“Silence and solitude have a lot to tell us, if we’re willing to listen.” This resonates deeply with me, especially now as I reflect on the recent advancements in Lightroom and AI. The way these technologies have transformed photography in just the past six months is truly remarkable. With just a few AI keystrokes, I can dramatically enhance my images. It’s exciting to see how many people can now create stunning photographs using their iPhones, and those with technical backgrounds can navigate Lightroom effortlessly. It makes me wonder if traditional photography—once dominated by the vision of icons like Ansel Adams—is fading. Is landscape photography dying?
I’ve heard many photographers expressing this sentiment, feeling that the art is done, and they’ve moved on. That’s their journey, and I respect it. But for me, that idea simply isn’t true.
I believe the dialogue between tradition and modernity in photography is more about evolution than replacement. The rise of AI and accessible tools has transformed how I create and appreciate images, but this doesn’t signal the end of the classic landscape aesthetics championed by masters like Ansel Adams. Instead, I see it as an incredible opportunity—a chance for me to blend my deep-rooted passion for traditional techniques with the innovative capabilities of modern technology. I often wonder if the damage to the left side of my brain from the tumor has somehow given my right brain an even larger voice in my creative process.
For me, this fusion enriches the way I capture the world. I can honor the past while embracing the future, and I’m genuinely curious about how these changes will continue to shape the narrative of landscape photography. I am excited to explore how I can use these newer tools to tell my own story in fresh and exciting ways.
A great example of this fusion is my image of “Artists Palette after a Clearing Storm.” This piece illustrates my desire to capture beauty that honors the traditional while taking advantage of the advancements available to me. As I continue on this journey, I’m eager to explore how I can further weave these modern technologies into my artistic practice. Each shot I take allows me to convey the emotion and essence of the landscapes I encounter, and I look forward to what lies ahead in this evolving narrative.
