Merced Abstract, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004 photo

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery One: Travel Abstractions -- Unlimited Thought > Merced Abstract, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004

previous | next


15-OCT-2004

Merced Abstract, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004

I photographed four sticks protruding from the low Merced River within a shimmering reflection of El Capitan, to create this abstract view of two of Yosemite’s most familiar landmarks. This image is intended to prod the imagination of viewer. I fully intend it to say less about Yosemite National Park, and more about the sensibilities of those who interpret it. As with most abstractions, this image has its roots in reality and its substance in fantasy. I know what it says to me, but I’d like very much to know how it affects you. Let me know with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

(In the Spring of 2005 I reinterpreted this image as a lesson in the power of Photoshop to enhance and intensify meaning. My reinterpretation appears on the next page.)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20
1/125s f/4.0 at 23.3mm iso80 hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time	15-Oct-2004 02:37:05
Make	Panasonic
Model	DMC-FZ20
Flash Used	No
Focal Length	23.3 mm
Exposure Time	1/125 sec
Aperture	f/4
ISO Equivalent	80
Exposure Bias	-0.33
White Balance	(10)
Metering Mode	multi spot (3)
JPEG Quality	(6)
Exposure Program	program (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

previous | next

Phil Douglis		17-Mar-2007 18:57
Thanks, Andrew, for this comment. By breaking the image down to its various components and studying them part by part, you can discover how the different parts of an image may complement, contrast, or reinforce each other. Glad you find this one serves that purpose. As you can see, this picture and its counterpart athttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/44199956 now show nearly 100 combined comments and responses since October, 2004. It is has been worth is weight in gold as a teaching image.

Guest		17-Mar-2007 06:56
I find this a fascinating image. Overall I think it gives me a sense of emergence, very hard to define, but lots of possibilities. Can't relate it to Yosemite, even having been there, it is broader than that. I enjoy getting more out of it each time I come back to it, especially when viewed at medium and original. On my computer screen I can't see the whole image at original, but still get lots out of small areas of the image. Not surprisingly I get different things from seeing the whole image, as the old adage says, the total is greater than the sum of the parts. Thanks for making me and teaching me to think

Phil Douglis		23-Oct-2006 20:37
Glad you learned this lesson, Azlin. Be observant. Always take the time to think about what is before you, and what it means to you and what it might mean to others. And then photograph it.

Azlin Ahmad		20-Oct-2006 16:31
This is a fantastic image, Phil! Very well spotted, and it inspires me to be more observant of my surroundings, there is after all beauty in everything if we open our eyes to see it.

Phil Douglis		29-Jun-2006 06:28
Thanks for your question and your link, Emi. I loved your image for what it suggested to me. I agree that you should not tell a viewer what to see or think, but let viewers come up with their own answers. I always title my pictures by subject, location, and date, and let the viewer take it from there. So your image might be titled something like I titled this one: simply Merced Abstract, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004. I think I owe my viewers that much, but I don't want to go any further and try to impose the meaning of an abstraction on them. I leave it up to them. And so should you.

Guest		29-Jun-2006 05:29
Phil Douglis 29-Oct-2004 21:43 An abstraction encourages our imaginations to work. ******************************************************* When I got to this picture, it reminds me a picture of mine which Jenene left a comment at. http://www.pbase.com/clarkerobinson/image/61915430 As I quoted your line saying an abstraction encourages our imaginations to work, so there is a question comes to my mind - should we give a title to an abstraction ? Emi

Phil Douglis		19-May-2006 18:58
What a wonderfully thoughtful comment, Jenene. It continues a run of many such insightful comments. This image has provoked more response than almost any other image in my cyberbook, primarily because it offers so much room for the viewer's imagination to roam. Your comment focuses on something that is very important to me -- the role of dialogue as a teaching catalyst. There is an ebb and flow to this dialogue that, as you imply, tells us as much about the individuals making these comments as it does about the Merced River itself. There is a river of thought flowing through this dialogue, Jenene, that is every bit as important, if not more important, than my image itself as an instructional resource. I am frequently asked why I spend so much time and effort on this site. My answer is always the same. I learn. These dialogues make me not only a better photographer but a better teacher. Why? Because as you say so beautifully, they make me more conscious of my own world. And if they can do the same for all who contribute to this discussion, and for all who come to read this dialogue, all the better.

