📌 The music part of the intro was claimed a couple of weeks after this video's original publishing date, hence why it's now muted. Apologies for that. Thank you everyone for taking your time to watch the video.
Tatiana. It's been a pleasure to tap into your brilliance. And yes, Rodney would have loved the Roy Orbison soundtrack, beautiful and melancholy at the same time.
I love this work and would like to mention how much he seems to draw from Cartier-Bresson, Magritte's Son of Man and even Hitchcock in AJ Chasing Airplane. Beautiful work Tatiana!!
Yes I think I made a reference in my last video that AJ Chasing the Airplane reminded me of North By Northwest by Hitchcock, thank you so much for watching!
Wholly Smokes!!! Just what I needed for a bit of inspiration!! When your video started, I was like "WOW...who is this artist Tatiana is showing...but then thought, hey, a little familiar..." then you mentioned the previous video (which I am about to go re-watch). This is really good stuff. I like your analysis here...and like I said, good inspiration. Right now in New Orleans..it is HOT. Too hot and muggy to get out of the house much at all, much less go out and take good photos. But this has already gotten me thinking of ideas to put together to "make" some art photos....outdoors when it gets a bit more 'humane'...or even for some indoor shots. I'm writing them down. I really love Rodney Smith whom you have introduced to me...I have a holiday coming up this week, and I might just order a book or two you recommend to look over between times with family and friends. I hope all is well there with you and yours.... Thank you again for a wonderful presentation....and I must say, couldn't have come at a better time!! CC ps. I *still* think your speaking segments have a bit of "The Godfather" look to them..haha. I think it's great!! cc
Sounds like the timing of this video was really perfect, I appreciate your words very much and I’m glad to see both the video but especially Rodney’s work is touching and inspiring to so many people. I’ll see you around in the next one with my Godfather lighting eheh
You really knocked it out of the park with this one Hopper. Damn am I now feeling inspired. I think central to this idea of pushing the envelope of a genre is first working within the envelope. This I really struggled to do when I started out photography a teenager. Every shot got a Dutch angle, but many poorly printed images... Now the reverse may be true, and soon I'll have to push the envelope and possibly tear it, before I'm too old
Great video, you should start receiving commissions for your work, it’s always fair and beautifully put. My vote would be to explore Richard Avedon next. Also I see you like Roy Orbison! One of the greats for me…
This is one of the most important TH-cam channels - focus on education, learning and photography as an art form… not oversaturated guidance on how to make an Instagram banger!
Absolutely fantastic episode full of inspirational images, a true testament to one of my favourite photographers of all time. If anyone holds any doubts surrounding photography being art or if even photography is at all art please take a look at this amazing photographers books. The blend of imagination and technical perfection illustrated are within reach of so few thus as an audience our attention is captured by every single frame of Rodney Smiths work. Tatiana I’m slowly becoming an addict of your channel please keep up the good work. A fan from Northern Spain.
A huge THANKS to you. Your thesis on this topic it´s exquisite, and it made me think a lot. The way you disassemble this photos has so much potential for inspiring...
Great segment, Tatiana (they're all pretty great, but this one is special to me!) And a special thanks to Leslie Smolan. I saw the photo 'Jessica on Roof, Chicago, Illinois, 1997' in a copy of Communication Arts Magazine in 1999. Inspired by that image and others by Rodney Smith, and by Yousuf Karsh, I soon after I bought my first SLR and started taking photos in a serious way. Life had other plans (as many lives do), and the camera was packed away along with my photographic ambitions... but not forever. I re-entered the art a few years ago, still with same inspirations (and a few others). Rodney's images were a study for me once again in my exercises to hone the craft. Today I'm a professional photographer Canada with the PPOC.
I found out about Rodney Smith through your last video and fell in love with his work. It has everything I love about photography, for me there’s no question that it’s art. I will see if I can grab one of those books. Thank you for an excellent video ❤
I’m glad you watched that video, it really does offer more context to his life and progress until he reached these images we saw here, thanks so much for watching!
To me what makes photography an art is the person behind the camera. Some have a knack for seeing/composing images that have a strong emotional appeal, these photos are art. However, many photos, while technically excellent, are often documentary in nature, lacking a strong emotional appeal/reaction from the viewer. While not art in the strict sense they are very important as they can provide evidence of what things looked like.
Magnificent video. Looking at the images of Rodney Smith I understand that he was a fashion photographer and that his work went in that direction but I feel that his work has a very surreal component.
