Art and Inspiration | Randy Kepple Photographs Blog

Category Archives: Art and Inspiration

Thoughts on life as an artist meant to offer insight and inspiration.

April 29, 2010

Save the Date | The Wedding Chicks Have Gone Mad

Let me introduce you to The Wedding Chicks, Amy and Jocey. That’s me in the image below toasting these funky fun, hip chicks. Who are these guys and why should you care? They have one of the coolest wedding related sites going these days. If you’re a bride looking for inspiration, ideas, do-it-yourself freebies, then...

1 comment

March 3, 2010

Art Walkabout | Rules of Engagement

Posted in Art and Inspiration

“Perfection will paralyze you” Keith Carter Walkabout sounds Australian. The Native Americans believed that you could find spiritual guidance in the everyday. An art walkabout is a personal spirit quest— a letting go of all expectations. Being present and immersed in the moment. Exploring whatever moves you as you walk. It’s about moving away from...

9 comments

JPMarch 3, 2010 - 8:04 pm

Love these!

Jamie BosworthMarch 3, 2010 - 10:14 pm

In your hands I think Lensbaby = Time.
Love the balances in these… the color, the textures and the stillness.
Told you that you would like the feel of it. ;0)

Brian LaurentMarch 4, 2010 - 1:55 pm

Wow, vivid and rich colors, great placement of focus. I’m glad you took it into the realm of art and approach vs. the nerdlinger techie stuff I asked for. The isolation and decay are beautifully haunting. The grain elevator reminds me of a prison guard tower. Thanks Randy.

Gary CanazziMarch 6, 2010 - 9:11 am

Nice to see some of your non-portrait images. Not everyone is gifted to take on different subject matter so successfully as an image maker.

Really like all these image choices (I know there were more) and of course your insightful writing.

JenniferMarch 6, 2010 - 10:07 pm

I like how these images are so dreamlike. So vivid, yet fleeting all at the same time. So in the moment, yet… to be honest with you, I was thinking that this would be a great lens to take portraits of my kindergarten class… so sharp, colorful and focused, but always in motion. Great inages Randy!

RandyMarch 7, 2010 - 9:31 am

Thanks for the comments guys! I really appreciate your thoughts on my Lensbaby Art Walkabout in Kansas. This is a great lens for portraits, but it’s very different than what you’re used to. As with anything, the more you practice shooting with it, the more you figure out how to make it work best for your style.

The lens is totally manual. You focus it manually and the aperture is controlled with magnetic discs that you drop in. There is a set of discs that come with the Lensbaby. Each one has a hole that represents a different f/stop. With no disc, it’s the equivalent to f/2.8, but there are discs that range up to f/22. I think most of these were captured using the f/8 disc.

There are some wonderful effects with this lens using it wide open, with no disc. The smearing I was talking about is very evident. Personally, I wanted to mimic more of a tilt/shift lens or a vintage 4×5 camera. The unique aspect of this lens is that the field or plane of focus is not flat. It’s kind of a sweet spot bubble type of focus. If they ever develop a flat plane focus model, I’d be the first to buy it!

Jackie Shannon HollisMarch 9, 2010 - 7:42 pm

Randy,

I’m not a photgrapher, so I can’t respond in the language of photography. But I’ll say this. These are friggin’ gorgeous. I like how the eye is drawn to the one thing that that seems to be the focus and how it become such an intense and beautiful moment to look there (the color, the shape, the light), while everything else that is happening in the lense (the blurring, the other images) inform that one thing/place. Wow. The colors in all of these is quite remarkable, how rust and a broken windwhield are so lovely and, well, broken at the same time. It is about being present.

I also like what you said about learning the technique and then breaking the rules. As a writer, I’m just learning how to break the rules.

Jackie

RandyMarch 10, 2010 - 4:58 am

Jackie,

Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring comments! It’s always wonderful when non-photographers stop by and take the time to comment. It really makes my day.

I feel I have only begun to tap the potential of this wonderful new tool that helps me see in a new way. What a gift, to be able to change your perspective. As in life, it brings a freshness and opportunity to step away from the rut of experience.

I love following writers. So hard to find someone who takes the time to express a good turn of phrase. I look forward to reading through your blog.

Thanks again!

Fritz LiedtkeApril 15, 2010 - 12:40 pm

I love my Lensbaby. And I love Keith Carter. A good mix, actually.

January 25, 2010

What Every Aspiring Photographer Should Know

Posted in Art and Inspiration

“All I ask is one thing, particularly of young people that watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. It’s my least favorite quality. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard, and are kind, amazing things will happen.” -Conan O’Brien Change is...

7 comments

Cheryl Jacobs NicolaiJanuary 27, 2010 - 9:18 am

Randy, just wanted to say that the image you’ve posted with this entry is really wonderful. Great personality and technique coming together.

