Thursday, June 21, 2012

SKIMMER ON A STEM


Let me start off by admitting I'm not generally a fan of photographs incorporating various sorts of lens flare, or ghosting, as part of the finished image. I know, however, some folks do like this effect, and am also aware there are any number of genuinely excellent photographers who often purposely strive to shoot with the notion of capturing such elements in their photos. 

What can I say? Tastes vary. Different strokes for different folks. 

But for me, such technical aberrations border too much on the Pseudo-Artsy School of Design. Like that latest attempt at creating art by Yoko Ono, which—I kid you not!—is simply three piles of dirt on a floor. Come on—really? Art? Of course Yoko also once exhibited another bit of "art" in which viewers had to climb a ladder in order to read the word "Yes" she'd painted in tiny letters on the ceiling. Yoko claimed divine inspiration for that one…though I say more like cosmic ego and perhaps a bit of residual LSD still banging around in her system from days basking in the shadow of John Lennon. 

So how do I square such an admittedly prejudiced stance with the photo above? 

Alas, I don't. Moreover, such a glaring character inconsistency rather worries me that I may be going soft in my dotage. What's next…developing a fondness for Rap music and skim milk? 

The fact is, I tried to throw the image away several times—but kept compulsively retrieving it from the trash because…well, because I liked the way the ghostly little blobs of flared light seemed to compliment the ethereal nature of the male Widow Skimmer perched on a weed stem. And you know the worst part? I'm not even ashamed of myself!
———————

8 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

And I love it too Grizz. Glad you didn't discard it.

Gail said...

HI GRIZZ - love your thoughts on photography and the Yoko Ono stuff is priceless.
And you can do whatever, whenever, however you choose regarding your pictures - they are always so amazing, as are you.
It is just about 100 degrees here and so humid - I am held up inside with the A/C. DId I tell you Skipp found gainful employment? Well, he did, and it is just three miles from our house - he is the grill chef at a great restaurant called Time Out Tavern, in Durham, CT, google it if u get a moment. We have been customers for years and after the fire two years ago they rebuilt and it is a real home style, fun and great place to eat and drink - great, great burgers and the best fried calamari too. He was really hot last night grilling in the heat even with A/C in the kitchen it was hard - he bought Gatorade to bring tonight. Anyway,just wanted u to know.
Love Gail
peace.....

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

Never say never, I guess. Glad you like the photo…I do, still do, and am amazed at myself. :~)

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Hey, I never did get Yoko. But I'm glad you enjoyed the piece and liked the dragonfly shot.

It's a mere 90˚F here…but that's about 20 degrees more than I enjoy. Moon is stretched out on the floor cooling her belly. I'd join her except I'd hurt myself trying to get back up after my joints all stiffened.

That's really great great news about Skipp's job—and so close to home! I don't envy him cooking in this heat, but come winter, he'll be cozy warm. And it sounds like a neat place. That will really help you guys out—and who knows the opportunities it might provide.

AfromTO said...

now just don't tell me the skimmer is reading a little tiny word "NO" placed on the top of the weed stick and we will be fine with your foray into "ART"...

Grizz………… said...

AfromTO…

Nope, no little tiny words on the end of the stick…and please, don't imagine for moment I thought this was anywhere close to ART, Art, or art. Just a dragonfly pix with an appealing (to me) lens ghosting background.

Scott said...

This'd be a keeper in my book (or album), Grizz. You're too hard on yourself.

Grizz………… said...

Scott…

Thank you. I guess in this case, it's not so much a technical or artistic critique, but surprise at my own idiosyncrasy. It's really me, my unabashed paradoxical shift, that I'm ragging on. Lots of photographers do some really fine work in this vein…but when it's me, I always feel like I'm faking or being too pretentious.

Does that make sense?