The great thing about being able to make a “living” as a jazz musician and educator is being constantly immersed in a free thinking, spontaneous, and open environment which is inherent to jazz musicians, and this becomes intrinsic. This is precisely why my personal transition from professional jazz musician to nature photographer (initially), except for the required gear, was practically seamless (intellectually, emotionally, and creatively). What was apparent from my first exposure to jazz was that every time a tune was played, it was different. The song form was unchanged, of course, but improvised arrangements occurred, ideas expanded, and solo improvisations were always different.
So, from my beginning in photography, I was inclined to constantly return to a favorite location (like playing a song over and over again) many days in a row throughout the year. From the beginning, thinking as a jazz musician, I would find myself looking for different subject material every time….looking deeper into the area.
This past weekend with a group of photographer friends, was my 13th and 14th visit to the silk mill in Lonaconing, MD. The light was spectacular for both days. Every time I go, I find new compositions, angles, perspectives, subject material and just general thinking differently as a result of trying to avoid shooting the same scene over and over again. It’s challenging and liberating. Getting rid of any preconceptions is the easiest and most powerful way to find new compositions. However, easier said than done. Being there and not caring about anything specific. Just walking around and seeing what presents itself. Apathy can tend to free the mind.
And then there’s processing, which is constantly evolving, even day to day. Processing a similar image made from an earlier visit can transform a familiar subject.
I thought this would be my last visit, but decided that (after 14 visits) there is much more still there to photograph. I’m planning a return trip in the spring.
Software-wise, although I use various software to optimize and texturize specific images, every image I make is touched by NikSoftware: Viveza on everything, Nik’s HDR Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro for B&W, and Color Efex Pro for various special effects and further fine tuning. (Clicking on a link leads to a discount code purchase page!)
Here’s a gallery of images from Lonaconing and a surprising evening trip to Cumberland, MD.
Our 2013 Visual Artistry workshop schedule is now online!
NOTE: Lonaconing is the last surviving, intact silk mill in the country. email me for contact info, then Go!
Thanks for reading the blog post and feel free to drop in a comment!
Tony
Tony, Thank you for posting about this site. Wanted to go there for years but it was not open. I visited this past weekend with a local photography group. What an awesome place. Your work is pretty awesome too!
Thx much, Bill. Love you back, man. And there is only one certainty in my photo life: Without my affiliation with you and “The Great American…,” I doubt that I would have been as lucky as I’ve been in this business.
It’s about 2 hours away, Dan, in the western MD mountains. It’s days are numbered….unfortunately.
What a beautiful place to have on your regular agenda and your comments about revisiting locations is so true. Super body of work, Tony.
I know three certainties, 1. There is a God, 2. I’m not Him, and 3. I never view your work, Tony, without being inspired! Love you man…..
Thx for commenting, Roger. I doubt seriously if anything you did there is inferior.
Always the internal dilemma – return to a wonderful venue to further explore and push oneself or try a new location when so many beckon. Your Lonaconing story and images certainly adds a mark or two or three to the “return” side of the ledger. The left image in the fifth row (bins of spools) really strikes me for two reasons: 1. it’s wonderful; and 2, I stood right there and took a different and inferior shot – one more lesson, hopefully, learned!
Thx much, Jimmy! I also have a great amt of work close to home…..of course, close to home for us is from Maine to SC!
Have a great Christmas!!
Thx very much for your comment, Tom! Completely agree with you!
Tony I really enjoy your photo set and I too often return to the same places and always find a new perspective or view. Sometimes I try using a different lens or try off camera flash instead of just utilizing natural light. In fact most of my artography is captured within 15 miles of my home. Your black and white capture of the old grungy sinks in a row is my favorite her. Merry Christmas Tony from somewhere up in Canada – jimmy
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Great images and true words. The lighting in the top image is truly magnificent.
I feel the same about Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast. Each time I would go back, I was sure there was nothing left for me to capture; over time I learned how foolish that idea was, it’s always different, the lighting the season, the tides, the creatures.
Consequentially, I never tire or capturing all its many moods!
Thx much, Terry! Will get info to you soon.
Thx much, John! Also, greatly appreciate the follow up phone call.
Thx a lot Denise! Triumphant return planned for May.
Brilliant set and no truer words spoken. I think this is the right attitude as well. Return visits help a photographer grow because they allow you to think differently. Thank you for summing it up so beautifully!
And arguably some of your best work there. Always good to see you at THE Mill Tony. Great work and great thoughts too.
Tony – please send me contact info for the mill & please add me to your spring trip list (dates would be very helpful!).
The pictures show that you’ve done a wonderful job of playing the song in a new way!
Terry