Last week saw many great responses to Mr. Hanson’s lovely photography. There were numerous creative takes that went to all corners. I thought, before we delve into the second half of this interview, you might be interested in hearing the true story behind “The Bootmaker,” which was One Stop’s official prompt for last Sunday’s challenge.
The Bootmaker
From Rob Hanson: “That’s Peter Limmer, of Limmer & Sons, Bootmakers, in Intervale, New Hampshire. They are currently sixth generation (and likely last) Austrian bootmakers of the highest repute. A pair of custom boots will take up to two years to deliver (if you even get on their schedule), and cost a minimum of $600. They also have stock boots, of which I have a pair. They are, without a doubt, some of the best hiking boots you’d ever want to own.”
And now, enjoy the second half of the interview, as well as the prompt to follow.
~Chris Galford
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How do you feel yo
ur experience in the computer field has aided your photography?
By showing me exactly what I don’t want to do! I say that with some levity, but it’s pretty much true.
For years, I was a technical consultant for mainframe computer vendors of the 1980s and early 1990s, wearing a suit and commuting throughout the Northeast. I always sensed that the corporate environment wasn’t suitable for me. Friday afternoons would find me speeding up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, ripping off my white shirt along the way. It was only some time later that I realized my career was not satisfying my creative impulse. It started to look like a cold, hollow world, and I dreaded going to the office. There were a few ways of expressing my individuality, but now that I’ve made the turn away from that environment, I’m much happier. Now I get to create something new and exciting every day. Having tried other artistic pursuits such as writing and studio woodworking, I can say that I’ve found a creative outlet that suits me.
The most important lesson in this for me is that you have to follow the muse, to go where your heart pulls you. Otherwise, you can become fairly miserable.
Flagstaff Lake Sunrise
How much of good photography, in your opinion, is chance, and how much is planning?
Good question. I think it’s hard to separate the two.
Of course we have to ‘plan’ in the sense of getting to know what our equipment is capable of, and how to operate it in various situations. We also have to plan certain scenarios, such as getting up early for a sunrise, or being in the right place for a brilliant sunset with an interesting foreground. Sometimes the plan works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
Is it ‘chance’ to catch a great sunrise if you ‘plan’ to be awake at that hour? There is a chance that something new and unexpected will pop up, and we’ll be there to capture it. More than anything, though, you have to be there first and that usually involves some sort of plan that has you being fully present.
When doing HDR photography, I think planning is the most important aspect. It takes a fair amount of effort to set up a good composition, figure out your best exposure, determine the number of frames to shoot, and tweak all the settings. On the other hand, if you carry a camera with you at all time, you can capture those ‘chance’ opportunities.
Assembly - Great Egrets Prime Hook NWR
Over the years there’s been some debate in the photography community between proponents of dSLR vs. HDR. As an HDR photographer yourself, why HDR over dSLR?
Oh, the debate still rages on!
I make it a point never to get involved with those debates, as I believe there is plenty of latitude for people to express their creativity in whatever way they choose. I think it’s great that there are plenty of format possibilities. All of the options make photography a more interesting activity, and our results would look banal if everyone insisted on just one approach.
In my own work, I’ve tried to gravitate away from making any distinction between HDR and single frame images, even though much of what I create is tonemapped. No matter what tools we use, it’s all photography, and the HDR/dSLR argument holds less and less validity. I think it’s more important to focus on whether or not one appreciates an image rather than to argue the tools with which it was made.
I do find that HDR processing provides two advantages over single-frame imagery: It allows wider latitude for creative expression, and the resulting image has the potential to represent a scene more as the brain perceived it on-site. Limited by the current state of technology, single frames from digital camera sensors simply can’t convey the amount of information that HDR techniques provide, leaving them somewhat lacking for some scenes that have a broad tonal range.
Do you have any suggestions for people just beginning with photography?
Absorb everything you can, but then try your best to simplify things, to get down to doing what you enjoy best. Keep it simple. It may sound trite, but free yourself to make mistakes. Get them out of the way by making a lot of them.
I believe that there’s no end point in photography, no destination or level of expertise that you’re trying to get to. If there is, then you’re probably missing the journey as well as the thrill of making mistakes and having pleasant surprises. Enjoy the process.
Above all, be present when you’re shooting, experiencing the situation as fully as possible. Try not to be the person who says, “I was so busy taking pictures that I forgot to look around.” If that ever is the case, my advice would be to put down the camera and experience first, shoot later.
Recommended Resources:
Even though it took me a while to come around to ‘social media,’ I’d say that one of the best resources is to sign on to Twitter and use a program such as TweetDeck to set up feeds for #photography, #HDR, and #togs. It’ll be like drinking from a fire hose. When something pops up that looks interesting, follow the link. You’ll find all sorts of information on equipment, techniques, tricks, software, discounts and special events. You can meet new photographers, view themed galleries of images, and so on.