– CJ

RandyJanuary 27, 2010 - 10:24 am

Thanks Cheryl for the kind words and for the thoughtful turn of words for aspiring photographers.

The photo is of Lincoln Briney, an amazingly talented singer that I’ve had the pleasure of working with and following.

http://www.lincolnbriney.com/

This image was captured with a Hasselblad on Tri-X film *gasp* that was processed by hand in a special blend of Agfa Rodinal 1:50.

Thanks again for letting me share your thoughts with the world that stops by my blog.

Randy

Jamie BosworthJanuary 27, 2010 - 7:18 pm

Randy, I just want to say thank you so much for sending this out into my corner of the planet!
The photo is one of my favorites of yours but you already know that… I’m thanking you for introducing a very straight forward woman who also happens to be a marvelous photographer.
She made me laugh out loud more than a couple of times!

Jackie Shannon HollisJanuary 29, 2010 - 2:28 am

Randy,

Jamie Bosworth sent me to your blog. I found out about her at my niece’s wedding last summer and fell in love with her pictures and her blog. She sent me to this posting because she thought I’d like your work as well (and now I’ve fallen in love with YOUR work — man, that picture of Lincoln Briney is beyond wonderful) and also because of what you passed on from Cheryl. I’m a writer and with almost every thing Cheryl said, I could take out photographer and put in writer. Thanks for sharing it.

Gary C.January 30, 2010 - 12:02 am

I love what Cheryl wrote and could not agree more – thanks for passing it along.

Even as a seasoned photographer I find some of her points still can apply to me today.

Mike PutnamFebruary 25, 2010 - 2:46 pm

Thanks for this insightful and educational list. THis was forwarded to me and I was so impressed that I felt I needed to comment. I am not a portrait/people photographer but I can safely say that almost everything on this list resonates with a landscape photographer like myself.

There are actually several points I hadn’t thought of that are very helpful. Perhaps my two favorite points were these. “Learn to say “I’m a photographer” out loud with a straight face. If you can’t say it and believe it, you can’t expect anyone else to, either AND “You cannot specialize in everything.” I see Photogs who are newer than myself making the mistake of trying to do everything and thereby being exceptional at nothing. Thanks for the great Ideas.

All the Best,
Mike Putnam

JulioMarch 3, 2010 - 3:45 pm

This is Golden, thxs for the post, I will keep it with me, this answers many questions that I had, and I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER.

October 12, 2009

Storytelling. It’s a Lie That Tells the Truth

Posted in Art and Inspiration

“I don’t know about truths. A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells, the less you know.” (Rachael Weisz) in The Brothers Bloom. Art walk in the city of San Antonio, Texas. © Randy Kepple Photographs Portland, Oregon Park Blocks. Image courtesy of © Mark Kegans Photographs Portland, Oregon captured with...

3 comments

September 23, 2009

About Trends in Photography | David Williams

Posted in Art and Inspiration

Wedding photography is a reflection of the times we live in. However, this does not mean it should be trendy. Just because you have the tools to alter an image in Photoshop doesn’t mean that you should. Take a step back. Look at the work of the Masters and learn what makes an image timeless....

7 comments

Gill TaylorSeptember 24, 2009 - 10:09 am

Interesting read, thanks for posting.

You mention “apart from the obvious give-away of clothing fashions” … fashions come around time and time again, in some form or another (yes, even the God-awful 80′s LOL) and so “timeless” is a relative term … some clothing is “timeless” (I still have my trusty pencil skirts)- a great photo will NEVER go out of fashion (read: Henri Cartier Bresson, Mario Testino, to name a couple).

But here’s the thing … were these photos “trendy” for their time?

RandySeptember 24, 2009 - 10:31 am

Thanks for the comment. I think that we are talking about two things here. Fashion and image making. The point David was making is that these fashion images are NOT about a reflection of trendy photographic technique. It was about the content of the image, the way it was framed, the simplicity of black and white and the beautiful light.

These photos are NOT over processed. They are not cross processed or toned or retouched apart from the original vision of the artist. They are timeless in the sense that they are not a reflection of the photography trend that was present at the time. It’s about sensitivity, feel and LIGHT!

Gill TaylorSeptember 24, 2009 - 10:39 am

Agree. But then a girl IS allowed to crow over classy clothing ! LOL

Too many photographers these days try to polish mediochre images within PS … isn’t it a joy to get them bang on right in-camera?

These are beautiful images, Randy, thanks for pushing me to yet another great book purchase (or 2)

FWIW, I still think these photos / poses were ahead of their time.

RandySeptember 24, 2009 - 5:39 pm

It is interesting to note that even with trends, things come back in style. What makes one trend timeless and classic. Why do certain clothing items never seem to go out of style? Something to ponder.

Jamie BosworthOctober 3, 2009 - 10:25 am

Two of my very favorite photographers, Randy… thank you for sharing David Williams very valid worries.
Form and light will always come first and we have to see it before we can photograph it.

