As I continue to read Ansel Adams's Autobiography; I wish I could have met the man.

His words continue to resonate strongly with my personal views of photography. For me, photography is conveying onto micro-chip (alas I miss film) that unique image that appears in my minds-eye. My images are often of interesting angles or lighting, rather then a depiction of a scene.

This, in my view, is the beauty and power of photography.

Gather five photographers to a location and the outcome will be five different unique perspectives. I see this occur in my photography workshops. It's amazing how we see things differently.

With photography; I  believe that it is the eye and mind - not the equipment that make the difference.

Ansel wrote:
"If I don't see an image in terms of the subject and it's creative potential, I no longer contest my instincts. I am certain that another photographer's eye might perceive wonders at the scene that evaded me."

I enjoy exploring the world with other photographers, often my students. Observing the images through their minds-eye. Their view of the same subject is different than my own. Not better - not worse - just different,  Exactly as Ansel himself commented. Exactly as it should be.

I am currently reading the Ansel Adams Autobiography and found the following quote resonates strongly my photography mantra:

"I never know in advance precisely what I will photograph. I go out into the world and hope I will come across something that imperatively interests me."

Likewise; my images are not planned. I'll pick a destination yet have no idea what I will encounter. This not-knowing mindset drives my photographic passions.

​Adams book has inspired me to do more black & white photography, as I did with film many years ago. With Ansel Adams in mind, with a tip of the lens cap, this is an image taken at Yosemite National Park in 1973 - in  my early days!
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Click to view all of my 1973 Yosemite National Park Images.