JSWaters		19-May-2006 16:34
You must be very gratified with all the thoughtful commentary on this image, Phil. My reaction is similar to those of Tim May and John Boyd. I know Yosemite and therefor cannot help but bring that experience to viewing this image. It is a wonderful distillation to an essence of that beautifully grand yet peaceful place. What impresses me more is not so much the different interpretations and reactions, but the river your commentors forge (sorry, couldn't resist) to come to their interpretation. Isn't fascinating to hear two viewpoints, neither with physical experience of this place - Nut discusses researching the landmarks (no surprise an engineer would do this) to provide context, while Ruth, the artist, allows the visual image itself to surround her and seep into her imagination. John said something that I think is what started this reflection for me, "Knowing we cannot put, “The Special feeling” into an image for those who have not been to Yosemite and have felt its beauty we need to concentrate on the form, color and composition of the image itself. This image does speak to form and composition and should be enough for us to be able to enjoy. " I agree that the "Special feeling" John speaks of will be a different experience for those who've been to Yosemite, but by concentrating on form, color and composition you allow your viewers to create their own 'special feeling', whether it's a reaction to this image or another. I feel as if I've been looking at actual neural connections being made by these commentors, the end result being a more aware and active presence in their own world.

Phil Douglis		17-Apr-2006 07:18
That's the point, Derrick -- to make images that trigger thoughts in the imagination of my viewers is a great joy. The greater degree of abstraction, the greater the chance for this to happen. Glad it happened to you here.

Guest		05-Apr-2006 22:24
I think the beauty of abstracts is that we all see something different in them, i have viewed this particular image a few time now, and even though it is a reflection of El Capitan in the Merced, to me this is not a matter of importance, it is the image itself. Now, what i see: 2 faces, right hand side, 1 man 1 woman, on the left i see an animal could be a cow or maybe a sheep, and just to the right of this, a young girls face appears from the dark, could i go on, oh yes, i have just spotted another 2 faces bottom left hand corner, below the animal i can see, and i have now come across another 4 faces i can see, my imagination is runiing wild tonight

Phil Douglis		27-Dec-2005 20:27
Thanks, Ivan, for bringing your imagination to bear on this image. I like your metaphor of the water as the past.

Ivan		27-Dec-2005 17:22
It does provoke imagination. I would imagine what lies beneath the ever flowing water. The sticks lead you into the water, into the long gone history.

dodong		25-Oct-2005 03:22
This is an abstract painting to me. Simply Brilliant.

Phil Douglis		08-Oct-2005 00:07
Once again, this image has provoked the imagination of a view, Ed -- you. I am delighted you are bringing your own context to it as well.

Guest		05-Oct-2005 04:23
At first, I thought I was looking at an image of an imperfect metallic surface with some sort of chinese/japanese calligraphic inscription on it. Of course, maybe its because I'm asian so it's easier to evoke such an abstraction that is partially based from what maybe a familiar image to me.

Phil Douglis		12-Aug-2005 19:15
You show a remarkable grasp of photographic structure here, Lisbeth. I agree with you on the dimensional illusion here. The shapes are organic -- your use of that word is significant here, because to me organic means a relationship that is harmonious -- all the parts here are necessary to the whole. They are also non-definable, which is at the root of abstraction. True abstractions do not have boundaries or limits -- you can make of them whatever the imagination offers. I love your metaphor of exploring an underwater cave without goggles. You give me new eyes to see this image with, Lisbeth. No tranquility here, indeed. Abstraction, as I have often said, is a force that asks questions of the viewer and demands answers. It does not not show us what is, but rather implies what may be. I certainly agree with you that the success of an abstraction is often the measure of how many different interpretations can be triggered in the imaginations of the viewer. And this one has certainly produced a rich and diverse flow of meanings (pun intended). I have one question for you, Lisbeth. This image is very close to what I saw with my own eyes. To demonstrate the power of color to express meaning, I reinterpreted my this image by shifting and intensifying the color values slightly in Photoshop, which made the scene warmer and richer. It is no longer what I saw, but rather what I wanted to see. It is posted immediately following this image athttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/44199956 . Can you take a look at it, and post your impressions beneath it for me as well? Many thanks, Lisbeth, for your stimulating and thoughtful analysis.

Lisbeth Landstrøm		12-Aug-2005 18:30
After first looking at the photo - and afterwards reading the comments - I can tell that I was experiencing the same as Nut according to the very first comment: 3D. The "water-landscape" is quite magnetic because of its very organic shapes. The forms are non-definable and quite impossible to "settle" - like exploring an underwater cave without googles. The sticks for me poses another layer to the photo; emerging from the "water-landscape" but with no signs of the continuation below the water-surface - just reflections - they switch me "up to surface" and shows me the real scene, and reminds me that sticks are grounded - just as Earth is round and not flat. And their cryptic message starts puzzling in the backhead because at this level there must be a meaning.... So no tranquility here :-) Our different associations must tell a lot of us. Concerning the photo I guess the succes of a true abstration is shown by the rich variation on how it is seen... I had a very interesting time here. Thank you.