Looking at these amazing compositions, why was I thinking of Hitchcock again? Then you said "whimsical and sophisticated." PS. I suspect that, also like Hitchcock, Rodney had, in addition to strong visions of modern life, some socially useful intent presented "under the radar" which is to say subversively in his work.
Of course - as you demonstrated - photography can become an art. In german we say "Kunst kommt von Können", which would translate as "Art is a word derived from Ability to do some" in which the idea of mastery in a certain field echoes. As a pro photog who is indeed making a living out of his profession seeing Rodney Shith's work is one of these moments when you think "I'll put down that camera and never again touch it!"... at least at the first glance. But in the end it makes you striving even more for being the best version of yourself. But still it is looking up to a giant from somewhere between the grains of sand beside you...
Fantastic video as usual Tatiana. My problem with actor and model photography. Is these are the most attractive people who are trained to pose. Nothing wrong with that but I do prefer the more everyday and real work. That I can actually relate to in a more intimate and knowing way. for example I can't remember the photographer but his portrait of Picasso catching him off guard. Showed me more of the man than any of the posed work. Maybe it wasn't technically the best but there is something in it that speaks to me. And the same with Annie Leibovitz. Her magazine and fashion work is outstanding but it gets boring real fast. However her work with her family is light years more real more valuable in a much deeper way. All in my own humble opinion of course.
It’s nice, and there’s a lot of great images there. But it makes it a lot easier if you have money to afford models and fancy backgrounds. Most street photographers are struggling to just buy the equipment and learn the craft . Not to say there’s photographers who can’t find a way without having lots of money. But it sure makes it easier.
Hi Tatiana, very informed video. I’m not sure about your ideas as to what makes photos art. You don’t have to break genre boundaries plenty of artists have established genres in great at, you don’t need a paradox either, this is quite a modern concept in art. I think you need to have something to say as an artist, a medium to express that and something unique that either adds to or challenges the rules of genre in the way you say it. But hey what do I know! Vision is bang on! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for this video and thoughts on art in photography. Photography is absolutely part of art. But the term art is very broad. For me personally, art is what touches me and my soul. For example, Rodney Smith's technically perfect photos are lifeless and boring. If we look at Daido Moriyama's snapshots as a contrast, his pictures contain much more liveliness, authenticity and honesty. His pictures appeal to me. ...and perhaps that is more art than Rodney Smith's photos. Who knows? I am very happy to have found your channel. Your videos are very interesting and above all made with a passion that I really appreciate and enjoy.
I think Rodney Smith's work has a timeless feel. When you see a frame, it might take a minute to realize that it was shot in the last 30 years and not the last 100 years.
Tatiana, would you consider doing a piece on the Indian photo journalist Raghu Rai? Please have a look at his work if you haven't already. He's truly a great artist. He got his Magnum invite from none other than HCB.
Another well researched and edited mini documentary done here about fashion photographer Rodney Smith. Rodney Smith was very creative and imaginative photographer. No doubt he was inspired by the works of such photographers as, Man Ray, Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Guy Bourdin and the black trinity of fashion photography, David Bailey, Terrance Donovan and Brian Duffy. I think photography becomes like an artistic painting is when the photographer plans a photography project like a military campaign. To bring their vision or flight of fancy to life.
I'm still a big fan of Rodney Smith. His portrait/fashion photography style is kinda unusual, there are always some elements of surreality/absurdity. He seems like a big fan of hats (probably inspired by Rene Magritte).
I think a very simple answer is "Intent". Art can of course be accidental but its curated. There's intention by a photographer or artist. Not so much a declaration. It is hard to specifically define. For example an architectural photographer's intent might be to show a building at its best and satisfy the client and they create a beautiful piece of art as a secondary result. Did they intend for it to be art? Maybe. But conceptual work is definitely intended to be art.
Don't know how I landed here, but damn am I glad. I've been slowly moving towards strictly monochrome in my stills and film...this is what I needed to see, THIS is the path ahead. Your example of Richard sealed the deal. My experience so far with stills has been with WWII reenactors on a kodak 35 RF and my trusty Sony A5100. Got to do and be a part of some very cool stuff. This opens other doors into the world, some of those photos gave me the chills in a good way. So cool. Anyway, this is the second video of yours I have watched now. I love the insightfulness you put into your videos (and the transitions) I would hug you in appreciation, but be advised I can only squeeze 5% of what I feel, or I would crush you. Be well, be safe!
Would you mind telling me the type font you used in the video? (in the middle of the video at the border when showing book-pages) Very well done, it was really inspiring, thank you!
