Category: Landscapes

Ethics and Images and the Messiness of AI

Artistic Ideas, Photography, Landscapes, Laws, Expertise

You might be aware of the raging controversy of the use of an Ansel Adams photograph as the source material for an AI generated “colorized” version of the photograph.

That isn’t the problem – the copyright expired on this particular photograph and was not renewed, so the photograph was “in the public domain” and could be used in any way by any artist for any purpose.

The issue is how the gallery that recreated the image then marketed it with Ansel Adams name and reference to the original photograph. Why is that a problem?

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not a legal case or legal advice.

Continue reading “Ethics and Images and the Messiness of AI” →

Getting Lost in Muskoka (Spiritually and Literally)

Landscapes, Photography, travel

I’ve returned from a few days “up north” immersed in this year’s fall colours. Whenever you take a vacation, you hope to have stories to tell, and in my case, photographs to go with them. I definitely do for this trip.

This was a visit to several stops, including Gravenhurst and Huntsville and various tourist attractions associated with or close by each. I decided to string a number of stopping points together and make a 3 day mini-vacation out of it. You could just as easily take a single day and drive a couple of hours, get the immersive experience, and return home. Many do.

There is something about Fall and fall colour here in Ontario, Canada that has always drawn me emotionally. It signals the end of summer, but also points to change, and warns us warm-blooded (and cold-blooded) souls to prepare for the cold. The last few years, I’ve looked forward to the change of seasons. It brings a sense of calm and progression – an order in a chaotic world. Did I make the most of it this year? Read on…

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Is YouTube Dying?

Interesting Stuff, Landscapes, Photography, Videos

For some odd reason, over the past couple of weeks, several of the landscape photographers I follow have posted videos about their YouTube experiences. Some have been active for years, others for just a couple. But all are reconsidering what the effort to produce content ultimately means to them and whether/how they should continue.

Most have noticed a slowing in the growth of their channel in both views and followers. Some of that appears to be a legitimate change in audience interests. But some of it also seems to be the ever present YouTube algorithm, which chooses how and how often a video is presented for viewing.

I rely on YouTube for my artistic “fix” and also for more mundane activities such as home repairs. So this change is troubling to me. What does it mean?

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One-Handed Photography

Landscapes, Life, Nature, Photography

I’m still recovering from major surgery this past September. But I’m mobile enough now to get out of the house for some photography, so I decided I would go out to a local area known as the migration pathway for Sandhill Cranes. These are large birds, similar to other species of cranes, with huge wingspans and beautiful graceful flightlines. Many photographers in our area “flock” to the farmers’ fields where these birds stop on their journey, to fuel up on the remnants of corn fields.

Sandhill Cranes on the Wing

I had one particular challenge this year in getting out to photograph them. They are notoriously shy and make it a point to stay as far away from the roadways as possible. My challenge: because of my surgery, I am still walking with a cane, so trekking around the countryside to get the best vantage point for photographing these birds would be no easy task. Here’s how I did it.

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Realistic or Artistic – Which is Right (For You)?

Artistic Ideas, Landscapes, Photography

I recently listened to an absolutely superb podcast by Brenda Petrella, creator of the Outdoor Photography School. This episode was in response to several viewer questions about how much creative license is appropriate in landscape photography.

This has been a long standing debate, as you will see in Brenda’s piece – very long standing. Artists have been the subject of critical opinion for centuries. The difference since the invention of photography is that photography, by definition, is a documentary record of the light and colour in a scene. Its starting point, by definition, should be realistic. Or is it?

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Travelling with Friends

Landscapes, Life, Nature, Photography, travel

I recently took a trip – the first one in a long time. It wasn’t to an exotic far-away location, but rather about 3 hours north of my home. The area is very popular with city residents and tourists alike, because of its small towns, wide open tracts of land covered with trees, rock formations that are part of the Canadian Shield and fresh air.

I don’t travel much with friends, at least driving in the same vehicle and staying in the same hotel suite. I instead prefer to meet my companions at our desired destination and prefer to have a quiet place to myself at the end of the day. At least, that’s what I’ve concluded now after several trips done in more traditional fashion.

The bigger challenge, and the purpose of this post, is how to manage my photographic interests while travelling with others. It is hugely difficult when travelling with those who are not photographers – family especially. I won’t go into those details, for fear of alienating any family member who might choose to read this (ha!).

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Too Much of a Good Thing

Artistic Ideas, Fine Art, Landscapes, Learning, Nature, Photography

I really enjoy image critiques – no seriously, I do. I always appreciate an independent point of view, even if it is wrong. Ok, ok, but seriously again, I’m not talking about the criticism of a judge in a competition. I’m talking about the guidance from someone with experience in the same genre, who has discovered their own voice, and has the ability to see basic flaws in the work of someone who has not yet made that discovery.

I had that experience recently, attending yet another photography conference, where participants were asked to submit images for comment. The person who offered the critiques is someone I know and admire and who, in my view, has the infinite right to offer “coaching” to those less fortunate.

Although we all submitted images, only a few were selected for review and sadly, mine was not one of them. I had to live vicariously through others. But even that can be a good thing. Here’s why.

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On the Road Again

Landscapes, Life, My Community, Photography

shutterstock_93355207It’s been a trying year to say the least.  Lockdowns, restrictions, cancellations, disappointments, even changes to things as simple as ordering food.  I went to a local take-out place recently, only to be told that no more than 2 could be inside the take-out order area and that once my order was placed, I had to wait in a pre-marked parking area, in my car.  Businesses and people are adapting.  I have to admire how well we are adapting.  But it still sucks.  And on top of it all, my blog host, WordPress.com, decided to completely replace the blog editor I was familar with.  Hence no posts for the last two cycles.  An old dog can learn new tricks, but it sure takes a lot longer.  I decided recently that I needed a break from it all, and with restrictions in place, took a trip north to two parks. Continue reading “On the Road Again” →

Pure Filtered Photos

Landscapes, Photography, Tools

Lee Starter KitOver the past year, I decided to include filters in my camera kit.  I took them on several trips and even on local outings, determined to take the time to use them properly.  I started out with the standard collection of screw-on filters – a polarizer, a variable neutral density filter and a graduated neutral density filter.  I quickly discovered the pros and cons of these types of filters and expanded my kit to include a square-format drop-in filter system.  This consisted of a lens adapter, filter holder and a variety of 100mm square filters.

It’s been an interesting experience that I thought was worth sharing.  Here’s what I’ve learned.

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Lessons Learned from Two Weeks Away

Landscapes, Life, Photography, travel

Newfoundland_mapI’ve just returned from a two week trip to Newfoundland.  If you have not been to the east coast of Canada, make a plan to go.  It is an amazing experience – socially, culturally, but also photographically.

It’s my longest trip ever (yes, I lead a sheltered life) and the first time I’ve seen the Atlantic ocean (see what I mean about sheltered?).  I saw and heard a lot, but also learned a lot.  I’ll deal with the latter in this post. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Two Weeks Away” →