Ever seen Lillian Bassman’s work?
She had the form and the light in her original works but decades later took some of them into the darkroom bleaches and made stunning new work out of stunning old work.

Steve ZOctober 15, 2009 - 8:43 am

David is a class act, some of his ideas regarding family portraiture as family heirlooms have stayed with me. Still meaning to check out some of the classic fine artwork for posing and lighting ideas as well.

Evan BainesNovember 9, 2009 - 6:01 pm

Found my way here through DWF Randy. This post is spot on, and very timely (in a timeless sort of way).

-E

June 8, 2009

Life as an Artform | Jesh de Rox Workshop

Posted in Art and Inspiration, Personal

“My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is for me The essence of true romance Sharing the things we know and love With those of my kind Libations Sensations That stagger the mind” All of us want to be different. Yet, we are the same. All of us trying to get...

5 comments

March 24, 2009

Randy Featured in Artist Spotlight Series

Posted in Art and Inspiration, Personal

Recently, bf-Stop interviewed me for their Artist Spotlight series. It’s humbling to be a part of this series. Previous spotlight artists include Chuck Arland, Erik Clausen, Matthew Clark and Dan O’Day. Amazingly talented photographers. All I can say is “Wow!” Here is a reprint of the interview. 1. You are based in Vancouver, Wash., do...

8 comments

February 28, 2009

What if? Art and Technology

Posted in Art and Inspiration, Greatest Hits, Personal

Recently, I posted a video by Zack Arias. This generated a lot of comments and discussion about technology and art and where all of this is leading us. A friend of mine sent me this video as “an eye opening support for your thoughts”.

no comments

February 19, 2009

Time to Transform

Posted in Art and Inspiration, Personal

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. — Albert Einstein It’s that time of year when one dark day can push you over the edge. It’s always been tough to make your living as an artist, but it seems even harder in recent days. We all know the economy is...

10 comments

kristenFebruary 19, 2009 - 11:08 pm

Wow. This video is so inspiring. I couldn’t have said it better. Our voice is the most powerful tool we have – whether we express it in words or images. What a great message. Thanks for sharing.

Jamie BosworthFebruary 20, 2009 - 9:38 am

Hammer in hand…..nail on head.
Today is a new day.

Joni ShimabukuroFebruary 20, 2009 - 12:37 pm

Great reminder Randy to remember that we have a good life not having to watch the clock for our lunch break, just keep working, be patient and maybe one day we’ll be visited by the “genius fairy” and we wont’ suck so much.

Rebekah JohnsonFebruary 20, 2009 - 1:35 pm

Is there a Richard Avedon button?

RandyFebruary 20, 2009 - 4:30 pm

Must be a Nikon thing!

Kevin FochtFebruary 20, 2009 - 6:15 pm

Very nice. As photographers I think we are all searching for something. It will never be found because when we do we will want to find the next thing. It’s a big circle and it never ends.
We really are lucky to be doing what we are doing. We should all be proud that we are making a living in a very hard profession to do that in.

Kate KellyFebruary 21, 2009 - 1:36 am

Oh Randy, thanks so very much for your real, honest, transparent posts. You’re an amazing person and a true artist and I’m so fortunate to know you. Zach’s video is stunning – thanks for sharing such a gift.

JenniferFebruary 21, 2009 - 11:09 am

Well, it is refreshing to know that we have all “sucked” at one point or another. I guess it is pushing through the crap that sucks the life out of us so we can be reborn and see life again with a new set of eyes and a fresh perspective. It’s keeping in mind that “this too shall pass” and if we have the courage to persevere we will come out on the other side “sucking” a little less.

Amy PrutchFebruary 21, 2009 - 1:26 pm

Thank you so much for sharing that video, Randy!

I have some goals and mountains to climb with my photography this year, but my photography is not what defines me. Is it a part of the whole? Of course. But there is so much more to life. Zac’s video was very empowering.

Zack AriasFebruary 23, 2009 - 2:05 pm

I love this post. My wife, Meghan, and I have been talking about the subject of all this endless information we have at our fingertips. I took her to see some redwood trees this weekend while we were in California. While this was the first time she has seen them in person, she has seen photos and video of them. We talked about how we can pick up our phone and know about anything we want information on. The ability to explore and find something new in this world is all but over.

Yet… we don’t know how we go on without our Internet!

Thanks for the link. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

Cheers,
Zack

September 21, 2008

Woodstock, Vermont Personal Art Photos

Posted in Art and Inspiration, Personal

Wrapping up my trip to Vermont, I wanted to share a few personal photos. These images were captured with a Canon SD870 IS point and shoot camera while walking around Woodstock, Vermont. Woodstock is a quaint shire town that feels like stepping back in time. The architecture is amazingly rich with detail and history. There...