Embrace Authenticity or Fail

InspirationPhotography NewsArt for Sale On-Line
Written By Rodney Lough Jr.
 

Photography Beyond Commercial Gains

Unlock the true essence of photography as a means of self-expression, connection, and storytelling. Sell not just products, but emotions, memories, and moments frozen in time. Explore the soulful journey of visual artistry.

Introduction

Welcome to the soul stirring world of nature photography, where every frame holds the potential to capture the essence of life itself. If you’ve made it this far then you know I’m Rodney Lough Jr. and I invite you to join me on a journey beyond the mere act of taking pictures. For me it is all about stilling moments in time and I call them “Photographs.” In the past I have jokingly, maybe not much, said to people who call my works ‘pictures’...”You take pictures, I take Photographs.” I often get a good chuckle out of people. But why do I say this? Because there is a big difference between a picture vs. a photograph.

In this digital age, where images flood our screens with superficiality, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in photography: for me it is the soul. By that I mean we wish to share images that tell a viewer ‘This is Real’. Ultimately they know it is with every fiber of their being just by looking at it.

For me photography is more than a profession, it's a passion, a calling, a way of life. It's about seeing the world through a lens that transcends the ordinary, capturing moments that resonate with emotion and depth. Each click of the shutter is an opportunity to freeze time, to immortalize fleeting glimpses of beauty, joy, and meaning. Explore more about the soulful essence of photography here: National Geographic - The Power of Photography

In a world obsessed with selling products and services I urge you to pause and consider the power of fine art, true art, specifically landscapes that sell something far more profound; experiences, memories, and stories. Through my lens I strive to evoke emotions, stir emotions and ignite imaginations. It's not about selling photographs, but it is about selling the intangible essence of life itself. In doing so the artwork sells itself, sort of. Discover more about the emotional impact of photography at Time - The Emotions Behind Photographs

So as we embark on this journey together I encourage you to open your heart and mind to the soulful possibilities. Together let's explore the depths of visual storytelling, uncover the beauty in authenticity, and embrace the transformative power of capturing the soul through the lens on our camera. Welcome to a world where every image tells a story and every story touches the soul. Explore more about the soulful world of photography here: Smithsonian Magazine - Photography as Art

The Essence of Photography

In my journey as an artist I've come to understand that it is more to it than just ‘capturing’ an image. It's about stilling the essence of life itself, specifically (in my case) wilderness landscapes that cause viewers to pause and contemplate the world around them. It's about freezing moments in time that evoke emotions, stir memories, and tell stories. At least that is the hope. And that hope is what gets us up out of bed in the morning to hike in the dark to a cliff overhang with an overwhelming sense of what may come.

For me it is a deeply personal form of expression - a way to see the world through my own unique lens and share my perspective with others. It's about finding beauty in the ordinary, discovering magic in the mundane, and capturing fleeting moments of wonder and awe. Do not listen to those who try to tell you that there ‘IS!’ a formula, which they can teach you for a price. We used to call those that do this, snake oil salesmen, and don’t be fooled - they still exist today.

Throughout my career, I've sought to infuse my images with a sense of wonder, to convey not just what I see, but how I felt. But not to the extent of trying to fool anyone into believing a non-believable image. Whether I'm viewing majestic landscapes, intimate portraits of a rock formation or candid moments that just happen, my goal is always the same: to capture the moment of my subjects and evoke a sense of connection with the viewer. Admittedly I try to do this via nature and your genre may be very different.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of photography is its ability to transcend language and culture - to speak to people on a universal level. An image that has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire change - well that is a worthy image. It's a window into the intangible elements in the world we live in, a testament to the beauty, the complexity, and the wonder of life.

So, as you set out on your own journey into the world of fine art with perhaps a camera, I encourage you to remember the essence of what drew you to this art form in the first place. Embrace the beauty of the world around you, seek out moments of wonder and awe, and let your works speak volumes about the soul of humanity. More importantly…it speaks to who you are. Because in the end, it's not just about the artwork we take/make; it's about the stories we tell, the emotions we evoke, and the connections we forge. And that, to me, is the true essence of fine art photography. But make no mistake, it is not easy. It may take an entire lifetime to master the ability to convey to others.

