The Skirrid Hill project: taking ‘thinking like a poet’ to its logical conclusion?

April 13, 2011 • Rob Hudson

Farther

I’m sure that every reader of this magazine is aware that one of the pitfalls of landscape photography is the tendency to cherry pick the “best locations” repeatedly, the tripod hole mentality if you like. We can appear like a bunch of thrill seekers intent on the next big thing, leaping from subject to subject as if we can’t sit still longer than a 30 second exposure.

 

 

But there is more to criticise in that approach. What does a one off image no matter how beautiful say to the viewer? Was the photographer just lucky? Easy enough with a digital camera and a big memory card. Are they trying to tell you they’re a great photographer with one image? How much can one image say about the photographer or the subject? You’ve got to admit it’s limiting and if you want to exhibit your work a unifying theme or subject must trump a series of unrelated images.

 

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In Digital, Editorial, Needs Paid Subscription, Photographers, Rob Hudson, Wales

4 Responses

1. Mike Green

   What a very interesting, thought-provoking and well-written article. There’s a great deal to think about in there and I’m sure I’ll reread it.

   As to the specific relationship of the images above to the stanzas they’re linked to, it seems to be going very well so far, as a project.

   Mike

   On April 26, 2011 at 4:51 pm • Reply
2. David Barrett

   Inspired and inspiring, Rob. This project is a great example of how add extra dimension(s) to one’s photography. It is especially useful for those of us who’s everyday photography, while it puts food on the table and is satisfying in many ways, isn’t as fulfilling as we would prefer. I am looking forward to seeing and reading more. I am also looking forward to finishing a a renovation (of our home, office, studio) and allocating some of the time I’ll get back to a keenly focused personal project.

   On May 26, 2011 at 7:56 am • Reply
   • David Barrett

     That’ll teach me to do this first thing in the morning while also entertaining my nearly three-year-old daughter. Here’s what I said but with the [most] of the typos corrected:

     Inspired and inspiring, Rob. This project is a great example of how to add extra dimension(s) to one’s photography. It is especially useful for those of us whose everyday photography, while it puts food on the table and is satisfying in many ways, isn’t as fulfilling as we would prefer. I am looking forward to seeing and reading more. I am also looking forward to finishing the renovation (of our home/office/studio) and allocating some of the time I’ll get back to a keenly-focused personal project.

     On May 26, 2011 at 10:48 pm • Reply
3. Joe Cornish

   It is a sad fact of life, probably for most of us, that there is never time to read all the texts and books that we should. Just recently I started reading Barry Lopez’s wonderful Arctic Dreams, having first been aware of it over twenty years ago! Also, I am late to reading your piece above Rob, but, better late than never! Can I echo David’s comments, Inspired and Inspiring. Your intellectually rigorous approach sends out a challenge to any of us who are feeling comfortable with what we do. And the images are wonderfully soulful, thought-provoking and atmospheric. The poetic analogies and connections are totally apposite and suitably complex. Thank-you.
   Joe

   On June 21, 2011 at 11:32 pm • Reply