Phil Douglis		02-Jun-2005 04:27
It is humbling to have one's work spoken of in the same breath as that of Ansel Adams. Indeed, he made his reputation in this very park, and he even photographed aspects of this very same river. He built his images out of light, and his own abstraction implied the majesty and mysteries of nature. I am deeply moved by your comment, Cory, because it tells me that this small image, in its own way, can reach out and challenge your imagination as much as Ansel's monumental landscapes, and perhaps even more so. Photography works in mysterious ways, Cory. I can't really explain all that is going on here, either. This image has somehow acquired a life of its own. It is constantly changing for me. Let me know what you discover. Phil

Guest		02-Jun-2005 03:59
Well said Phil, expression rarely pays the bills, but that is not why the majority of us do it. We need a way to express ourselves and photography is our means to that end. Going back to this image, I have thought on it more. You have shot an image here in a place where Ansel Adams shot a great deal of his work. I must admit to being a huge fan of Ansel Adams work. All for different reasons though. Ansel was a most amazing technical photographer and made some of the most descriptive (yet still emotional images) that I have seen. That being said your abstract of Yosemite National Park is in my opinion equal to anything Ansel shot and for entirely different reasons. This abstract haunts me and keeps me coming back time and time again. As much as I love Ansel’s work I would look closely at it and perhaps hang it on my wall. Likely I would never re-evaluate what was there. This image I cannot get out of my mind. You were looking for a difficult one and I think you out did yourself here! I just set it as my background image since I cannot seem to analyze it enough. But it is late for me now and I hope this is not turning into the tired ramblings of sleep deprivation. I am far from done with this image and look forward to discussing it further with you Phil.

Phil Douglis		02-Jun-2005 02:10
I appreciate your gracious comment, Cory, and will continue to do I can to help you find a place for expressive photography in your life. You are right-- expression rarely pays any bills, unless you become a significant artist and can develop a market for your work. But it can add a dimension to your life and to the lives of others. And that is the passion that drives me to do what I do. Good luck. Phil

Guest		02-Jun-2005 01:13
I have posted my altered color version of the image I asked you to critique. It’s available at: http://www.pbase.com/cmorhart/image/44191698 I welcome your comments as always and thank you for your help. I also must comment on the generous nature of your assistance here. You are a man of immense experience in this field and that is to put it lightly. Yet you give away your knowledge to anyone willing to listen and learn here on Pbase. That is a rare quality, and I don't think it’s acknowledged enough. I appreciate and value the time you give here. Thank you Phil.

Guest		02-Jun-2005 00:56
I am not only learning, but I am enjoying it immensely. I always felt that there was something lacking in my photos. That does not mean I will never take another descriptive photo again, to the contrary. I also shoot people and the objective is to make them look their very best. I photograph jewelry as part of my profession. (the bills must be paid, and the client is always right) All of this is ok and one must suit the type accordingly. Expressive photography I think is what I really want to do to fulfill a need that likely will not pay me a cent. That’s ok with me; my interest in photography was born from a desire to create, and to create something beyond the norm. Expressive photography is I think what I was looking for to fulfill that need.

Phil Douglis		02-Jun-2005 00:37
Glad you are learning, Cory. All 600 of these images are posted for that purpose. The more effort you put into it, the more you will get out of it. And in the end, you may find that your own way of seeing will change as well.

Guest		01-Jun-2005 22:34
You nailed it Phil, it is a difficult one and why I keep coming back to this one. I think it is a great image for learning abstraction and I will continue my analysis and learning.

Phil Douglis		01-Jun-2005 22:24
Thanks for coming back to this image, Cory. I am glad you are challenged by it. That was my intention. I did not post this image for your pleasure, but rather to make you think about how abstraction affects the human imagination. I also wanted to challenge your way of thinking, and if the posts are bothering you, perhaps it is because I made it difficult to figure out where reality ends and illusion begins. I will be glad to leave a comment on the image you have linked me to.

Guest		01-Jun-2005 22:12
I was wondering if you would look at an image of mine and critique it in ways I could have abstracted it more. I like the image as is but so far the only thing I can come up with for abstracting it would be if the water was more disturbed (rippled) or if I zoomed in on a portion of the reeds, (less can be more idea). http://www.pbase.com/image/42353009

Guest		01-Jun-2005 21:57
I was trying to figure out what in this image "lightened" the mood for me. As I mentioned before my first instinct was to escape the shadows. I think what makes me more relaxed with it when I concentrate as a whole is that lovely golden hue along with the reflection makes it almost seem like liquid gold. It reminds me of many a night sitting in front of a body of water at sunset tripod in front of me, only this hue is unique to anything I have ever shot. There is something about the placement of the posts that does not sit right with me also and I believe someone else commented on that also. I need to explore that some more because right now I am uncertain as to why it bothers me.

Phil Douglis		01-Jun-2005 18:12
Thanks, Cory, for continuing your study of abstraction, and its impact on expressive meaning. As for post processing on this, it was routine for me. As you guessed, I do not rely on Photoshop to supply new facts and effects. I use it only to enhance existing facts and effects. On this image, I adjusted exposure, color balance, contrast, saturation and sharpness slightly.

