–Brandon Elijah Scott
Before we dig into the final feature, where I focus on the process of the art behind the work, I thought it prudent to take a moment to showcase the preview five articles in the series – just in case you may have missed one, or if nothing else, to simply make sure they’re easy to find for you. #1: Know the basics – #2: The don’t do’s – #3: The do’s – #4: Techniques for advanced shooters – #5: Post production and editing
“An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.”
–James Whistler
The art behind photography lies within one’s eye. The way you see things is all your own. It’s not as easy as implementing and recreating what the mind sees in its own visions – while yes, you can setup a scene, with lights, camera, action, but to leave yourself with the simplicities and wild complexities of nature, and to be able to make it your own; now, that’s creativity.
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Creativity is simple AND complex. You may have an idea that leaves you thunderstruck, where you can’t shake the idea, until you’ve let it run its course. Or you may be hit with a whim, yet powerful urge to create what you’re seeing and feeling a certain way, different than the norm. Either way inspiration hits, it is the unplanned and untraceable power of inspiration that fuels artistic expression.
Just because you’ve used a professional camera to take a photograph doesn’t mean it’s art. I believe that the beauty in art is the truest account and expression of one’s soul, personality, passion, and nature – where force nor mimicking can create an authentic representation of one’s true self.
“True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.”
–Albert Einstein
Travel photography isn’t about the camera, the tripod, the settings, or the scene, it’s about showcasing all of your thoughts, feelings, and senses, so that the viewer feels the emotion, and the power, and the relationship you have with the place and the people.
With that said, I want to encourage you to grab your camera, empty your memory cards, and hightail it out of here – and never stop, until you feel the correlation between the place and your soul.