Of course photography is an art form. I wish I was better at creating compelling artistic images. I don't ever see myself hiring models, putting them in costumes and then in an outlandish positions or situations. Interesting images and food for thought. Again thanks for sharing the work of a photographer whose work I did not know.
Well done thoughtful video. I think art is ‘anything’ created for aesthetic pleasure. And pleasure resides solely in the eye of the beholder. I don’t believe that it’s any more complicated than that.
Photography is, first and foremost, a technique. This technique can be used for different purposes. While you can use photography to obtain data, you can also use it as a tool for artistic expression. Examples can be multiplied and many meaningful answers can be given starting with "because" to the question "why do you take photographs?" I also take photographs, but I do not have a conscious purpose. I am just passionate about photography. This is my only logical explanation. What we call art photography in particular and art in general is a compromise and has no certainty.
A really great video, you have an uncanny ability to weave together seemingly disparate ideas into a whole story. I didn't know about Rodney Smith until about two or three years ago and then I started seeing a lot about him (it's notable that you've visited him twice which is more that warranted). To say his work is whimsical and charming is an understatement. Another photographer who worked in fashion who might be comparable is Guy Bourdin. His work cannot be be said to be charming or whimsical, he did create unique tableaus from his fashion and models.
The concept of art is one that I believe is difficult if not impossible to make concrete. I get the sense that once one thinks they have it nailed down... they've really lost it and have just become occupied with its residue or effect. Personally, I don't believe its possible to truly explore the subject without embracing the topic of spirituality, which is considered ultimately intangible yet essential to the understanding and appreciation of things. It is the ultimate intangible and being in our physical/mental pursuit of it is where we experience/perceive manifestations of its nature, which we call art. It is materially unnecessary but is essential to the core of our well-being and desired experience. Photography, like anything else in the universe can express, through creative act, beyond utility. To me, from so many angles, this is evidence of Divinity.
Great video. It reminded me of this quote: "Great artists are not remarkable for being the best example of a type, but for being the only example." David Travis - Photography Rediscovered
watching this video gives me more understanding of the different between a snapshot and a photograph, my understanding of that it's a thin line between the two. This video makes the line thinner. With that being said, photography is definitely an art
Intresting video. You should make one about abstract photography witch is also a great way of making photos, one example is the work of Aaron Siskind, they look like real paintings. Anyways, good work!
Whenever someone asks, "What is art?", I am reminded of an artist friend of mine (Chester Arnold) who did a water color self portrait way back in the 70s. He had a twisted, quizzical expression, along with the above quote as a caption. Art, to me. He gave me a nice water color of a house with autumn foliage around it. Pretty picture, not art. Then again, an art school graduate friend once told me, "art is whatever people will pay for." LOL
I didn't have Rodney Smith on my radar at all but having watched this video I feel like I want to deep dive into his work! Thank you so much for the introduction! Since you've researched his books, is there a good "starting point" book that you would recommend, one that would serve as a good overall introduction into his work?
Hi! Thank you so much for watching, I would personally recommend Rodney Smith - Leap of Faith. Links are in the description if you’re interested, thanks again!
Photography is most definitely art. Anyone can draw a line or circle, but it takes time, practice and the want to create turn that drawing in to art. That is the same with photography. Just found your channel and I am loving it. Exposing myself to artist I have never heard of before.
Thank you, Tatiana, for another wonderful short film. You and your collaboraters put so much thought into every piece of the production and make it so fun and inspiring to watch. I wonder if Rodney Smith ever thought of himself as an illustrator as much as a photographer.
Wonderful! Thank you for introducing this artist. The whimsical nature of the images remind me of one of my favorite artists, Magritte. Truly inspiring.
I have to say your channel teaching me a lot about how to see a photograph and called it art / painting . Just like with this short film which is getting better and better every time I stop by . Yet, the way a photographer sees the world and records it as the moment but eternalized it to a master piece / an art piece just like Rodney Smith . Thank you for your precise insight about the photographer / artists / creator .
It’s amazing to see how really talented people incorporate the work of other painters, directors or photographers not just copying but creating a new style. Very valuable link to this artist.
Rodney Smith's work was visual poetry. The longer you gaze, the more meaning, depth, surprise, and joy you will find. If you ever have the opportunity to acquire The Hat Book, grab it. It's a small but stunning collection of images about, what else, hats. Thanks for visiting Smith's work again. Keep up the great work, Tatiana.
