wintry light in central park
A year or so ago, Eva Polak’s impressionist photography captured my heart. In our quest for tack sharp photos, often a lack of focus better captures a feeling or experience rather than the reality. At least to a few of us. I realize not everyone likes this type of photography and that’s OK. That’s what makes our art world go round, right?
One afternoon in the quest to learn more, the ICP (International Center of Photography) library here in NYC became my research headquarters to find other photographers who also enjoyed this type of photographic creativity. It was there I “met” Bill Jacobson and Dubi Roman. Between Polak, Roman and Jacobson’s work, their approach mesmerized me, their ability to forget rules and concepts of traditional photography when the right setting would bring about the right opportunity. As Polak mentions…In time and with practice, the technical and creative abilities you develop can ultimately be used intuitively… Oh, how I agree. After playing around (no filters, no computer manipulation) with impressionist photography for over a year now, there’s an intuitive sense when I run across subject matter ripe for this type of capture. I can’t explain it, but once you get it, you got it and you know it when you see it.
I’m curious how you feel about impressionist photography or how some describe as “soft focus” photography?
A few of my favorites captured over the past year….
overlooking the hudson river
walking in the desert
reflecting in the woods
too blur., whether this is intentional.,?
but lovely., so unique., 😀
Hey Djawa, thanks for commenting! Yes, intentional blurring is what impressionist photography is all about! Utilizing slow shutter speeds and playing with the ISO are two major components and as mentioned finding just the right subject matter in just the right location! It’s always fun to play!
I really love the light in central park shot. I like most of the impressionist shots you have done as long as I can still tell somewhat what the subject matter is. For example, if you hadn’t told us what the walk in the desert was, I’m not sure I would have known, or maybe that’s the point? So, it’s nice to have the captions, at least for me it is. Luv & hugs. GH
Picture me giggling! xoxo
I’ve never done this kind of photography, Robin, at least not intentionally, but I think I could really get into it. This is probably the closest thing to it I’ve ever done…but it was a total “accident!”
http://www.visionandverb.com/at-home/2010/4/19/whats-in-a-name.html.
When I saw your first image of the lightpost in Central Park, I immediately saw a Cobra snake. Maybe that’s the “gift” of this kind of photography: it allows our imaginations to soar!
LOVE the photo in your blog post “What’s in a name.” Beautiful!
after spending a lifetime of photographing imagery, i am soooo on the same page with these photos……something that speaks to my soul, eyes and heart.
That’s why we’re soul sisters, right? Miss you!
Love..love..love these! Me too – I’m a big fan of impressionist photography.