
There is flow all around us …
Growing up in Vancouver, I was always aware of the water and changing sky. We had the good fortune of living with a spectacular view of the city and harbour and every day I would simply look out the window for my weather forecast. We could see far to the west from where the Pacific weather systems originated allowing me to decide if this would be a good day to go out and explore in my small boat.
Many years later … as a participant in a Fine Art Photography course taught by the very creative Sharon Tenenbaum, I was challenged to come up with six images on a theme. Inspired by the images of Ursula Albresch, I began to play with some new ideas. These images are the result.
The images are all composites, where one layer is superimposed over another. Each base layer is a local scene, familiar to Vancouverites, with a second layer added to represent the atmospheric flow.
Some of the local scenes were photographed for the project. Others, like the convention centre above, had been waiting in my computer for their opportunity to spring to life.
Pushing the boundaries
I find the biggest challenge I face as a photographer is the tendency to keep on doing what I have successfully done before. The problem with repetition is that it becomes routine and stifles creativity. I often imagine myself in a deep trench, unable to see what is out there until I fight hard to climb out. One of the reasons for taking a course is to be pushed in new directions so I’m very thankful for this project even though at times it was like groping in the dark. The creative process, as I keep re-learning, is definitely not linear, predictable or controllable. But when the right conditions for creativity are set, it usually rewards.





About the photography
As mentioned above, the base layer of each composite is a local scene. The superimposed layers were made by photographing water ripples. To do that, I set up a pan of water with a coloured image reflecting in the water. A flash was used to illuminate the scene. Once I had the exposures and positioning all set, I used a small blower to create the ripples on the water. The picture below shows my set up. I made several hundred images this way.

Initially, I intended to use colour in the images. And the colour looked awesome! But I felt that it totally changed the intent of the images by making them more about the colour than the idea of flow. So, with some BW conversions, my project was underway.

I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts on this project …
– how do you climb out of the rut?
– what do you think of this project?
– do you prefer the colour or black and white?
Thanks for reading!
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These are inspiring images, Dennis. I definitely feel like I am in a rut, although mine is really about finding the down time to “disappear” into creativity. But these images are just what I need to see. Fantastic. I like the black and white images as they blend more with the subject. The first might have been just a bizarre sky. I do not know how to use PS so not sure if I could use this post processing technique, but it has given me some thoughts about in camera multiple exposures. Thanks for the inspiration….again!
Happy Christmas to you and your entire family. They are blessed to have you and I am sure that they give you joy too.
Chris
Chris, I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. Wait until you have more time, the creativity will be overflowing. Glad you enjoyed the images. Best of the season to you and Liz.
Very interesting story and images, Dennis! I’m always impressed by your creativity – even when you are in a rut, you produce very good photographs. But I know what you mean, we can begin to feel stale, I have to admit I have felt it, and working on a project is the solution – getting out and just doing something different breaks the wall of inertia! I love the black-and-white images, I agree with Chris Leach that the color, while wild, could have been distracting as it became the subject too much. Keep on creating and Happy Holidays to you and family!
Brenda, thanks so much for the kind compliments. And thank you for the creative works that you share too. I agree, a project has enormous potential for so many things in our photography. Thanks for keeping in touch!
While the colour image is arresting, the black & white image is simply gorgeous! Ansel Adams would be proud! Very interesting process. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Ernie. Any comparison to Ansel is high praise indeed!
Chris…Sharon Tenenbaum teaches PS…not many teachers around the Vancouver area…that I’m aware of…Dennis…they are simply superb…keep them coming…so glad to hear that you enjoyed Sharon’s Fine Art Class at Langara
Thanks, Irene! I’ll be sure to do that!
Thanks for the info on PS, Irene. My colleague at UFV told me of the Langara photography program and sung its praises.
Dennis, what stunning images and even more so, what a thoughtful narrative on creativity. I’m so glad I came across this – so inspiring.
Thank you very much, Paula. Glad to ‘meet’ you!
As per usual your images are fascinating and an inspiration to do more and to approach the usual in a different way.
Thank you for showing how this mesmerizing image of Vancouver came together.
detlef, thanks for taking the time to look and comment. I really value your thoughts.
These are very interesting and beautiful photographs. I seem to like the black and white better but the colour image is also superb. I hope to one day have the skill set to do this type of work. When I seem to get in a rut I just need to grab my camera and go out by myself to either some place new or a place that I haven’t visited for awhile.
I agree, Randy. Going out by myself is the best way to get in the creative mode. Thanks for taking the time to comment.