Merry Bicycle

One of the first images I captured with the Hipstamatic Camera App

To have someone 'try' to copy your technique, workflow or creation is a great compliment. Look at how many people studied under Ansel Adams and no one has ever said, that I am aware, his students are better than he is. Why is that? How can someone show you exactly how they create something and no two artist's work look the same. I believe it is because of so many variables. 
First of all we see differently. For instance, at a crime scene 10 people that were witnesses to the crime can all be interviewed and have a different version of what happened. Therefore, if you are shown a technique step by step there are always different ways to see things. 
Secondly we think differently. Everyone's life experiences are different and I believe those experiences play a big part on how we express ourselves. Isn't art an expression of oneself? 
Seeing and thinking differently create an infinite amount of possibilities. Now to take it a step further. The great artists and mentors are always growing and learning themselves. Their passion drives them to become better and 'see out of the box'. Therefore the students who are 'trying' to copy the technique are always a step behind. 
So what is my message. You can and should 'try' to copy many of the great artists techniques, you should have a mentor who is willing to take the time and effort to guide you and you should follow your artistic passion. However, keep in mind that no matter how hard you try to be like someone else, it is never going to happen. So become the artist you were meant to be. 


Case in point... Harry Sandler described his processing technique in detail on his blog post today. So I decided to 'try' it. The first thing I discovered, is that I had no idea where he set his slider in PhotoStudio. Next I discovered I didn't know where he chose his light source to come from in Dynamic Light. Then I had no idea what blending mode he used while in Blender or Iris, let alone which image he started with first. Plus what were his settings in Sketchmee? So, in the end I added my own vision and thoughts to create an image with guidance, inspiration and ideas from my mentor. 


The conclusion to this story is: I want to thank Harry for the inspiration and explanation of his processing technique, I am very grateful that he shared it. I hope you like my variation of it! (oh and I didn't forget to sharpen, I promise!)

iPhoneography Classes Available Now!  starts May 16th

If you would like to learn how to capture and process iPhone images beyond a basic snapshot take an Online iPhoneography Course with Teri Lou. Two courses are available iPhoneography 101 and iCreativity. Click on the direct links in the upper left hand column of this blog for information, pricing and schedule.