Natural Landscapes

In looking at the work of Ansel Adams and David Paul Bayles they both ?capture nature in ways which make the photograph interesting and also true works of art. They both use black and white, while David Paul Bayles worked also with color. They both photographed nature including trees. Both photographed with various lighting, including high contrast and subtle images.
Ansel Adams photographed images of grand nature. Magnificent in size, showing depth to a massive canyon or mountain. He described his photography as being able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it. He used his technical skills to create a superior image. He used his personal vision to communicate the subjects.
David Paul Bayles portrayed images of time. He captured trees to bring us to a place of stillness He captured them in unique, but realistic positions. By capturing nature he was able to bring slowness to our busy world. He brought these images of tree visitors to the forefront by placing them vertically and diagonally to intentionally add interest to the photo.
I see Ansel Adams as photographing the outdoors by finding and displaying natural beauty and wonders the earth has to offer. It is spiritually moving to view his images. I think Bayles on the other hand merges civilization and nature to add interest in unusual ways. The merging of a ghostly traffic, parked cars and the most beautiful trees I have ever seen, made me think about natural beauty and life’s changes as we see the cars disappearing. It made me think of time as the tree is enduring through ages and traffic is coming, going and disappearing.
As photographers it is obvious they use their eye for detail to share life’s wonders. I see them as perfectionists to capture that perfect moment.
I especially found it interesting the effects of Sally Manns occupation on her family. The fact that her children felt like they lost a mother to a creator. The distance of her presence as she is consumed with her work. Her constant desire for perfection when her husband would see her work as great works of art. This world of art seems like a constant personal battle for perfection as the outside world may see our flaws. I see this as an attempt to correct errors, to loose our imperfections in the beauty we push ourselves to find…even if it is in dog bones.