring me back again and again and these two images of Alan’s are perfect examples of this trait.
Alan’s skill extends way beyond the camera as he is gifted writer, contributing many articles to various trade rags, passionate advocate for the art, kind and patient teacher, and tireless moderator for this group.
I urge everyone too explore his website (https://www.alanbrownphotography.com) as well as his social media presence to get a better feel for his work. Check out this blog post (https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/blog/a-question-of-reality) as it typifies his curiosity and willingness to ponder and explore.
Thanks so much for putting your considerable time and effort into your generous post Julian.
I am truly humbled by your words, feeling myself blushing as I read them. It is highly motivating when such words come from such an accomplished professional and artist.
Although being placed in the spotlight was in no way the intent of this month's challenge, like anyone would be I'm highly appreciative of your feedback.
I am also inspired by Alan Brown and at the same time very intimated by his Mastery of ICM and, well basically photography in general.
Thanks for your kind words Dean, it is heartwarming to hear that you find inspiration from what I do.
As for my photography..... I'm just playing around and experimenting like you and others. Sometimes it pays off but there are many more complete failures that I keep to myself!
So true, Julian! Good post!
Well said Julian.
I would also like to take a minute to recognize Alan. Alan, your work continues to inspire me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Your work has shown me things I didn't know were possible with a camera. Not all of this "abstract" stuff is my cup of tea but some of it is really cool and you do it really well.
I was just browsing your website again and your "moving pictures" series is awesome! I will never stop playing around with the "in the round" technique because of you. And your valuable resources on your website also make it possible. Otherwise, I would have had no idea how to do it. As Julian said, the willingness to share so much about technique is not a very common thing it seems in the photography world. So thank you for making these resources available.
I my self now have been trying to share any knowledge I have with local photographers asking questions in some of the local groups I'm in. I'm even contemplating doing a night photography workshop as there seems to be some interest in it here. I've never done anything like that but I think it would a fun thing to do. I'm not so sure I would have done this in the past.
Anyways, I just want to echo all of the points Julian laid out. And say thank you for your willingness to share your expertise and for the inspiration you've given me to try new things. And to say thank you for keeping this group going/active. It's got to be the most active group on this website. I post things in other groups with varying amounts of engagement. A lot of the times there's none at all. But I know I can always count on some kind of engagement from this group and that's in large part because of you!
Thanks so much for your generous words Kyle. It is encouraging to hear that you appreciate my work, but even more so that you get value from the help I try to provide on my (hobby) website.
Like you I have contemplated passing on my experiences to others, but am unsure of how that would work. There are ZERO camera clubs in the area I live (although I did do an online presentation for one in Ohio) and I think the photography community is rather small.
I have thought about perhaps offering something through Zoom etc, perhaps one-on-one discussions on techniques, a Q &A session or even just discussions on photography in general. If anyone is interested in giving this a trial run I'd certainly be up for it.
Anyhow, I digress....... thanks again for your kind feedback and for posting your thoughts on the group (engagement spawns engagement!).