I must agree these photographs aren't easy to create an atmosphere of mirage; the more you try to grasp frames inside frames the more you run breathless in most of the picturisation where he himself ran his ideas through out the frames which went beyond with senses of uncertainties to unleash the frozen moments of performances which were on until someone by a spell of magic ordered to freeze! But for me the creativity of these photos have been felt much less intensely penetrating to my senses than I thought it would, because most of the photographs are too posy to cramp the subjects to become so stiff and they lack the beauty of overall ease and that hurts the aesthetics very sharply! I don't know if this has anything to do with the genre of photography he was so adept in; look for the geometric shapes in the photos they are more like cutouts of objects than the sensuous depth of shapes we find in the pictures of HCB, for example!
Too pretentious and you try so hard to explain a very simple concept, they took the photo because it looks cool, that's it. Also, what composing, they're all centered. Just say that you like the aesthetic and move on.
Not every artist on this channel is to my liking, but that's me, probably not the artist, and most certainly not Hopper. She knows art when she sees it. Your disdainful dismissal of this material got me to engage with it seriously. These "fashion" photos were intended to have a subversive effect on those people (especially elites and aspiring elites) who regularly consume fashion magazines. Pretension is featured and even the subject in some of these compositions, but they actually put pretension in its proper place, which is nowhere. You didn't object to the images of freedom -- they have no symbols of pretension, no tyrannical symmetry, no surreal settings. Those are just lovely. No, I believe that this Rodney Smith is an artist with a vision and a socially useful intent, and that he carried it all off masterfully. PS. Pretension is always bad in any amount. Being "too pretentious" just means being found out.
📌 The music part of the intro was claimed a couple of weeks after this video's original publishing date, hence why it's now muted. Apologies for that. Thank you everyone for taking your time to watch the video.
I haven’t seen much coverage of Herb Ritts anywhere, though I have some old magazines that discussed his work. He had an iconic style.
Tatiana. It's been a pleasure to tap into your brilliance. And yes, Rodney would have loved the Roy Orbison soundtrack, beautiful and melancholy at the same time.
Thank you Leslie! Appreciate it!
I love this work and would like to mention how much he seems to draw from Cartier-Bresson, Magritte's Son of Man and even Hitchcock in AJ Chasing Airplane. Beautiful work Tatiana!!
Yes I think I made a reference in my last video that AJ Chasing the Airplane reminded me of North By Northwest by Hitchcock, thank you so much for watching!
I saw Magritte all through the video :-)
very well presented, flipping thru the books was a nice touch.
Beautifully filmed, fitting music and some great work by Rodney Smith. What more could one ask for...
Thank you so much!
Wholly Smokes!!! Just what I needed for a bit of inspiration!!
When your video started, I was like "WOW...who is this artist Tatiana is showing...but then thought, hey, a little familiar..." then you mentioned the previous video (which I am about to go re-watch).
This is really good stuff. I like your analysis here...and like I said, good inspiration. Right now in New Orleans..it is HOT. Too hot and muggy to get out of the house much at all, much less go out and take good photos.
But this has already gotten me thinking of ideas to put together to "make" some art photos....outdoors when it gets a bit more 'humane'...or even for some indoor shots.
I'm writing them down.
I really love Rodney Smith whom you have introduced to me...I have a holiday coming up this week, and I might just order a book or two you recommend to look over between times with family and friends.
I hope all is well there with you and yours....
Thank you again for a wonderful presentation....and I must say, couldn't have come at a better time!!
CC
ps. I *still* think your speaking segments have a bit of "The Godfather" look to them..haha. I think it's great!!
cc
Sounds like the timing of this video was really perfect, I appreciate your words very much and I’m glad to see both the video but especially Rodney’s work is touching and inspiring to so many people. I’ll see you around in the next one with my Godfather lighting eheh
I am in love with this man’s work.
For me, I always held photos that were "Taken" at a far higher standard, than photos just created, made or posed.
Love Rodney Smith's work! I have his books and regularly enjoy going through them. He is such a creative artist. Thanks for doing this video.
Thank you so much for giving it a watch!
Ken Burns watch out, there's a new inspiring documentarian in town.
Who am I next to Ken Burns.. still have a lot to learn, he is one of my favourites :)
You really knocked it out of the park with this one Hopper. Damn am I now feeling inspired. I think central to this idea of pushing the envelope of a genre is first working within the envelope. This I really struggled to do when I started out photography a teenager. Every shot got a Dutch angle, but many poorly printed images... Now the reverse may be true, and soon I'll have to push the envelope and possibly tear it, before I'm too old
Great video, you should start receiving commissions for your work, it’s always fair and beautifully put. My vote would be to explore Richard Avedon next. Also I see you like Roy Orbison! One of the greats for me…
Vote for Avedon counted. Thanks so for watching and for your support, this version of his song is truly excellent!
