by John Jefferson

 

Learning some of the “rules” of photography will improve one’s photos, but don’t let them imprison you. Follow your own creativity. Studying successful photographers’ works will help, too. But nothing improves your work like trial and error and constructive criticism. (Photo by John Jefferson)

 

Everybody carries a camera, nowadays. Some became proficient. Few became professionals. Camera inventors Nicephore Niepce and Louis Daguerre probably had no idea where it would lead.

Of course, photography is an art form! Think Ansel Adams. Or my late friend, Galen Rowell. Or contemporary photo artists Earl Nottingham and Wyman Meinzer.

Their coffee table books are best evidence. Study them. Try to duplicate what made their photos special. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

But not everyone who releases a camera shutter becomes an artist. Kris Kristofferson, whom I photographed several times, was asked what made a song a country song. Kris replied, “The singer makes it a country song.”

Likewise, the one holding the camera is the one who creates art – even if that camera is a cell phone. Beauty and Art are in the eyes … and hands of the beholder.

Our home’s walls have my enlarged, framed photographs and a remarkable image my wife recently captured with a cell phone she hastily borrowed from her daughter. People asked me how I took it. I didn’t; She did!

My first attempts at art were inspired by landscape paintings by the late Porfirio Salinas, the renowned San Antonio artist who created art on canvas of bluebonnets and other Texas scenes.

My shakily focused images of fall colors at Lost Maples State Natural Area one autumn didn’t come close. The big tooth maple trees there are spectacular in November, but weather and crowds interfered, preventing quivering hands from holding my camera still.

Señor Salinas might not have recognized My maples!

Disappointment led to self-criticism. Images improved slowly. Camera store employees, professional critiques, and much exposed film taught me.

I learned early morning light was moody, but late afternoon light added warmth to pictures. Tripods were cumbersome, but worth their weight — and cost.

Call Lost Maples several weeks before going for color status and reservations. Try to go during the week due to weekend crowding.

Most of Texas has fall color — especially East Texas. Look for it!

JJ