"Living is an inherently emotional business."
— David Brooks
— David Brooks
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| Doesn't this image by Gene Sasse just make you want to have a romantic dinner on the patio? |
Suspend your attachment to reason and logic for just this post. Take a moment to consider- the difference between good and great isn't always neatly quantifiable.
Issue 29 of photographer Gene Sasse's Newsletter is about the awe factor of commercial photography. PLEASE take a moment to enjoy. As his newsletter copywriter, my job is to help him find the words to reinforce the message of his photographs.
For all the technical advancements in publishing images, the math and science is still secondary to artistic wizardry.
Falling in love with an image is like falling in love with a human being. It isn't just about competence or measurable data. There is an emotional factor.
I'm okay with a camera. I can do composition and play with Photo Shop style programs. But I am no more a major league photographer than I am a professional baseball player.
I'm pretty good with composition. I can manipulate my way through Photoshop- style programs. In short, I can competently convey a thought with images. But an image of mine make someone swoon with desire?
My photos are fine for blogging- which I think of as my sketch book- my practice for larger projects. Yet they very rarely hold the emotional impact needed for commerce.
What the uninitiated to graphic-intense publishing rarely appreciate is that there are photographic dilettantes (like me) and Michelangelos (like Gene).
The true photographer renders images of structures in perfect square. They know instinctively the most compelling angle. They can capture the texture of a watercolor under glass. They know when to exactly replicate a color, when to brighten it or when to understate it- all depending on the story to be told.
Looks like photography to sell kitchen appliances, patio furniture & hardscape.
ReplyDeleteA lot would have to change to make me want to have dinner here.
Natural lite, candles, lamps, mix of wood & metal furniture, couch, pair of club chairs, end tables, coffee table.
This type of photography must be great to sell product but it's not selling me exterior living.
And I find that harmful to professional designers of exterior living.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Good morning early bird Tara!
ReplyDeleteI love your suggestions to comfy-up the space.
L,
ReplyDeleteI feel just the opposite about that picture. I think it's warm and inviting and elegant. I would love to have dinner there!
It sort of reminds me of some of the places I have seen the couples enjoy an intimte dinner on The Bachelor. Lovely.
XO Trisha
I like the photo also! It's inviting to me because it's elegant. Not that I am elegant, I like to feel that way though. T, you and I would enjoy a meal there! Or at least a glass of wine. x o
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Trisha.
ReplyDeleteYou and Tara have just demonstrated the artistic power of a photograph.
You have also both articulated how "set decoration" changes tell different stories.
This week I am espcially fone of stories that don't involve hiding places for snakes):-
Of this I am sure. Snakes showing up at an otherwise romantic moment aren't helpful to "the cause".
Off to pick up some supplies so I can as Tara Dillard's motto goes, "Garedne and Be Well"
Oregon Sue- Good morning.
ReplyDeleteThat Patio would be perfect to be served some of that Sinatra Family Cabernet on. By that waiter Simon in Palm Springs who sings like Hugh Jackman.
Artistic images free the imagination- even when the story told is not exactly our cup of tea- the viewer makes it so.
Lydia,
ReplyDeleteI went back and looked at the photo for a good long while. The first time I failed to see it but what a great place to dance during that romantic evening with your sweetie! I think what the setting needs is some green potted plants around and it would be perfect! Yes, Sue, a glass of wine there would be wonderful but I'm game for the complete dinner then dancing! :):)
Hi Anonymous- When I was studying photos for David Michael Miller story in current issue of Western Art and Architecture- every room had a plant. David explained the "connection" people have when something living is in the room.
ReplyDelete