Notes From the Field
Steve Kossack is an accomplished photographer, writer and workshop instructor. I first met Steve after he purchased one of our Ultimate Ballheads and wrote an article about it for the Luminous Landscape website. We have since become friends.
Although Steve is no longer affiliated with Luminous Landscape, his workshops continue to be popular. I am excited to be able to provide Acratech web site viewers the opportunity to read Steve’s new monthly column Notes From the Field.
Check out Steve's website to find information about his workshops at
http://www.f-8andbethere.com/workshops/workshops.htm
Postcards From The Edge...Happy New Year!
I've used the term "postcard" as a photographic definition for years. I've always thought of this as a way to communicate the obvious, but it is really much more than that. Postcards have become icons. They represent everywhere and everything in our society today. Jokingly, I like to say a postcard image is pornography! Not that it doesn't have "social redeeming value" as the word has been defined elsewhere, rather that it leaves nothing to the imagination. A postcard image states the obvious in a direct and explicit manner. The photo journalist principals all exist in a postcard, things that may, or may not be so obvious are asked and answered immediately, such as who, what, where, how and when. These, and more are thrust to the forefront. The more answered, the stronger the postcard! I find it just the opposite in landscape images.
 Photographically I find postcard images as hard, or harder to make as fine art landscape images. My thought is that I don't do it nearly as much and I simply don't see in these terms. When I do try, I quickly remember that this is an art in itself and like all art, it must be practiced and honed. I like to say to my workshop participants, a postcard is OK, just make a good one! I find nothing easy in the process. As a starting point I like to take advantage of mid-day. I find that the lack of shadow makes most everything easier to expose for and hides almost nothing. Even shadow at this time of day has a reflected value that fills the area and makes the composition more straight forward without some of the mystic that is so prominent in low and side lit images. It's also when most people see what you are photographing and therefore, recognize and identify with the composition. However, it must be a strong composition to work!
As in all fine art, I like to ask myself why I'm attracted. Why do I like the image? And, more importantly, why don't I like what I see. The second half of the question is by far the harder to answer and I think the part that leads to making different and individualistic images. Both however lead to style and content that define us as photographers. What about the image turns my crank is foremost to me! Without inspiration I don't do what I do. I have to enjoy the art of making art or there is no point. I don't make value judgments, for myself of anyone else and certainly not in the field. It seems to get in the way, but on the same hand I seem to know it when I see it, and the joy seems to be in sharing this with others. Another definition of a postcard image perhaps?
 January 1, 2005 found us on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We were returning from a very happy year end trip to Zion National Park. Weather had been changing for the past couple of days and photo opportunity for landscape had also been ever changing. As we approached Arizona from Utah the intrigue of a quick new year visit on the canyon rim became more than a thought. In a couple of hours I was busy saying "happy new year to all from the Grand Canyon!" The air was as clear as I've seen it in some time. Fresh snow had fallen just that morning, the temperature was in the 30's and the stiff wind gusts were bringing in more weather. My thoughts were of those that were in big cities, watching big parades and big games and those not so fortunate as to be able to witness anything so big on this big day!
So I had what I wanted to say. Now the easier part, how to say it!
Archived Notes From the Field
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