I’m spending one more day
discussing Ansel Adams because I felt I couldn’t move on until I mentioned his
contributions to the technical side of photography. Adams did more than just
point a camera at a scene and shoot. Although that’s probably an overly obvious
observation, I was impressed by Adams dedication to developing his technical
skill in photography.
For example, he used glossy paper
to intensify tonal values. He used different apertures and exposures to capture
sharp details and have a long range of focus. He developed the “Zone System”
with the help of his friend Fred Archer. This was to determine the optimal
exposure and development time for a photograph. I don’t pretend to really
understand any of what any of that means. (Although, Adams taught thousands of
students in photography workshops over the course of many years. So if he was
still around I’m sure he would have been happy to teach me!) Adams also
produced ten volumes of technical manuals on photography, and was a consultant
to a few companies which sell camera equipment. (
My point is that he worked very
hard at photography, his craft. I don’t even know that much about photography,
but when I look at his work I can tell it’s special. And I really enjoy seeing
his photographs. It’s a joy to see art that’s well done, whether it’s a
painting, a photograph, or an ancient Egyptian carving. Adams photography is
well done. I hope that I remember, in whatever endeavors I take on, to do my
best and ensure that whoever sees my work knows I poured true effort into my
task!
And because I can’t resist… here’s
one more Ansel Adams photograph:
Xoxo,
Diana
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