Bob Crum

Ever have the feeling that your brain knows what you want to communicate but the fingers on the keyboard aren't getting the message? The fingers are poised ready to type but the compendium of ideas are stuck in an abstract quagmire.

Dedicated readers know my passion for photography rests in its multitude of opportunities to create photographs. Attempts to convey that creative essence is difficult at best... mostly impossible. I'm often stymied.

Then serendipitously to my rescue, photographer extraordinaire Russ Burden pens his photo tip of the week: “We're not gonna TAKE it!

Like Burden, I too would be rich if I had a dime every time someone asked: 'Could you TAKE my picture?' The reason TAKE is in bold, Burden explains, is because he takes exception to that word with regards to photography. Instead he prefers the word MAKE vs. take. I agree!

It's logical, not mere semantics. Burden asks isn't it more accurate and appropriate to make a work of art as opposed to take a work of art? A sculptor doesn't 'take' a statute, he 'makes' it says Burden. An oil painter doesn't take a framed masterpiece, he makes it. So why is the word TAKE relegated to a photographer? To make a photograph implies it's creative, deserves greater status, and it's an art piece. Hallelujah! This validates my incessant preaching that a photo should be made, not merely taken. I have touted the creative aspects of photography since column one!

Last week I mentioned that arriving at a photo op, I'll take a moment to first peruse it's photographic potential. Visualize the compositional options. From where and how can I capture the most compelling composition? I may need to get to a better position... get lower or higher... to eliminate distractions from my subject. I make this happen... not take this happen. I'm doing more than simply lifting the camera and taking a snapshot.

Light is paramount. Generally, the golden hours around sunrise and sunset are prime. But even overcast skies present creative opportunities. Perhaps a moody scene? Although the sun isn't casting it's warm glow on the topography, make the photo, don't just take it.

I often revisit an exemplary scene because the light is never the same. Many times I visit a place for the first time and greeted with unexpected circumstances. For example, one day I traveled up to Montaña de Oro State Park just south of Los Osos. This park features many geographical features like secluded sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. There are rock outcroppings extending out into the ocean. On an incoming tide, the crashing waves are spectacular photo ups.

I checked the tide charts and picked a day for an incoming tide from approximately noon onward. It was sunny all the way to Los Osos where.. oh no!... fog! Ugh! Undaunted, I went on to Montaña de Oro . After a short hike to the coast, sure enough I was greeted with fog thicker then sea poop, er, pea soup! In spite of the conditions, I made several interesting photos such as this week's photo of the week. I like the fog blending in with the ocean. (check website for better image) It took several camera adjustments to make this photo. Notice the surfer? The only disappointment was that the gorgeous Montaña de Oro mermaids were nowhere to be found.

Yell with me: I am not going to TAKE it anymore! Heretofore, you are going to MAKE exquisite, compelling, award-winning photographs because you are creative. Instead of picture taker, be the photographer!

Send your comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com