Guest		01-Jun-2005 15:19
You make your point wonderfully here Phil. I keep coming back to this one and seeing something new each time. I have barely scratched the surface of your galleries but this is my favorite so far in terms of abstraction. I know you are not one who is big into photoshop and so I am wondering if the coloring in this one is natural?

Phil Douglis		01-Jun-2005 01:48
The more abstract we make our images, Cory, the more interpretations they can draw. I made and posted this image specifically to make that point. You are right -- we can look at this picture with different mind sets, and each time, see a different meaning in it. And that is the greatest gift that abstraction gives us. By taking most of he facts away, and leaving only the essence behind, we are making an image that stands a better chance of provoking meaning.

Guest		31-May-2005 18:00
I too have a mixed feeling about this one. At first I found the shadows and coloring to seem lurking and I wanted to escape out the upper right into the light. When I let my focus shift and tried to view the image as a whole I then found some sense of calmness.

Phil Douglis		17-Apr-2005 02:00
Glad you enjoyed reading this picture, Ruth. My intention was to create a picture that would trigger your imagination so that you would come up with your own story. Essentially, I've boiled it down to water, reflection, and four sticks. The rest is up to you. Abstraction is a wonderful tool for expression. Some images use less, some more. It all depends on what you want them to express and how you want them to express it.

ruthemily		16-Apr-2005 17:02
this is a very powerful and emotive image, as others have said before me. i am trying to formulate my opinions before reading other comments so i know that what i feel is uninfluenced at least at the start. with this photograph, i think my feelings are closest to Zandras. i can almost feel myself sitting there and looking at this reflection, contemplating life, the world, the universe and so on. it is mesmerizing. every time i look back to it, more shapes appear in the reflection. it takes me back to being a kid and looking up at the clouds to see if could spot forms of animals. what i see most prominently are 2 faces - one male, one female - in the bottom right corner. with regards to the shapes formed by the sticks and their reflections. when i opened the image, the first thing i did was try to make them into letters and a word. to later see Tat's comment on the chinese word for water was quite remarkable. even without any knowledge of where this was taken, it is still powerful. what Nut found out and expressed about the park and why it is symbolic in that way simply adds to the overall effect.

Phil Douglis		07-Apr-2005 22:20
Good question, as always, Sonia. You need not do research on Yosemite as Nut did, to appreciate the function of this abstract image. Nor is it a purely a capture of form for its own sake. By abstracting it as I did, I intend that my viewers bring their own imagination to bear on it, and that is exactly what has happened here. Just read the range of comments below to see the powerful effect of this abstract scene on the human imagination. And that is precisely how I would use this picture as a story telling device, Sonia. Unlike some, I do not see a "story" as literal, descriptive narrative. A story is essentially an expression of meaning, and in expressive photography, meaning must come as much from the viewer's own perceptions as from the image itself. Not every viewer can be expected to get the same meaning out of an image such as this, either. This picture is not a passive device -- it is an active thought provoker. Each viewer will read into it whatever they wish. If River King sees stillness and peace in this image, than to River King, this picture becomes a story of stillness and peace. John Boyd, a great nature photographer who helped lead the Yosemite workshop where this picture was made, enjoys it primarily for its form and composition alone, and for him its beauty is story enough. Nut needed to research Yosemite itself to acquire her own context -- and from this image she learned that abstraction requires an effort from the viewer as well as from the photographer. Zandra looked deeply into her own imagination to feel a warmth and acquire a meditative state. Others were fascinated by the sticks and their possible role as symbols. There can be no single interpretation or story to be gained from an abstraction such as this. Instead, hundreds of different impressions can be made. It is a feeling, a mood, an understanding on the part of the viewer that can lead them to acquire a sense of place or purpose from this image. You are right, Sonia -- this is a capture of aesthetic form, but not form for its own sake. The form in this image is designed as a trigger to thought, and a trigger to thought is a good enough story telling device for me. The picture itself is not telling the story. Rather it is helping the viewer to come up with their own story!

Guest		07-Apr-2005 20:22
If I haven't read nut's research on the image, I wouldn't have appreciated the story of it, and I will treat it purely as a capture of form. As a travel photographer, how would you use this kind of photos as a story telling device?

Tat Lau		18-Mar-2005 06:11
Phil, God does work in mysterious ways. I have a picture of a rock which has the Chinese word "rock" on it. Please follow this link: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=166559418&photoID=63885236&security=xeQjuK And I took this picture also. See if you can spot the smiling face at the left edge of the rocks: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=166559418&photoID=166561378&security=PUggjD I like this pictue very much. Give me a feeling that God is looking at us and smilingly says, "Kids, be good!"