This is one of the most important TH-cam channels - focus on education, learning and photography as an art form… not oversaturated guidance on how to make an Instagram banger!
Absolutely fantastic episode full of inspirational images, a true testament to one of my favourite photographers of all time. If anyone holds any doubts surrounding photography being art or if even photography is at all art please take a look at this amazing photographers books. The blend of imagination and technical perfection illustrated are within reach of so few thus as an audience our attention is captured by every single frame of Rodney Smiths work.
Tatiana I’m slowly becoming an addict of your channel please keep up the good work. A fan from Northern Spain.
Rodney Smith hasn't had the recognition he deserves. And thank you Tatiana for this video.
Thank you so much for watching!
A huge THANKS to you. Your thesis on this topic it´s exquisite, and it made me think a lot. The way you disassemble this photos has so much potential for inspiring...
Thank you so much I appreciate your words, I’m glad it made you think a lot about the topic. Cheers!
Great segment, Tatiana (they're all pretty great, but this one is special to me!) And a special thanks to Leslie Smolan. I saw the photo 'Jessica on Roof, Chicago, Illinois, 1997' in a copy of Communication Arts Magazine in 1999. Inspired by that image and others by Rodney Smith, and by Yousuf Karsh, I soon after I bought my first SLR and started taking photos in a serious way. Life had other plans (as many lives do), and the camera was packed away along with my photographic ambitions... but not forever. I re-entered the art a few years ago, still with same inspirations (and a few others). Rodney's images were a study for me once again in my exercises to hone the craft. Today I'm a professional photographer Canada with the PPOC.
Photography was always art. It was invented by artists for artistic purposes.
💯
I found out about Rodney Smith through your last video and fell in love with his work. It has everything I love about photography, for me there’s no question that it’s art. I will see if I can grab one of those books. Thank you for an excellent video ❤
I’m glad you watched that video, it really does offer more context to his life and progress until he reached these images we saw here, thanks so much for watching!
To me what makes photography an art is the person behind the camera. Some have a knack for seeing/composing images that have a strong emotional appeal, these photos are art. However, many photos, while technically excellent, are often documentary in nature, lacking a strong emotional appeal/reaction from the viewer. While not art in the strict sense they are very important as they can provide evidence of what things looked like.
Really interesting conversation about photography that goes beyond genre. It feels like something I’m trying to do with my own work.
Magnificent video. Looking at the images of Rodney Smith I understand that he was a fashion photographer and that his work went in that direction but I feel that his work has a very surreal component.
Absolutely, in the books there’s references and mentions to his main inspirations, so it’s well worth a deeper dive. Thank you for watching!
Rodney Smith's work was new to me, so thanks. It immediately reminds me of the paintings of René Magritte.
Love the stylized and "unpretentious" style of Rodney Smith. The photos looks like dreams that almost makes sense.
Thank you for watching!
@uniktbrukernavn
il y a 20 heures
Love the stylized and "unpretentious" style of Tatiana too. She made me feel what Rodney Smith art is about.
Looking at these amazing compositions, why was I thinking of Hitchcock again? Then you said "whimsical and sophisticated."
PS. I suspect that, also like Hitchcock, Rodney had, in addition to strong visions of modern life, some socially useful intent presented "under the radar" which is to say subversively in his work.
Of course - as you demonstrated - photography can become an art. In german we say "Kunst kommt von Können", which would translate as "Art is a word derived from Ability to do some" in which the idea of mastery in a certain field echoes. As a pro photog who is indeed making a living out of his profession seeing Rodney Shith's work is one of these moments when you think "I'll put down that camera and never again touch it!"... at least at the first glance. But in the end it makes you striving even more for being the best version of yourself. But still it is looking up to a giant from somewhere between the grains of sand beside you...
Fantastic video as usual Tatiana. My problem with actor and model photography. Is these are the most attractive people who are trained to pose. Nothing wrong with that but I do prefer the more everyday and real work. That I can actually relate to in a more intimate and knowing way. for example I can't remember the photographer but his portrait of Picasso catching him off guard. Showed me more of the man than any of the posed work. Maybe it wasn't technically the best but there is something in it that speaks to me. And the same with Annie Leibovitz. Her magazine and fashion work is outstanding but it gets boring real fast. However her work with her family is light years more real more valuable in a much deeper way. All in my own humble opinion of course.
