I just want to make another comment on this subject. There is a common belief that people make unique images in order to wow someone. There is almost a snobbism implied. Or that somehow you’re creating this artificial bar for yourself, a challenge if you will. I used to think this way myself. The truth is that we bore ourselves when we copy others and even when we do what we’ve done before. There is a physical sense of well being when you do anything new. We feel it emotionally I believe. So, looking for new compositions is not done for others. It’s done for yourself. It’s actually a selfish thing.
Several years ago during an email exchange with Guy Tal he recommended that I read The Master and His Emissary. It’s largely about how the brain is engaged when being creative. In terms of this conversation it makes the point that when engaged in something new far greater parts ‘light up’. This applies to everything, including photography. I bring this up to show that there is scientific basis for being creative. It’s just my opinion based upon my emotional reactions.
Hi all!
I don’t have answers for all the questions, but I am loving the discussion!
@Preston_Birdwell Sorry for the earworm!!! The only solution is to sit down with you favorite recording or better yet, buy a ticket to your local symphony!
I don’t think there is anything you could do to improve upon this composition. It’s simple and highly effective. I’m torn between your original and @John_Williams re-work. I like them both equally and suspect that I may lean one way or the other based on my mood. Really a fabulous image, Julie.
Here’s another one I’m late to, and glad I am because this is a great discussion, and a great image! And interesting that it struck some seasoned photographers as Zabriskie, when it was actually on down the road. (I’ll admit, I also thought Zabriskie, but somewhere not from the iconic viewpoint.) So that got my attention, as well as the lovely tonalities. And to get to the bottom line, I have to second @Bret_Edge – I love both the original and the RP. The choice lies with the artist – both are fabulous because the score is fabulous, as are both of those performances.
When I see an image that is immediately identifiable as an iconic location, I would never just scroll past it because I’ve seen it before. Two things would make me scroll past it: A boring presentation or a tacky one – insert the usual list of composition, color, contrast, etc. etc. What makes me stop and enjoy it is when those elements are very good. And if they are good and unique, even better.
To continue the musical analogy, no matter how often I’ve heard … [substitute an eclectic list of favorites] if I hear a good performance I’ll still love it again. And if it’s a unique and good performance, I’ll enjoy it even more. But if it’s garbage, I’ll turn it off in a millisecond. And, yeah, garbage is subjective, but somewhere there must be a reasonable definition. I always dread what might lie in store when faced with the obligatory performance of the National Anthem preceding some event. Fortunately that is much more often on TV rather than live, and more often than not I’m diving for the remote to mute it after the first three seconds. I mean, it’s not exactly sacred art, but does it really need to be “personalized” all the time? (The first clue was how tackily the performer is dressed.)
OK – enough – I’m putting on the 5th and heading for the couch, right between the good speakers.
Hi @Diane_Miller
Thank you for your input, I am loving this discussion!
Yes, play it loud, with your head right between the speakers! I love it!
Edit to add, depending on the day I prefer the other version. So I guess maybe I wasn’t tooooo far off to begin with if I keep switching my preference between the two takes here.