Phil Douglis		18-Mar-2005 05:19
I am both surprised and pleased at what you say here, Tat. I don't read Chinese, so I would have no way of knowing this. It was not intentional. I don't know if anyone else noticed this except for you. It is pure chance, of course, but in photography we take everything the Gods give us, right. Thank you for point this out, Tat.

Tat Lau		18-Mar-2005 04:58
Phil, do you know that the sticks and their shadows closely form the Chinese word ">\| \|< and said to myself, "WOW, this is powerful!"

Phil Douglis		27-Feb-2005 04:41
Thanks, River, for your comment on my River. As you can see, this image has roused much comment, which was my intention. I agree with your interpretation. It is all about peace, quiet, and stillness. How about tranquillity? Does that sum it up for you?

Guest		15-Feb-2005 02:09
Hi, Phil, I looked at this photo early this afternoon and I didn't know what to comment, I guess "River" didn't know what to say to the same kind! ha... Anyway, now when I look at this picture, I had a different feeling toward the photo. This afternoon I feel the texture of the photo was like the golden/copper paper (?)that you would see in many asian decorations... but now it actually reminds me about the tiger skin! The wave of the water creates that "Fur" effect. I don't have much imagination from this photos, or maybe my imagination is just limited. But I like that peaceful feeling this image creates. The water itself is moving as you can see the wave, but the picture present such a QUIET and STILL feeling, which makes photo very peaceful. The shadow of the woods in the water definitely added some lives into the picture. Imagine the photo without the woods and shadows, the picture would be too still and would feel "deadly" quiet. Great photo I have to say! The nature is the best painter, and you did an awesome job to capture its painting.

Phil Douglis		29-Dec-2004 02:13
I will check out your exercise gallery and respond to your images, Zandra.

Phil Douglis		29-Dec-2004 02:10
What a beautiful and thoughtful analysis of this image, Zandra. I will go over your reactions and match them to my own intentions, one by one. You begin by defining my purpose accurately and precisely, as well as one of the main purposes of abstraction itself. And that is to use this image as a trigger to the imagination. I have removed much from this image, and left only the essence of what I felt. It is now up to you to bring your own feelings into play here. Your feelings might be quite different from others, as well, which is borne out by the comments below yours. You sense calmness and warmth, no doubt from the texture of the water and its earthy coloration. If this image can help put your mind into a meditative state, it has already fulfilled its purpose, because as I understand it, meditation involves the human imagination, and your imagination is my target here. I was thrilled with your insight into the placement of the sticks as well. I deliberately placed them in the upper left corner, because I knew full well that such things are usually used to anchor a picture at the bottom, and i wanted to draw and hold your eye up high in the image, and then draw it down through the image. On the other hand, my own eye did not fall off the bottom edge as yours did. It was caught and held by the shadows I placed along the lower frame of the image. I liked your feeling that you do not know what is down there -- these shadows imply a touch of mystery, and mysteries are often byproducts of abstraction. More importantly, I am thrilled that this image has given you those mixed feelings. Why? Because your feelings have just given me additional insights into my own image that I did not have before. You have revealed to me what may well be my own subconscious reasons for designing this image as I did. This picture now speaks to me for the first time of our own relationship to nature. All of us have mixed feelings about nature itself. In an instant, what seems beautiful can become treacherous. Who knows what dangers may lurk in the Merced? Placid as it may look on the surface, this work of nature can also confound us. If you are getting contradictory feelings here, I am very happy. Because it may well echo the underlying message of this picture, one I did not realize until your response forced me to face it for the first time. You also speak of your delight in its form, which is fine. I appreciate form for its beauty and suggestive qualities as well. But to me, form always serves function. The metallic sheen of the water is aesthetically pleasing, to be sure, but I definitely wanted to encourage your tactile sense with it, and I did. That is the function of the texture you see before you. To make you reach out and touch it, to physically participate in this image. I am delighted you have raised the points you did here, Zandra, and hope that the experience has been of value to you. I know it has been of value to me, because you made me see my own image in a new light as well. Thank you again for this -- you are not only a remarkable photographer, but you have a remarkable grasp of photographic meaning. Phil

Guest		29-Dec-2004 01:06
I made an exercise gallery where i posted 2 pictures as reference to this one...turned out my memory was not 100%...i had some rocks in the one i mention too, and the other one i had totally forgotten about. they are not the same, but i belive the idea behind them wer simular...even though i distotred reality...