From what I see Rodney Smith mostly is copying Rene Magritte - something I also thought of, but (unfortunately) I have no models at my disposal.
It’s nice, and there’s a lot of great images there. But it makes it a lot easier if you have money to afford models and fancy backgrounds.
Most street photographers are struggling to just buy the equipment and learn the craft . Not to say there’s photographers who can’t find a way without having lots of money. But it sure makes it easier.
Hi Tatiana, very informed video. I’m not sure about your ideas as to what makes photos art. You don’t have to break genre boundaries plenty of artists have established genres in great at, you don’t need a paradox either, this is quite a modern concept in art. I think you need to have something to say as an artist, a medium to express that and something unique that either adds to or challenges the rules of genre in the way you say it. But hey what do I know! Vision is bang on! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for this video and thoughts on art in photography. Photography is absolutely part of art. But the term art is very broad. For me personally, art is what touches me and my soul. For example, Rodney Smith's technically perfect photos are lifeless and boring. If we look at Daido Moriyama's snapshots as a contrast, his pictures contain much more liveliness, authenticity and honesty. His pictures appeal to me.
...and perhaps that is more art than Rodney Smith's photos. Who knows?
I am very happy to have found your channel. Your videos are very interesting and above all made with a passion that I really appreciate and enjoy.
Thank you so much for watching and for leaving your thoughts, I appreciate it.
Love the opening music😊 and the vid
Thank you! A bit of Roy Orbison never hurts nobody 🤝🏻
Love your videos 😊and the research you undergo … blessings and love from Dubai Photographer
Cheers! Greetings to Dubai! :)
@@TatianaHopper
I think Rodney Smith's work has a timeless feel. When you see a frame, it might take a minute to realize that it was shot in the last 30 years and not the last 100 years.
Tatiana, would you consider doing a piece on the Indian photo journalist Raghu Rai? Please have a look at his work if you haven't already. He's truly a great artist. He got his Magnum invite from none other than HCB.
I am so torn. Yes these are interesting photos, but for me they are staged and not as amazing as a specific point in time shot.
Another well researched and edited mini documentary done here about fashion photographer Rodney Smith. Rodney Smith was very creative and imaginative photographer. No doubt he was inspired by the works of such photographers as, Man Ray, Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Guy Bourdin and the black trinity of fashion photography, David Bailey, Terrance Donovan and Brian Duffy. I think photography becomes like an artistic painting is when the photographer plans a photography project like a military campaign. To bring their vision or flight of fancy to life.
I'm still a big fan of Rodney Smith. His portrait/fashion photography style is kinda unusual, there are always some elements of surreality/absurdity. He seems like a big fan of hats (probably inspired by Rene Magritte).
Fantastic. Bonus points for Roy Orbison.
Thanks for another great episode !
Great video Tatiana. In short, Smith was nothing short of brilliant his work articulate and amazing.
Thank you Rich, a comment that summarises his work really well!
I think a very simple answer is "Intent". Art can of course be accidental but its curated. There's intention by a photographer or artist. Not so much a declaration. It is hard to specifically define. For example an architectural photographer's intent might be to show a building at its best and satisfy the client and they create a beautiful piece of art as a secondary result. Did they intend for it to be art? Maybe. But conceptual work is definitely intended to be art.
Don't know how I landed here, but damn am I glad. I've been slowly moving towards strictly monochrome in my stills and film...this is what I needed to see, THIS is the path ahead. Your example of Richard sealed the deal. My experience so far with stills has been with WWII reenactors on a kodak 35 RF and my trusty Sony A5100. Got to do and be a part of some very cool stuff. This opens other doors into the world, some of those photos gave me the chills in a good way. So cool. Anyway, this is the second video of yours I have watched now. I love the insightfulness you put into your videos (and the transitions) I would hug you in appreciation, but be advised I can only squeeze 5% of what I feel, or I would crush you. Be well, be safe!
Grateful for your words Greg, thank you so much for taking the time to watch the videos.
Amazing chanell. Rodney Smith is one of the BEST to ever do it. Photography like this is ART!
Totally agree, thank you so much for watching!
Storm Thorgerson, who did the photographs and photo composits for Pink Floyd's album "Wish You Were Here " borrowed style elements from Rodney Smith.
I need to check it out Dan, cheers for the reference!
Love Rodney Smith. There’s so much brilliance in the simplicity of his photos that takes you away to another place 👌
They really do, thank you!