During your surfing if you visit a photographer whose work you admire, subscribe to their blog — most have one — or gallery site. Watch what they’re doing, and note that almost everyone evolves over time. If you have a question for them, just ask. I find that most photographers are more than willing to share information, particularly when approached directly in a one-on-one fashion.
Post your images on a photo sharing site such as Flickr, and then visit other photographers’ photostreams, making contacts along the way. You can also join Flickr groups geared for a particular style, groups that provide critique, or groups that share specific subject interests.
Scott Wyden (One Stop’s previous featured photographer) has been of invaluable assistance to me in many efforts, particularly with respect to using social media. He’s incredibly responsive, and his reach in the photo community is second to none. I think that tapping into Scott’s web sites would be great for anyone looking for more information.
If anyone would like to drop me a line to ask questions, I’m always happy to help where I can. In the end, beauty is served and amplified by sharing with one another, and thanks to the facilities on the internet, we now have access to just about anything you might want to see or learn. It’s amazing, really. I’m always extremely grateful for the contact with others who come together to share in that creativity, present company included.
—Rob Hanson
Links:
Website: http://www.robhansonphotography.com/
Twitter: @robhansonphoto
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Picture Prompt Challenge Time!
- Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55)
—inspired by Rob Hanson’s work
- Post the work on your site.
- Sign up using Mr. Linky below—so we can all find the post you choose to share with us.
- Please leave a comment about you poem
- Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55)
—inspired by Rob Hanson’s work- Post the work on your site.
- Sign up using Mr. Linky below—so we can all find the post you choose to share with us.
- Please leave a comment about you poem
Please visit your fellow participants. And don’t forget to comment & give credit to Rob!
* Please note that following the prompt is just a suggestion.
All images copyright Rob Hanson.
~Thank you, dustus
Thanks to Rob Hanson for being in the One Shoot Sunday spotlight again and sharing his excellent photography. Insightful interview. I especially like when he says “I believe that there’s no end point in photography, no destination or level of expertise that you’re trying to get to. If there is, then you’re probably missing the journey as well as the thrill of making mistakes and having pleasant surprises.” IMO—a great attitude to maintain toward one’s art.
Looking forward to reading the posts throughout the day. Enjoy the challenge and thanks for participating!
agree on that line…thanks adam and chris on another fine post…off to bed…see everyone in the morning…
seriously these pictures just blow me away, so sharp and 3D really…i could write about them any day…thanks for two great weeks Rob…good stuff in the interview as well…i am an idiot when it comes to photography, i will stick to my words and let the prfessionals work the lens…
I was instantly reminded of a telephone poem I wrote somewhere… is it ok to link that or should it be something new tonight?
Are you guys asleep already?
O.k. I see that yes indeed Brian went to bed. So here is my 3 minute poem but will link the other if I get the o.k.
It’s there in the corner, archaic in charm
But completely necessary to our needs
We are 3 longs, 2 shorts… 2 longs. I think?
Darn, I may have that backwards
And if we break into the line we’ll surely interfere
Mrs. Cook having words with Kay
Seems her cattle are eating once again, their hay.
We are only here for fun
schools out and the ranch is full of sun
we weigh the weights of heavy thinking
like black berry picking or skinny dipping
so we mustn’t interlude
with our silly escapades on the party line
Daddy meet us at the river to swim
Mom’s bringing that apple wine
whoops, sorry i missed you…awake and caffeinated…three minute poem….are you just showing off…ha…you got skillz….sorry, i need more beauty rest than adam apparently…lo
Oh, I exaggerate. It took at least twice that long!
It’s okay to post an old one if you think it’s a good match for the prompt.
I can foresee a lot of different lines of thoughts on this. Its a wonderful prompt!
Really dig Rob’s photography! Thanks for sharing…
peace,
Annie
So many memories bought back by one photograph. We had a party line and I will always remember my mother shouting at the other people using it “Yes, it is an emergency, my mothers is lying here dead.” That is how I learned that my gran had died. It was the first time I saw my mother in tears, she had been waiting for ten minutes for the other people to get off the line despite telling them it was an emergency. How things have moved on.
Thank you One Stop Poetry and thank you Rob Hanson for sharing with us such fabulous images. The depth of your photography stretches far beyond the scenes displayed.
Again. Mr. Hanson gives us an excellent, vivid group of photographs to write from; again I’ve chosen other than the official prompt–the effects used here just seem other-wordly to me, so my poem is in that vein. Thanks to Chris, Rob Hanson, and One Stop for keeping me writing again til three thirty in the morning.
This photgraphy is more than an image on the page! There is a dialogue for the soul! Beautiful!
Sunday is a birthday celebration day in our house ….so maybe a bit late reading some of the submissions ….but I will ! thanks to Rob for the brilliant picture ….thanks for the opportunity.
hope the birthday celebrations go well kerry!
