LensWork - Photography and the Creative Process

Brooks Jensen

Random Observations on Art, Photography, and the Creative Process.

  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2086 - Expanding the Delivery Medium

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2086 - Expanding the Delivery Medium

    I had a fascinating experience yesterday that I think offers us photographers something to think about. I went to a live performance of the Metropolitan Opera of New York that was streamed to our local movie theater.

    24 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2085 - Commentary Beyond the Photograph

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2085 - Commentary Beyond the Photograph

    In workshop and photo group critique sessions that I've observed over 50 years, almost all the comments offered are about technique, composition, or gear related. Such comments might be useful for beginning students, but a much more helpful kind of comment has to do with the content, the feelings the photograph generates, metaphors that come to mind.

    23 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2084 - Digital vs Optical Zoom

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2084 - Digital vs Optical Zoom

    A lens captures a finite amount of detail in a finite image circle on the film plane. Increasing the size of that circle through digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail that was captured; it just makes it bigger. This is known as "empty magnification." Optical zoom from the same position, however, captures smaller detail as the subject gets larger in the field of view.

    22 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2083 - Getting Closer

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2083 - Getting Closer

    A universal rule in photography is to get closer to the content. This may not mean getting physically closer. The idea of getting closer means different things for different subjects. For example, getting closer to a distant landscape probably implies using a longer lens. Conversely, getting closer in street photography probably implies using a wider lens.

    21 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2082 - Narrowing the Subject

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2082 - Narrowing the Subject

    There are subjects that lead to short projects, and subjects that lead to lengthy projects. Both kinds of projects have their virtues and their drawbacks. The real problem, however, is when as producers we give our audience mixed signals.

    20 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2081 - Location Specifics vs Generalities

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2081 - Location Specifics vs Generalities

    A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to photograph in the famous Ryoan-ji Temple gardens in Kyoto. It was the fulfillment of a life-long dream to photograph there. Curiously enough, that brought me face to face with a fundamental decision: Do I make a project about the Ryoan-ji gardens or use those images to make a project about Japanese gardens in general?

    19 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2080 - Photoshop Doubts

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2080 - Photoshop Doubts

    We photographers have always known that there's a tenuous relationship between photography and truth. Trick photography goes back to the earliest days of the medium. But now, in the age of Photoshop, it's so easy for people to assume that the spectacular thing we've captured with our cameras is a Photoshop fake.

    18 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 12 minutes 54 seconds
    LW1428 - A Firehose of Images

    LensWork Podcast

    LW1428 - A Firehose of Images

    Too much of a good thing can lead to a numb response. I was reminded of this while I was looking through a sizable book in the presence of the photographer. After the first 50 images, my attention began to wane. After 100 images, I was numb.

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    You might also be interested in. . .

    Every Picture Is a Compromise, a series at www.brooksjensenarts.com.

    and...

    "How to" tutorials and camera reviews are everywhere on YouTube, but if you're interested in photography and the creative life, you need to know about the incredible resources you can access as a member of LensWork Online.

    18 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2079 - Where You Live

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2079 - Where You Live

    There is landscape photography, urbanscape photography, and more. Why not "homescapes" that use everyday life at home to create an environmental portrait that doesn't need to include people. Not "House Beautiful," but rather House Lived In.

    17 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2078 - From Where You Sit

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2078 - From Where You Sit

    So many times, the process of photographing involves moving to location or a position where you can see a lovely scene and composition. Since I've had problems with my back these last few years, my mobility has been compromised. I can't hike or backpack the way I used to. My most frequent way of photographing these days is from the driver's seat in the truck or at a short distance. The funny thing is, I've never been so productive in my life. It's amazing how many compositions become available when we still our bodies and our minds.

    16 November 2024, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes 43 seconds
    HT2077 - Substantial Artwork

    Here's a thought ...

    HT2077 - Substantial Artwork

    Last year, I was showing some chapbooks to another photographer who commented that they preferred more substantial ways of presenting their work. What an interesting way to think about our work. Substantial? What makes photography more or less substantial?

    15 November 2024, 5:00 am
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