Would you mind telling me the type font you used in the video? (in the middle of the video at the border when showing book-pages) Very well done, it was really inspiring, thank you!
Of course photography is an art form. I wish I was better at creating compelling artistic images.
I don't ever see myself hiring models, putting them in costumes and then in an outlandish positions or situations. Interesting images and food for thought.
Again thanks for sharing the work of a photographer whose work I did not know.
As always thank you for watching and for your thoughtful comments Scott. Appreciate it and keep on photographing!
You certainly have a 'vision'. Greatly appreciate your vids.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Good job as usual. Your in depth reviews and teachings are appreciated. I learn from you what I would not have researched as well. Yes on Roy Orbison!
Thank you so much, I’m glad the videos are helpful, Orbison was very fitting here :)
Stuck for ideas? Turn to Rodney Smith. Glad you have featured him. Nice to hear Roy Orbison again too.
Thank you Geoff!
Well done thoughtful video. I think art is ‘anything’ created for aesthetic pleasure. And pleasure resides solely in the eye of the beholder. I don’t believe that it’s any more complicated than that.
Great take Ted, I agree and I would say that it also presents a concept or aims to go beyond what you’re seeing perhaps. Thanks again!
Photography is, first and foremost, a technique. This technique can be used for different purposes. While you can use photography to obtain data, you can also use it as a tool for artistic expression. Examples can be multiplied and many meaningful answers can be given starting with "because" to the question "why do you take photographs?" I also take photographs, but I do not have a conscious purpose. I am just passionate about photography. This is my only logical explanation. What we call art photography in particular and art in general is a compromise and has no certainty.
The Photographer Who Turned Every Frame **INTO** A Painting?
I think you should’ve double checked before writing that comment.
A really great video, you have an uncanny ability to weave together seemingly disparate ideas into a whole story. I didn't know about Rodney Smith until about two or three years ago and then I started seeing a lot about him (it's notable that you've visited him twice which is more that warranted). To say his work is whimsical and charming is an understatement. Another photographer who worked in fashion who might be comparable is Guy Bourdin. His work cannot be be said to be charming or whimsical, he did create unique tableaus from his fashion and models.
Great work as always! I really enjoy your channel, the thought process you bring to the videos and what I learn with each ones. Thank you!
Thank you so much Josh I really appreciate it!
His photos are amazing.
The concept of art is one that I believe is difficult if not impossible to make concrete. I get the sense that once one thinks they have it nailed down... they've really lost it and have just become occupied with its residue or effect. Personally, I don't believe its possible to truly explore the subject without embracing the topic of spirituality, which is considered ultimately intangible yet essential to the understanding and appreciation of things. It is the ultimate intangible and being in our physical/mental pursuit of it is where we experience/perceive manifestations of its nature, which we call art. It is materially unnecessary but is essential to the core of our well-being and desired experience. Photography, like anything else in the universe can express, through creative act, beyond utility. To me, from so many angles, this is evidence of Divinity.
Absolutely loved this video!
Thank you so much!
Superb photography!❤
Photography is an art.
Great video. It reminded me of this quote: "Great artists are not remarkable for being the best example of a type, but for being the only example."
David Travis - Photography Rediscovered
Great quote! Thank you so much for sharing and watching the video!
watching this video gives me more understanding of the different between a snapshot and a photograph, my understanding of that it's a thin line between the two. This video makes the line thinner. With that being said, photography is definitely an art
It's always a joy to catch an episode. Thanks for sharing!
Intresting video. You should make one about abstract photography witch is also a great way of making photos, one example is the work of Aaron Siskind, they look like real paintings. Anyways, good work!
Love Aaron Siskind
I’ll check it out, thank you so much!
Is there a link to the US Amazon so you get some credit?
There’s links in the description, not sure if it’ll take you to the US Amazon. Cheers!
teaching people how to see with their eyes closed. Well done.
Thank you!
Ok
So beautiful and inspiring ❤
Thank you!
Whenever someone asks, "What is art?", I am reminded of an artist friend of mine (Chester Arnold) who did a water color self portrait way back in the 70s. He had a twisted, quizzical expression, along with the above quote as a caption. Art, to me. He gave me a nice water color of a house with autumn foliage around it. Pretty picture, not art. Then again, an art school graduate friend once told me, "art is whatever people will pay for." LOL
Makes sense of course especially when you consider the whole gallery business and selling art pieces for millions of dollars.
I didn't have Rodney Smith on my radar at all but having watched this video I feel like I want to deep dive into his work! Thank you so much for the introduction!
