About Landscape Photography

[Photo copyright 2009 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved. Click image to enlarge.]

Some photographers like to take landscape photos. I do too. But the simple fact remains, any landscape image won't even come close to actually being there. No camera can capture the subtle tones and textures resplendent in the natural world. Even the nature in your backyard (if you have a nice one) can be more vibrant than any print by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston or Imogen Cunningham.

That is why I don't take many landscapes. Obviously the seasons at Yosemite, Yellowstone and other natural venues repeat annually. If you go at the right time of year you can enjoy the real thing. The snowy river, the bright blue sky and the eroded canyons have not moved anywhere, yet.

Sometimes I will take a picture during a trip to remember the moment. But nature has to be seen smelled, touched, etc., up close and personal. Not experienced flat and impersonal. Photos of nature are just hollow remembrances, mementos. When you are in a gallery inspecting the desiccated remains of a landscape hanging on a sterile wall, do you ask yourself, I would rather be there than here?

When I walk (not drive) down the street, I am in awe (yes, I get giddy) of nature and architecture. I see art and sometimes history in subtle cracks, textures, shapes and hues.

What do I like

Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area I became familiar with the works of photographic legends Adams, Weston and Cunningham. If you are going to a gallery, I would suggest also investigating the work of Hiroshi Sugimoto and Minor White (earlier). They offer unique abstract images of the ocean. I consider their work more valuable and entertaining.

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Cool Seattle

[Photo: Taken with my cell phone camera, the view from my sister and brother in-law's International District condo in Seattle. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier (Little Tahoma). Click on image to view larger. Photo copyright 2007 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.]

I enjoyed (maybe not) a short respite from Cali when I visited Seattle earlier this month. It was my first chance to visit the region for an extended period. I even drove the three hours to inspect Portland. Let me give you my short evaluation of the city of Seattle.

1. Overcast and dreary (go to REI and buy a trendy little winter outfit and blend in)
   
2. Cold (yes, I prefer warm temps)
   
3. Three hours from Portland (more of the same stuff except not as much cash)
   
4. Rain... rain... rain...
   
5. Great downtown (I give downtown Seattle an A)
   
6. Contemporary music scene (more music than Jimmy Hendrix can shake a guitar at)
   
7. Plenty of nightclubs (you won't be bored in Seattle.... cold yes!)
   
8. Plenty of coffee (you may need it)
   
9. Not very friendly (Seattle cool)
   
10. Thriving (business is booming)
    
11. Mountains (rugged and snow capped)
    
12. Where are the sandy beaches?
    
13. Water, water, everywhere... plenty of lakes and the ocean
    
14. Bridges (Portland and Seattle have plenty of them)
    
15. YUPPIES everywhere (where are the Latinos?)
    

I had a chance to check out Seattle and ended up a bit envious. The city has a dynamic downtown and interesting neighborhoods. Seattle has plenty of clubs, bars, restaurants and shops. Parking in much of the city is impossible though. One night I just turned back after finding no parking spaces available. I heard summers are pleasant in the Great Northwest. In August, I will probably not find a parking spot but at least I will finally see the sun.

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