Van Horn Series

JKlebPhoto · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 08:29 PM

Since Rolando asked, I guess I'll post the rest of the elements series. I'm still not satisfied with how all of these represent the elements, but it's what I have so far. I also added a Fifth Element since that's probably one of my favorite movies.

Air

Earth

Water

Love

JKlebPhoto · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 08:35 PM

As posted before, Fire.

Arbib · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 10:55 PM

these are good too...
Not an easy essay to capture....
I like the B&W too.

RSStory · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 08:26 AM

For me, I like the first one you posted but when these are all posted together as a series, and that series is titled elements, I guess I dont get it. The first 4 shots in this post dont speak to me at all. This is just complete personal opinion is is VERY subjective. But I just dont think I like them.

Scott

SteveB · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 08:30 AM

I guess I just don't see the series as "elements".

You may want to experiment with curves a bit. To me they have to much mid tone, not enough contrast.

Keep working at it!

JKlebPhoto · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 02:01 PM

You have to make a bit on a mental leap to see where "elements" comes is in the series. Like I said in my original post I'm not satisfied yet with how this series is put together.

So I guess a little artists statement should have been added before showing the images.
-The images in this series were all taken in the desert about 15 miles south of Van Horn, Texas. The images represent the four natural elements; air, earth, fire, and water, using untouched items and scenes found in an area of about 30 acres. A fifth element, love, is also represented. The images are a visual interpretation of something that resides within that element.

Ex: Fire, looks like a campfire burning.
Water, looks like a plant growing on the ocean floor
Earth, this one I'm really not satisfied with yet. It's a rock, just a rock. I like the image just not the representation.
Air, looks like a bird skeleton.
Love, a nest. A home to keep your children safe in. Protected by cactus thorns and decorated with a flower.

As far as tonality goes; these are printed on a silver metallic paper. They POP on it. Earth looks really good on paper because the real rock had a glittery effect on it's surface. It was printed to have those little sparkles blown out so that the silver was uncovered by ink- it also sparkles when you move it in the light. Water has a depth of detail in in that would blow you away when you saw the print.

Electricseashell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 02:12 PM

I took an art class in college and had to do a simular project. Using objects that imply another form. Is there anyway you could scan the prints so we could see the difference?

PhotosbyChuck · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 02:28 PM

#2 is a Freudian slip

F Stop Fitzgerald · #9 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 07:03 PM

JKleb,

Hey I really liked the whole series. The fifth element, Fire, was by far my favorite. And it may be my way of thinking, but it wasn't hard to think abstractly a bit and see which was which before I read any of the posts. I appreciate your posting this.

One of the things I particularly like is that it encourages critique of something other than merely the technical aspects of our images. I admit I'm new here, but it seems as though most of the actual critique I've seen so far is along the lines of "so and so is too soft" or "there's a hot spot there" or "the [highlights/midtones/shadows] are so and so, and you should blah blah blah." Nothing at all wrong with that kind of critique, and I'm sure I'll get my share. But to me the image is more than its technical perfection. One of the most important aspects of an image is it's concept. What was the idea behind making it? What kind of story does it tell? To me, that's where the rubber meets the road, and an image becomes way more than just it's technical representation.

So I really applaud you for this series. I like the idea. I hope we get to see lots more IDEAS on this site. That is what will keep it interesting to me.

Again...this is just my own opinion, and I fully expect I'll get flamed for it. But I'd sure love to see this place become more than just another place to hear technical critique.

Thanks for posting those!

Skip

JKlebPhoto · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricseashell

I took an art class in college and had to do a simular project. Using objects that imply another form. Is there anyway you could scan the prints so we could see the difference?

They wouldn't fit on my little scanner. Besides, it still won't show reflections on a monitor.