Since you've researched his books, is there a good "starting point" book that you would recommend, one that would serve as a good overall introduction into his work?
Hi! Thank you so much for watching, I would personally recommend Rodney Smith - Leap of Faith. Links are in the description if you’re interested, thanks again!
Excellent video Tatiana
Thank you James!
Photography is most definitely art. Anyone can draw a line or circle, but it takes time, practice and the want to create turn that drawing in to art. That is the same with photography. Just found your channel and I am loving it. Exposing myself to artist I have never heard of before.
Great comparison with the everyone can draw a circle. You’re right. And yes photography is art in my eyes too!
Thank you, Tatiana, for another wonderful short film. You and your collaboraters put so much thought into every piece of the production and make it so fun and inspiring to watch.
I wonder if Rodney Smith ever thought of himself as an illustrator as much as a photographer.
Thank you so much Ted! I really appreciate it and I’m so glad you enjoyed this piece, I don’t know if he ever did but it’s a curious question.
Wonderful! Thank you for introducing this artist. The whimsical nature of the images remind me of one of my favorite artists, Magritte. Truly inspiring.
Magritte was a great influence indeed. Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you Tatiana for your great travel inside an artist's soul. Great video which makes me love photography even more.
Thank you I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I have to say your channel teaching me a lot about how to see a photograph and called it art / painting . Just like with this short film which is getting better and better every time I stop by . Yet, the way a photographer sees the world and records it as the moment but eternalized it to a master piece / an art piece just like Rodney Smith . Thank you for your precise insight about the photographer / artists / creator .
I appreciate your words, thank you so much for your comment and for taking time to watch the video!
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
It’s amazing to see how really talented people incorporate the work of other painters, directors or photographers not just copying but creating a new style. Very valuable link to this artist.
Rodney Smith's work was visual poetry. The longer you gaze, the more meaning, depth, surprise, and joy you will find. If you ever have the opportunity to acquire The Hat Book, grab it. It's a small but stunning collection of images about, what else, hats. Thanks for visiting Smith's work again. Keep up the great work, Tatiana.
I must agree these photographs aren't easy to create an atmosphere of mirage; the more you try to grasp frames inside frames the more you run breathless in most of the picturisation where he himself ran his ideas through out the frames which went beyond with senses of uncertainties to unleash the frozen moments of performances which were on until someone by a spell of magic ordered to freeze! But for me the creativity of these photos have been felt much less intensely penetrating to my senses than I thought it would, because most of the photographs are too posy to cramp the subjects to become so stiff and they lack the beauty of overall ease and that hurts the aesthetics very sharply! I don't know if this has anything to do with the genre of photography he was so adept in; look for the geometric shapes in the photos they are more like cutouts of objects than the sensuous depth of shapes we find in the pictures of HCB, for example!
Will do! Thank you so much Terry! I appreciate your comment and recommendation.
Please do one with music…
It’s literally explained in the pin comment.
I know, but its such a wonderful video, damn its lacking music... It feels like eating a burger without cola drink :)
You’re welcome to watch all the other videos on the channel, usually they all have music, just this one unfortunately the music was claimed :)
I really appreciate this video 😊
Thank you so much Sophie!
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I don't think photography is A R T! nuts!
meh... black and white and vintage doesnt automatically mean art
It doesn’t that’s why I justified my logic with cohesive arguments. Ultimately it’s also a question of opinion and taste.
Too pretentious and you try so hard to explain a very simple concept, they took the photo because it looks cool, that's it. Also, what composing, they're all centered. Just say that you like the aesthetic and move on.
If I wanted to say it something a certain way I’m pretty sure I would’ve said it. If you don’t like it that’s okay 👍🏻 cheers for watching anyways
Nobody asked or cares for your opinion, especially when you are being rude and condescending! If something is not to your taste, don't watch it.
Not every artist on this channel is to my liking, but that's me, probably not the artist, and most certainly not Hopper. She knows art when she sees it.
Your disdainful dismissal of this material got me to engage with it seriously. These "fashion" photos were intended to have a subversive effect on those people (especially elites and aspiring elites) who regularly consume fashion magazines. Pretension is featured and even the subject in some of these compositions, but they actually put pretension in its proper place, which is nowhere. You didn't object to the images of freedom -- they have no symbols of pretension, no tyrannical symmetry, no surreal settings. Those are just lovely.
No, I believe that this Rodney Smith is an artist with a vision and a socially useful intent, and that he carried it all off masterfully.
PS. Pretension is always bad in any amount. Being "too pretentious" just means being found out.