Michael Kenna
Now that I’ve brought up Ansel Adams in my blog, I thought it would be a good idea to also introduce Michael Kennas work. Both artists (and I mean Artists) have been pivotal to me in my own progress as a photographer. Ansel was responsible for making me want to pick up a camera in the first place, and Kenna has shown me that photography is about what you visualise and imagine in your mind. It doesn’t always have to be a verbatim recording of what was there.
Shooting throughout the night, he has a very ‘zen’ like approach to the landscape which I very much agree with. Photography is not just about seeing something and making an image of it. It is also about forming an emotional connection with your surroundings and being open and aware to what is presented to you. And perhaps just enjoying the moment.
Stunning photography. Thank you for sharing as I’d never heard of him before. For working without a light meter many times, they sure do turn out wonderfully!
Mark
Comment by olwick — 30 October, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
I first heard of Michael Kenna following a link from your main website quite a while back. I’ve been avidly going through the photos on his website, as well as reading what I can find on his technique and approach. Truly a stunning artist, I really, really love his work. Every single photo is in some way a small masterpiece of composition, lighting, printing or all three.
Comment by mike — 31 October, 2008 @ 8:29 pm