Guest		29-Dec-2004 00:52
A lot has been sad about this image. I chose to start here as it is the first picturein your first gallery. I have come back to this image a couple of times now, to se what feelings are evoked, depending on my mood and depending on the abstraction itself. As you point out, a good abstraction has the ability to wake the imagination of the view over and over again. I can understand the idea you had when taking this, to let this abstraction represent the essemce (not sure if thast is the correct word) of this place. i have not been there so i have no personal bond to Yosemite but i can transfer it over to the world that i know. When i do that i can sence calmess and warmth and i can imagane myself looking out over the water, concentrating my view to the trunks and the reflection, and in this way, empty my mind. Fot me thsi picture takes me to a some what medative state where i can just let go of the stress of a day at work. On the other hand, it also has a double message to me, as the composition makes me feel a bit insecure too. I think this is because of the placement of the tree trunks within the frame. I want to have them at the base. The base feels more stabil and my eye would go from a low point to a higher point. Now the trunks are haning loosley and my eye drops to the base...falling over the edge. And i don't know what is down there. thsi feeling is also enforced by the strong contrast, but also contredicted by the warm colour. Mixed feelings. One time i feel peace another time i can feel uncertanty and yet another time i apriciate it for its form and leave it at that. Teh form itself is very apealing. The structure and colour of the water makes it look like metal and leaves me very curious as to how it woudl feel against my hand. I want to touche the surface, and even though the colour is warm i would accpect it to feel cold. teh simplicity of the form reminds me of a painting in an cave, as mentioned before. This image has a lot of difrent things. I cold probably go on and on but i wil leave it at this for now and rather return when more thoughts come to my mind. I made a simular picture once, with water and a single tree trunk placed at the base. I will look for it in my folders and post it in my exercise gallery, for a comparisson and better nderstaning of my comment regarding the placemnt of the tree trunks

Phil Douglis		14-Dec-2004 21:16
I love your interpretation of this abstraction, Mikel. I intended it to do just that. Abstractions are purely triggers to thought. They are but a starting point. The imaginations of my viewers will make of it whatever they want. It made my friend Nut feel ill. You are confused between the implied and the real. Clara is taken back in time. Because John Boyd and Tim May were there at Yosemite with me when I made this image, they had a context for it that caused them to feel as if they were looking at the essence of Yosemite itself. Tim even goes so far as to call this image the "Flag of Yosemite." Maureen, however, does not see Yosemite at all. She sees it as a "global flag" representing peace on earth. And finally Larry, who came to it first, saw it as an Egyptian hieroglyphic on hammered gold. The whole point of this, as a teaching and learning exercise, is to reveal how abstraction can prod the imagination of those who view abstraction. This image is not really about the Merced River. It is about the perceptions and sensibilities of those who interpret it.

Guest		14-Dec-2004 16:50
Hi Phil, for the moment I will leave the comment on this one. It produces me a dubble impression, on one hand, the reflex of the mountain in the watter with this point of interest of the branches comming out of the watter makes it strong image, but in the same time, the colour of the branches that are dark the same as some parts of the reflexions on the watter give me a bit of a confusion feeleng between the abstraction and the rest, I supose that the little waves give me that feeleng a bit more yet. Or is it that the branches are too thin or small, even having their own reflection??? Anyway, I like the texture that the water gives to the image it wold look's like a Van Goog's painting. :)

Don Guo		04-Dec-2004 07:55
simple,not simple,look at the tones,love it!

Phil Douglis		01-Dec-2004 22:21
Interesting that you say this, Clara -- as I was shooting this, I felt as if I was in that cave you mention, and then realized that the stone was water and motion and the sticks were markers of time.

Guest		01-Dec-2004 16:56
first impression was primitive painting in a cave. the signs are too edgy and change that first impression. in all ways, to me the image has pictoric power.

Phil Douglis		11-Nov-2004 22:12
Good question, Nut. The first step I take when I make an abstract image is to search for its essence by moving in on it. The closer I get the more abstract it gets. Like in this shot. If I just back and showed you the whole river, it would be a description of the river and little more. But by moving in, I found those sticks and those reflections, and I took many different images of it until this one worked out so well. In this picture, I abstract through my decisions in space -- changing my vantage point, changing my frame, and stressing certain details and eliminating others. But I can also abstract my subject by using light and shadow, hiding information so that the viewer's imagination becomes involved. i agree. Understanding the nature of abstraction is a difficult concept to absorb. But abstraction is at the heart of most works of art, isn't it. It's how we engage the imagination, leaving space for it to work. You have defined the purpose of abstraction quite perfectly, Nut. Unlimited thought. You have summed it up in just two words. In your honor, I am going to revise the name of this gallery to read: "Travel Abstractions: Unlimited Thoughts. Thanks.

nut		11-Nov-2004 21:57
Yes, you are right about the flag. I am agree. The first three galleries are the Travel Abstractions, Travel Incongruities and Expressing human values. I think the 1st gallery is hard to understand the most. I called your 1st gallery as the "unlimited thought". And I used my imagination much more than the 2nd gallery and the 3nd gallery. What is the first step for you to take an abstract photograph?

