Review of Clyde Butcher’s book National Parks
Update 01-23-2023: I just finished Clyde’s book on the National Parks and I have to say it was very inspiring. It’s a book my daughter gave me. I find the cover the most inspiring water fall photograph I have seen in a long time. I hope to visit him again some day.
Amazing book, a must-read
I find this quote from the book most inspiring;
“When you find a path that leads you toward making a difference, don’t hesitate, step forward, and keep going as far as you can.” –Clyde Butcher
How to make a good photograph is a question I have had for a long time, I have taken many workshops in a quest for an answer to this question and I never get an answer. I have discovered through personal studies that there are two types of photographers. One type just creates it in his mind and sets about tying to recreate it in the real world. The other type feels it from within as some deep emotion from the heart that the environment wants him to express.
I am not sure how well I have communicated this idea, but I’ll use a quote I found on Clyde Butchers site, he’s one of my favorite photographers and truly is the Ansel Adams of Florida.
Clyde believes the essence of good photography is two-fold: seeing the image with the heart and knowing enough about the mechanics of photography to get a good shot. We talk with many people who believe if they could learn ALL the technical information about photography, they would possess the magical formula assuring great photographic results. These folks get wrapped up in the technical side of photography and forget to look at their surroundings with their heart. Yes, it is necessary to understand the technical aspects, but it does not guarantee a photograph which will inspire emotion in the viewer. The only magic formula is inside you. You are the only one who can express it.
Remember to shoot with emotion, and that will create great photography.
