9 Oct
2012
Posted in: Arizona, Composition, Creativity, desert
By    6 Comments

An Abstract on the Intimate Landscape


Back in the early days after turning “pro”, (as much as you can call a photographer with very few pictures and even fewer clients a pro) I had a converstaion with Pete Ensenberger, then the Director of Photograhy at Arizona Highways. I told Pete I was scouring the desert, working hard, but was having trouble finding these beautiful close up images my competitors were showing. Pete, the nicest guy in the universe, couldn’t help but laugh at loud at my naiveté. He explained that its pretty well understood that close ups were manipulated.

So I went down to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and during some rare overcast put together an image I call “Cactus Parts”. I started with a blank piece of ground and spent the next 2 1/2 hours finding the parts and putting it together. Everything came from one dead saguaro cactus except the lone cholla nugget in the upper left I used to counterpoint the “eye” of the cactus bark.

cactus parts

Canham 45DLC, 210 Nikkor, Velvia, 1/2 second @ f22

I then took a trip to the east coast to shoot with Ian and made several more manipulated close ups. Ian also put together some beautiful compositions on that trip. However, since then I have quit manipulating my close ups altogether. The reasons are many. Different photographers define a “close up” or “intimate landscape” differently. I have met some to whom a close up is anything without a sky, because without a sky it doesn’t qualify for “Grand Landscape” status. And then, because it’s a close up, anything goes. Two glad bags full of maple leaves, whatever it takes.

I simply decided that I can’t go there. If I show a manipulated close up (like today), I do so with full disclosure. As a photographer, I shoot what I find. To be sure, I’m not saying that theres anything wrong with manipulating close ups, and when my mobility is gone, maybe I’ll spend my time shooting close ups in the studio. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be calling each of them  a “Still Life”.

cactus ribs

Canham 45DLC, 450mm Fujinon C, 1/4 second @ f45

I’m including a “found” close up I shot the following day, called “Cactus Ribs”.

About George Stocking (51 Posts)

George Stocking is a professional freelance photographer, residing in Phoenix, AZ. He works regularly as a contract photographer for Arizona Highways, and his work often graces the pages of Arizona Highways Magazine, Calendars and Books. In addition to capturing the natural beauty of the Arizona Landscape, George also photographs the western United States and Canada. His work has appeared in numerous national publications, such as: Backpacker, Outdoor Photographer, USGA Golf Journal, Country Magazine, Audubon Calendars, Adventure West, America West Airlines Magazine, Portal Publications (posters), Impact, Towery Publications (books) and Smith Southwestern. Other publications include: Oregon Outside, Arizona Foothills, Arizona Adventure, and Plateau Magazine


6 Comments

  • Bill Chambers October 10, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Beautiful images, especially “Cactus Parts”. It looks very natural. I never manipulate close ups; not because I have any inherent problems with the idea, but because I’m so bad at doing it and it looking natural after I get through. They always look “arranged”, which is exactly what they are. I’ve come to appreciate the natural beauty of found compositions much better.

    • George Stocking October 10, 2012 at 10:56 am

      Bill, many thanks for chiming in. I think you’ve said it perfectly. “They always look too arranged.”

      I also think Cactus Parts looks “arranged”, at least from one point of view.

      I’ve been doing this full time for 17 or 18 years, so I’ve spent alot of time wandering the deserts. IMO the chances of running into a natural arrangement (like cactus parts) in the desert is about the same as winning the lottery.

      • George Stocking October 10, 2012 at 11:12 am

        oh and Bill, when I found “Cactus Ribs” the next day, I pretty much felt as is I HAD won the lottery…..

  • Dirk M. October 10, 2012 at 10:00 am

    This subject has been on my mind too, especially with all the possibilities with fall color compositions. I’ve decided that pulling a couple of distracting branches or weeds out of the way is alright, but composing an intimate scene isn’t for me. I have no issue with what other photographers do, but the times I’ve tried to put together my own intimate scape it’s lacked that emotional connection needed to make a good photo.

    • George Stocking October 10, 2012 at 11:04 am

      Dirk, I’m with you in that I no issues with prudent gardening.

      If you want to try to set up some closeups you might think about mimic-ing a bit of the randomness of nature within your image.

      ie, aspen leaves don’t always fall face up; they aren’t all a variegated red and green. some are faded yellow, some are blighted and brown – I’m pretty sure you’re following me here.

      look for leading elements to connect the repetitive shapes created by the leaves. pine needles, for instance work nicely.

      these kind of touches in small doses can help the viewer connect to the image, as well as help it look more natural.

  • Ian Plant October 11, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    None of my close ups are “manipulated.” I find every single one in a perfectly natural state. I work very hard to find scenes where all of the leaves fall color side up and randomly arrange themselves in pleasing patterns.


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