Phil Douglis		11-Nov-2004 18:59
An expressive photograph goes beyond description, Nut. It expresses an idea to its viewers, stimulating emotions, imaginations, and thoughts. An impressible photograph is one that makes an impression on somebody -- it moves them deeply. They will always remember it. A well made expressive photograph can be an impressible photograph. I would also say that all impressive photographs are expressive photographs because they have proved successful at conveying ideas.

Phil Douglis		11-Nov-2004 18:56
A flag is a symbol, Nut. This is a photograph of that symbol. It requires a context to understand and appreciate it. I have no context for this symbol so it means nothing to me. A symbol is, in itself, an abstraction, because it represents a larger meaning, and can, indeed stimulate the imagination of those who have a context for understanding it.

Phil Douglis		11-Nov-2004 18:53
You have given this image all of the context you have for it Nut. And it is giving something back to you. Every time you come back to this picture you feel different. Which is exactly what an expressive abstract image should do for you. You are right. It is impossible to make one photo that expresses ALL of your feelings to a viewer. No image is comprehensive. But the best of them will affect your imagination allowing you to take the image wherever you want to take it.

nut		11-Nov-2004 16:55
What is the meaning of an express photograph? What is the meaning of an impressible photograph?

nut		11-Nov-2004 16:12
Please check this; http://www.pbase.com/image/24960614 If this photo is in someone gallery and I said well, this is an abstract photo. What will you say, Phil?

nut		11-Nov-2004 15:54
To me, I do believe that I won't be able to see everything in this world and noone will too. So the best I can do is to observe everything from what I saw. I don't know exactly what is inside this photo. About express photograph, I think it's hard to make one photo, which express all of your feeling to viewer. I alway come back and feel different every time. T Maybe I don't have background about this photo. Well, what else I have to feel? Any idea about this feel, Phil?

Phil Douglis		11-Nov-2004 03:51
Thank you, John, for this wonderful observation. What you are speaking of here is the pivotal role of context in terms of photographic expression. And you are absolutely right. For those who have been to Yosemite, the forms present within this image evoke the essence of a place they know and love, so there is a great emotional connection, as well as a purely aesthetic connection. But for someone such as Nut, an electrical engineer in Thailand, who is not even a photographer, but instead a person gamely struggling to learn the basic language of expressive photography so she can at least effectively read the images of others, understanding this abstraction is proving very, very difficult. Time and time again she has come back to ask more questions of me. She has even gone so far as to research Yosemite, hoping that she can find the meaning she seeks. And I agree with you that, at best, she can appreciate this abstraction as purely an aesthetic experience, an adventure in form for its own sake. But you are right. Because she has never witnessed Yosemite's beauty herself, this image, while giving her an inkling of it, can't provide thought-provoking substitute for the actual experience. Nut will just have to enjoy and draw meaning from this image purely as form. Only those who have felt and seen the staggering beauty of Yosemite itself can look deeply into my image and see their own experiences reflected in it. Such is the powerful nature of context.

Guest		10-Nov-2004 23:18
Hi Phil, It seem this image has drawn many comments so I thought I would throw in mine. The abstraction takes away information and at the same time places information in the image. It all depends on what a person wants or needs to see and/or feel. When I first started to read these posts I felt honored be able to see and feel the beauty of Yosemite in your image when many did not. I then came to a sudden feeling of despair upon realizing how much I did not know about other parts of the world. How many abstracts had I viewed which held special meaning for others yet none for me except “This is nice”. Knowing we cannot put, “The Special feeling” into an image for those who have not been to Yosemite and have felt its beauty we need to concentrate on the form, color and composition of the image itself. This image does speak to form and composition and should be enough for us to be able to enjoy.

Phil Douglis		08-Nov-2004 21:12
You acquired context for this image, Nut. The more context you have for a photograph, the more likely you are to appreciate it.

Phil Douglis		08-Nov-2004 21:10
Reflections, Nut, are fantasies. They alter reality. They abstract and they make things incongruous. They can express ideas. The mirror life, but can do it in a profoundly altered state. Yes, this is why photographers enjoy shooting reflections.

nut		08-Nov-2004 19:16
First I minized this photo because many reflection came to my eyes. With medium I saw the reflection of something so I want to know what is that. And yes, I type "Yosemite National ParK" inside a blank then cross my fingers with click sound then I got history about this. I read and understand the purpose of Yosemite National Park.

Phil Douglis		08-Nov-2004 18:53
You are starting to talk like me, Nut. You are slowly grasping the essence of abstraction. It is not an easy concept to understand, but once you do, your eyes will see in different ways and your brain will think in different ways. And when you begin to express your own ideas as a photographer, abstraction will be one of the principles you will use the most.