Below you will find a link to a very special project that I embarked on. There is no hidden meaning behind the Five-Oh! Folio name, as you will read when you follow and check out these amazing images. This is a pure demonstration of what I an speaking to here and is well worth a look. So click on it!

This piece if part of a special project called The Five Oh! Folio. There are only 50 pieces in the entire edition,
celebrating Rodney & Hawaii's 50th birthday which happened at the same time.
Order your fine art poster now!

See the Original Photograph | LIFE’S A BEACH | 5 Studio Proof | 50 Artist Proof | 500 Limited Edition

Sell Experiences, Not Just Products

In my journey I've learned that true fulfillment doesn't come from simply selling the physical thing, like an image. It comes from selling experiences that resonate deeply with people using the image to get this across to others. It's about capturing moments that transport viewers to another time, another place, another emotion. Often in an effort to get ‘buy-in’ that this magnificent place we all call home, is something worth keeping in mind.

Since this entire article is about my perspective (you will gain yours over time), for me, it is a medium of storytelling. It's about crafting narratives that speak to the heart of humanity. Whether it's a breathtaking landscape, a candid portrait, or a fleeting moment of pure joy, each image has the power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and create connections that last well beyond our lifetimes.

In a world inundated with superficiality, I strive to create images that go beyond the surface, images that touch people on a deeper level. I’m not sure how many times I can say this before you take note: It's not about selling a product; it's about selling the experience. As examples, a moment frozen in time, a memory of a location, the remembrance of a smell, a sea shell, all of which will be cherished forever. Maybe the viewer is able to remember a time they were there during a special occasion with someone or being able to bring that moment back to them is something that will always be truly treasured.

So I invite you to shift your perspective. Instead of focusing solely on selling photographs, focus on selling experiences. Embrace the power of storytelling, authenticity (a well overused word these days), and emotional resonance. Because in the end, it's not the works themselves that hold value, it's the experiences they represent.

Located along the Ice Fields Parkway of Jasper National Park in Canada. We must be or become
aware of our surroundings as not to miss the art that stares us in the face screaming for us to see it!
Order your fine art poster now!

See the Original Photograph | TANGLE FALLS | 5 Studio Proof | 50 Artist Proof | 500 Limited Edition

Unlocking the Potential of Visual Artistry

Let me share a story here. When I first left the corporate world I felt a need to sell my works because I had a family to feed and keep housed, safe. So I moved away from my historical pattern of photographing things that moved me and began photographing scenes that I knew would sell. What do you think happened? If you guessed they didn’t sell you’d be right. It did not take long for me to realize that the model of ‘what would sell’ was failing miserably. I quickly pivoted back to my proven model…just photographing images that I simply loved. Perhaps you can guess what happened from there.

I've always been drawn to the limitless possibilities of visual artistry. For me photography is not just about stilling of a moment that’s in front of the lens; it's about interpreting the world through my own unique perspective. Hence the difference between the ‘what I like’ vs ‘what will sell’ frame of mindset.

My personal belief is that every photographer has a creative vision waiting to be unleashed - a vision that sets them apart from the rest. It's about seeing the world in a way that others may not, capturing moments that reveal the beauty, the emotion, the essence of life itself. We have all been blessed with talents, some cook, others build and still others create art. We are not all blessed in the same ways though. Once again, as a caution, do not fall for those that say there is a formula you can follow and if you do you can be an instant success as a landscape  photographer and start winning awards. Because the judges in most cases are fully aware of contrived imagery which they cannot abide by. Putting it another way, I love to sing. But you would not want to sit in front of me while I do. Just trust me on that one.

Throughout my career I've experimented with different techniques, explored diverse subject matter, and pushed the boundaries of conventional wilderness fine art photography. But visual artistry isn't just about technical skill or aesthetic appeal; it's about tapping into something deeper & that is the talent I was speaking to a moment ago, that is the soul of the artist. It's about channeling emotions, experiences, and insights into every image, creating a visual language that speaks volumes without saying a word. On more than one occasion I have tried to bring an image home, but for whatever reason I was not able; I packed up my camera and moved on. You have to know when ‘it’ works and when it doesn’t. Usually this ability is honed over time.

Should you embark on your own journey of visual artistry, of any kind, I encourage you to embrace your creativity, your passion, your unique perspective. Dare to push the boundaries, defy expectations and capture the world in a way that only you can see it in. Because in the end, it's not just about the photographs you take, it's about the soul you infuse into them.


Embracing the Soulful Journey

Over the years, decades now, I've come to realize that the most rewarding aspect of this craft is the journey it takes us on. I’ve said it before and I will again, it's not just about capturing beautiful images; it's about connecting with something deeper within ourselves and our subjects.

This medium transcends mere documentation and can become a profound form of self-expression. It's a journey of discovery, exploration, and growth. It is a journey that invites us to delve into the depths of our creativity and authenticity. Otherwise we are just trying to follow that ridiculous ‘formula’. Which, coming from a math guy, isn’t a formula at all.

As you embark on your own soulful journey into being an artist, I urge you to embrace every moment, every challenge, every triumph. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, to take risks, to push beyond your comfort zone, to climb as high as you can go and then go further. Because it's in those moments of uncertainty that true growth and transformation occur. It’s not called ‘work’ because it is easy…no!, it’s Work with a capital W.

If you think it is about the end result, it’s not, it's about the process - the moments of inspiration, the hours of dedication, the exhilarating feeling of capturing the perfect shot. It's about immersing yourself fully in the present moment and allowing your passion to guide you. I’ve been quoted as saying “If you want to get the perfect shot, you cannot be thinking about where you want to be next.” This is a statement of being present, in the moment.

So, whether you're just starting out or you've been on this journey for years, I encourage you to allow yourself to be moved by the beauty of the world around you, do not be embarrassed to share it and let your images reflect the depth of your innermost being. Because in the end it's not just about the images you create; it's about the journey you take to create them. As we are nearly through here, let me just add, Be Real. Do Not Fake It, people will see it and it will eventually if not immediately, turn them off. Yes there are those who have made a mark by lying, by getting caught, and by not giving a dang about it. Do you honestly think those people will stand the test of time? Or will it be those that are true to themselves, to showing the reality of the world we live in? Reality always trumps ‘made up.’ Always.


 

They told me that I would have to jump off a cliff if we were to journey down the Canyon this direction. They were right, it was a pretty good sized cliff…but the image I got is everything that we have been speaking to here.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this image says Adventure!
And quite the Experience.

See What I Got here:
VORTEX | 5 Studio Proof | 50 Artist Proof | 500 Limited Edition

Order your fine art poster now!

 

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this journey into the ‘soul filled’ realm of fine art photography, I want to thank you for joining me. Together, we've delved into the transformative power of the artform, capturing emotions, telling stories, and connecting with the essence of life itself. That is a precious thing. As Master Choi always used to say in Tae Kwon Do “Don’t you forget it!”

I hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and authenticity that lies at the heart of any kind of art, but especially for landscape photography. Because by now you’ve learned it's not just about the images we capture; it's about the emotions we evoke, the memories we preserve, and the connections we forge.

As you continue on your own photographic journey, I encourage you to carry with you the lessons we've learned here. Embrace authenticity, seek out meaningful experiences, and let your passion guide you every step of the way. In other words do not snap the shutter because you think it will sell…NO, because as we’ve learned it won’t. Still moments that speak to you and then do your best to try and share that moment with the rest of the world. That, at its heart, is what I have always done. After opening ten successful world class galleries and three decades of success in this very specific form of art, I believe I can speak with a sense of knowing how it actually works.

Remember always photography is not just a skill to be mastered but rather it's a journey to be savored - a journey that leads us to discover more about ourselves and the world around us with each click of the shutter. Perhaps I shouldn’t scare you here, but know that snapping the shutter is just the beginning, if you desire to be an artist and not just a photographer. There is still a lot more to learn.

In conclusion, as you venture forth into the vast and wondrous world of nature photography, I urge you to keep your spirit alive in everything you do. Let your images speak volumes, let your passion shine through, and let your journey be filled with endless moments of beauty and inspiration, that the world may become a better place, because of you.

May your photography continue to capture the essence of life and touch the hearts of all who behold it. Until we meet again, keep chasing the light and following your creative vision.

Until Next Time, Take Care & I’ll,
See Ya on the Trail!


Rodney Lough Jr.

 
Rodney Lough Jr.
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