Yes, it is an excellent point that it’s not copying someone’s technique that creates a great image, but rather it’s the expression of one’s own vision.

However, the history of art from cave paintings through the Renaissance until today, is some form of apprenticeship. Even when one’s own vision is identified, we all stand on the shoulders of others, who help us along the path that hopefully leads to individual style and mastery.

You were inspired by Adams, whose work helped you find your own voice and vision. I recently attended a Michael Levin workshop, who revealed that when he first saw a Michael Kenna image of a “stick in the mud”, he was moved and inspired to the point of channeling his life in a new direction, toward long exposure photography.

Is this copying, or is this standing on the shoulders of others, in order to search for our own, individual voice? I think it’s the latter.

Your revealing how YOU do it, allows us to see better. As artists have always done, we learn from that, are inspired from that, and use it as a foundation for building our own voice. As the saying goes, “imitation is suicide”. But seeing how others have done it is a vital part of learning, and you are indeed a generous, inspirational teacher.

We call can all copy a style or look, but what does that make us? A great copycat at best?

But learning techniques and then coupling them with your unique vision; now you have potential!

Remember the lesson from this blog?
http://www.photographyblackwhite.com/images-remind-ansel-adams-work/

Cole

I know some photographers prefer to keep how they process a big dark secret. However, your generosity proves photography is not a zero sum game, at least for those with the self assurance to share their methods without feeling threatened. Bravo! And thank you.

Very generous of you to share your insights and methods.

Thank you much!

- Fred