Phil Douglis		08-Nov-2004 18:51
You astound me, Nut! How do you know all of this? Did you research Yosemite? You even have given names to each of my sticks! I am in awe. And yes, as Tim says below, all of these things together make this picture a "flag" for Yosemite. It seems that this picture has come a long way for you, Nut. Only a few weeks ago, you told me that it made you feel like throwing up! And now you rattle off the meaning of every part of it to me! You are an amazing person.

nut		08-Nov-2004 18:23
So this is a reason why many people like to take a photo of the reflection, right?

nut		08-Nov-2004 18:20
Only four sticks and the yellow reflection here. Abstraction means to take away information, leaving only the most important and allowing room for the viewers (according to norm based on Phil), so no information here for me to see and only something I didn't know before but I know a bit. This photo is an abstract photograph to express the essence of the Yosemite National Park.

nut		08-Nov-2004 18:04
The yellow reflection on the Merced River is El Capitan. El Capitan is the largest monolith of granite in the world. Four sticks are represented the California black oak, the Incense-cedar, the Ponderosa pine and the Giant Sequoias (thie largest trees on Earth). And here is Yosemite National Park.

Phil Douglis		04-Nov-2004 20:23
Thanks, Tim. This image means just as much to me. Because you and I were there together. We experienced this same water, stone, mountains, and branches together. Yet a stranger to all of this such as Nut from Thailand, does not see any of this. He feels unwell. He bring a totally different context to this image and for him, the experience is entirely different. Such is the nature of photographic expression. What the viewer brings to an image is just as important as what the image brings to the viewer.

Tim May		04-Nov-2004 16:40
The color in this image sings to me - I feel the elements of Yosemite in it - the water, which runs through the valley, the stone, the mountain, reflected and singing, and the branches which represent the trees - only the wildlife is missing to provide a "flag" of the park.

Phil Douglis		31-Oct-2004 03:01
Thanks, Maureen, for taking me up so quickly on my request to you over on dpreview's Panasonic Forum. I am honored by your assessment of this image, and what it seems to be doing inside of your head, shrink or no shrink. i did not expect you to "see Yosemite" in this shot but rather simply sense the atmosphere that is Yosemite. We have captions and titles to tell you where this was made, right. What strikes me about this image is its ability to seize the imaginations of its viewers. Larry saw Egypt here. "Nut" an engineer from Thailand felt queasy. And you see a global village! I love your interpretation. It is my job as an expressive photographer to seize your imagination and make it work for you. And yours, Maureen, is working overtime tonight.

Guest		31-Oct-2004 02:39
To me, this is a real work of art. I feel such a sense of tranquility in looking at this, and the sticks and their reflections remind me of the characters in the Chinese or Japanese alphabet. The fact that they're located in the upper left part of the photo gives this a flag-like look. When I study this, therefore, my fantasy becomes one where this is a global flag, with the gold tones signifying prosperity, and the global characters in the upper left corner spelling out the word 'peace'. Sorry I don't see Yosemite here, and if this was a Rorschach Test, a shrink would probably have a field day. At any rate, I love this! Maureen

Phil Douglis		30-Oct-2004 22:33
The Merced River reflects the color of El Capitan. Both are famous landmark in Yosemite. (Seehttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/35605230 for photo of them.) An abstract image, Nut, is not meant to describe anything. It is intended to stimulate feeling and imagination in the viewer. The rest, Nut, is up to you.

nut		30-Oct-2004 07:33
Well, that's alright. To feel unwell, it's better than feel nothing. But why u said this photo represents both of El Capitan and Yosemite?

Phil Douglis		30-Oct-2004 07:15
Sorry my image makes you feel unwell, Nut. I think it must be the disorientation factor caused by those sticks. No, El Capitan and Yosemite are not in the photo itself, but this abstraction represents both. Phil

nut		30-Oct-2004 07:09
Sawasdee and Good morning everyone, I think you are right. I don't know why I came back to this photo in every surfing time on pbase. I don't know what is El Captian and where is the Yosemite National Park. So I searched on internet and found them. But I don't see them here in your photo. Color of this photo make me feel unwell, I feel myself so small in limitted box. Four sticks give me the 3D imagination. I think it's because of those sticks leads me to something unknown that why I feel unwell. Am I nuts? Well, it's my name, just put 's' behide :) so sama sama..

Phil Douglis		30-Oct-2004 06:39
Thanks, Larry. Although the Merced is hardly the Nile, and I have been on both, I am delighted by your interpretation. This is one of the few images i've made in which I see something different every time i study it. That is a good test of an effective abstract. Can it challenge the imagination over and over again? There is much to see in here, if you look for it.

Guest		30-Oct-2004 02:13
Like an Egyptian hieroglyphic on a piece of hammered gold...very nice!

Phil Douglis		29-Oct-2004 21:43
An abstraction encourages our imaginations to work. If you see a 3D image here, it is doing its job for you, Nut.

nut		29-Oct-2004 17:40
This photo look like 3D to me.

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment