Inspiration
by Warren KrupsawVariations on a Theme
When you photograph a given subject and the resultant image pleases you, does that not “sensitize” you to that subject? By this I mean when and if you encounter that same subject in a different context or form, don’t you want to check it out with your camera? I know I do, so here are three examples each of a number of different subjects (themes) even including a couple landscapes to illustrate my point.
Of course in the case of Landscape, if we apply “Variations on a Theme” literally to any given (specific) location, any variations will be the result of light differences, time of year, “atmospherics,” etc.
I’ll spare you anymore Ice Patterns (see “Ice is Nice“) or Passion Flowers (see “Passiflora Portraiture“) or Moths on a Fingertip (see “Mothography 101“), but this year it was finally cold enough to produce some decent Window Frost (even got to work indoors, for a change!).
Something like Queen Anne’s Lace (or Milkweed or Dandelion) for example, can look completely different depending on the season and how you “see” it.
Spider Lilies look like entirely dissimilar kinds of flowers depending on whether they were photographed in Madagascar, Hawaii, or my own backyard (n. Va.).
The early Spring development of Crocus allows for numerous possibilities among the various species and lighting conditions.
As Bittersweet Berries ripen, they change color. (One guy travels all over the world photographing Bark and has a book by the same title; that sort of thing).
While always on the lookout for new varieties of fungi, the underside gills of even “ordinary” types can provide great pattern possibilities.
Photographing the “brittle metal” Bismuth, with it’s amazing array of colors and Escher-like crystal structure, you soon discover is best done on a cloudy day if you want maximum color (if it’s a lousy grey day, I’ll say to myself: “Great day for Bismuth!”).
Certain minerals (like Ocean or Leopardskin Jasper), when cut into spheres look like exotic planets. Interesting the differences between Ropey Lava in Hawaii, Iceland, and The Galapagos.
Freezing Rain transforms the ordinary into the extra-ordinary. Really, it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes open and having your camera ready (doesn’t hurt to have a bit of black cloth on hand, either).
More Variations
Take Care & Stay Aware, Warren.
Warren Krupsaw, a one-time student (and house guest) of Ansel Adams is a nature photographer concentrating on landscape & detail. After participating in the first year of a new graduate program in Photography at M.I.T. with Minor White, he earned his M.F.A. in Photography under Harry Callahan at the R.I.S.D. in 1968. Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/thekrupgallery
Book: Portraits of Passion and Other Dalliances
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