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Really beautiful photos. Thanks for the interview as well. I appreciate the comment: “Above all, be present when you’re shooting, experiencing the situation as fully as possible.” Agree… good advice, not just for photographing, but also for participating in life. Thank you, One Stop, Rob Hanson and One Shoot folks.
Great interview and it’s always fun to read the histories of artists. He went from computers to photography. That’s art!! Thanks for a nice prompt as well.
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thanks adam and chris for showing us some more of Rob’s excellent work…and cool picture prompt as well…
had the song “urgent” by foreigner in mind when writing my poem…
many thanx to Onestoppoetry and Rob Hanson for the incredible combination of photography and insight!the work is just what i needed to jog my friend Sara Bellum into an attentive state after a boring week of drudgery…yet i must pay the bills!this escape was truly welcomed!
Poem for Sunday Photography Poetry Challenge ( Rob Hanson) using an adapted Octain form for One Stop Poetry
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Nice photo. Love nature shots. Nice practical tips too. Heres my 2 cents
http://poemsforkush.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/climate-change-the-poem.png
Thanks again Adam and Chris for a wonderful job of ‘challenging’ us! I’m wrote my response with an ‘old voice’ that I hope works. I look forward to reading more of your outstanding pieces!
I had already written a poem this morning/afternoon so I’m sharing it here now. I almost always post my own photo with my poems, as I did today, and find photography is a great inspiration for writing. Rob’s photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing his talent with us.
Another fine interview with this wonderful photographer. His insight is refreshing, and bravo that he took the leap and explored a life driven by his creative talents ~
Thank you, everybody, for the kindness. I appreciate it beyond measure, and am honored to be featured here at One Stop Poetry.
I’ve so enjoyed reading through the poems for part one… I’m just now getting started on this week’s Challenge, but I know I’ll enjoy them just as well.
Too bad we couldn’t get a Part 3 out of this… I have more images to share! Yet, I’ve made contact with many of you, so I know we’ll be seeing each other around. Please feel free to follow me via Twitter, my blog, or my website (I’m also on Flickr and 500px.) And, if ever I can address any of your questions regarding photography or HDR processing, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you. I even just suggested to Claudia a word that would rhyme with ‘orange.’ Well, it almost rhymes…
Again, thanks to all. I love seeing your creativity applied to what I’ve tried to create. There’s a certain magic in that, I think, and each is a precious moment to be experienced and savored.
All the best,
Rob
thank you rob…you never know what the future holds…maybe there will be a part 3 one of these days…
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i’ve only had a chance to comment on dustus’ & brian’s posts so far, but everyone’s great!
dani
Great have have part two as I missed part one. hello everyone. Going to U’r blogs
Beautiful and inspiring photos again this week. Thank you so much!
uhhh … maybe I have a problem if I’m driving too fast to get home from a weekend out of town so that I can post this and one of my kids in the car says “mom, what are you writing on that napkin? You should not be driving and writing at the same time.” At least I wasn’t texting. A pleasure to be with you all.
quick question… Is there a protocol, or etiquette when revising words in a poem that has already been submitted and commented on? I’ve changed a couple words in “White Wings” that were gnawing on me and didn’t know how you normally handle that. No one’s world will change because of it, I was just wondering. Thanks for all you do… that part actually is changing my world. =)
Made it under the wire; it’ll be tomorrow in ten minutes. Thanks to Rob Hanson for sharing his beautiful photography – theory and pictures. Thanks again to One Stop for the pleasure of joining you all.
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Oh my gosh!! Ohhhhhhhh my gosh!!!
I like the image so very much, it has had me thinking of my Grandfathers bench in the basement. And some lines began to fly into my head, and other things were going on, and then….
My teacup fell over onto my keyboard and lap, the words went poof, and so did my computer access until I replaced the keyboard! After I am done mass baking, I will see if I can recapture or create another poem about the image. I’ll label it as One Shoot Sunday as I usually do.
UGH!!! I got stuck again! I stated before that if a poem comes to me, I must write it down immediately, otherwise tis lost and what I try to do with the remaining feelings and residue of these is uhm variable is a nice way to put it.
I would have walked away from the image, but it wouldn’t let go of me. There are significant memory triggers in it for me. So, I posted. I’m not happy with it. It’s more a memory ramble I think, trying to match words along with my flow of emotion color and sensory feeling, hoping that the original words would spring forth. The house, finally had a phone, it was a party line, the lady down the street didn’t seem to like it if ‘we’ used it at all. The children were instructed NOT to touch it. It felt like everyone in the house was afraid of the phone, literally. So, of course I snuck…
My poem is McConnellstown Party Line Memory Ramble
Wow. Those photos are absolutely amazing. That sky, the house, the trees… absolute perfection .
I’m glad I’m prone to perusing the pages of people who comment me — I would have never found One Stop otherwise! I look forward to many more of these.
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I can never deal with photo prompts, and this one’s no exception. Also, I’m in way to bad a mood for a limerick. And so…
When it comes to verse,
what greater sin
than a lazy poet
who phones it in?
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