What About Peter Lik | Lik-a-Likes
Let’s Start Here
Why is he so hated in the world of Fine Art Landscape (or in his case, anything and everything) Photography? Personally I have my own of reasons, but lets use the internet and do some ‘unbiased’ digging (up dirt.) Peter Lik, an Australian photographer known for his landscape photography, has garnered both praise and criticism throughout his career. While there’s a considerable fan base and has achieved commercial success with his landscape images, there are several reasons why he has faced a lot of criticism:
Commercialization: Some critics argue that Lik's work is heavily commercialized, with an emphasis on selling prints at high prices rather than artistic integrity. His marketing strategies, including limited edition prints and high-pressure sales tactics, have led some to view him as more of a businessman than an artist.
Perception of Overprocessing: Lik's editing and post-processing techniques have been a point of contention. Some critics believe that his images are overly manipulated or heavily edited, leading to a sense of artificiality or loss of authenticity in his work. Which should worry collectors of his work. After all fake is fake, and real is real - no matter how hard you try to convince me that I can see a sunset and an overly brightened Milky Way in the same moment as truthful, I never will.
Lack of Innovation: While Lik's photography often captures beautiful landscapes, some critics argue that his style lacks innovation or originality. They may view his work as formulaic or repetitive, with similar compositions and subjects repeated throughout his portfolio. Can you say “Dock”?
Subjectivity of Art: Like any artist, Lik's work is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate or connect with his style. Some viewers may simply prefer other types of landscape photography or find his aesthetic choices unappealing.
Controversies and Criticism: Lik has faced controversies in the past, including accusations of misleading marketing tactics and claims about the authenticity of his images. These controversies may have contributed to negative perceptions of him and his work within certain ethical circles.
This piece from Smith Rocks in Oregon happens to have been a sunrise moonset at dawn.
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The Lik-a-Like Phenomenon: Mimicry, Mediocrity, and the Art of Copying
Welcome, fellow wanderers of the world of photography and art connoisseurs, where the lens captures not just images but also debates, controversies, and, dare I say, a fair share of mimicry. Today, let's dive into the realm of Lik-a-Likes, those who dare to imitate the style of none other than the infamous Peter Lik. Brace yourselves for a journey through the land of copycats, where originality goes to die and mediocrity reigns supreme.
The Lik Legacy
Ah, my ol’ friend Pete, the man, the myth, the overpriced print maker. With his breathtaking landscapes and his knack for turning a simple photograph into a bank-breaking investment (or is it really), Lik has left an indelible mark on the world of photography. But let's be real - his work isn't everyone's cup of tea. Sure, he's got a basic eye for composition, but his penchant for over saturation and over processing often leaves discerning eyes rolling faster than the click of a shutter. Can anyone tell me why that accent causes mental paralysis?
Now, imagine a world where every sunset is saturated to the point of absurdity, where every mountain range looks like it belongs on a postcard from the '90s. Welcome to the world of Lik-a-Likes, this is a place where originality is as rare as a candid smile in a one of his self portraits.
These brave souls, or should I say, misguided imitators; strive to emulate Lik's style with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. From the over-the-top colors to the cookie cutter compositions, it's like watching a bad cover band butcher your favorite song, it’s cringeworthy yet strangely captivating at the same time.
But hey, let's not be too harsh on all these poor Lik-a-Likes. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Or is it just a desperate cry for attention in an oversaturated (pun intended) market? Whatever the case, there's no denying the sheer entertainment value of watching these wannabe stumble and fumble their way through the art world. Yet many of them have hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and just as many YouTube subscribers. [if you’re one of them let me know when you get over $300M | just curious]
Picture this: you stumble upon a Lik-a-Like's Instagram feed, expecting to see the next Ansel Adams, only to be greeted by a sea of clichéd sunsets and clichéd hashtags (#blessed, anyone?). It's enough to make you want to chuck your camera into the nearest body of water and take up finger painting instead.
A waning crescent moon hovers over the setting sun on a west coast sunset.
It’s 2nd Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington
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The Irony of it All
What's truly ironic about the Lik-a-Like phenomenon is that in their quest to imitate Lik, they completely miss the point of what makes his work somewhat appealing (to some, at least.) Lik's photographs, for all their flaws, often evoke a sense of awe and wonder (warranted or not.) There is a connection to the natural world that transcends mere pixels on a screen. But when you strip away the authenticity (of an original ‘creation’) and replace it with cheap imitation, you're left with nothing but a hollow shell of what could have been. The Lik-a-Like of today will eventually be found out to be a fake, as Lik is finding out himself.
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.
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The Bottom Line
So, what's the verdict on Lik-a-Likes? Are they harmless imitators paying homage to a master of their craft, or are they just a sad reminder of the pitfalls of artistic mimicry? Personally, I'll take a hard pass on the Lik-a-Likes and stick to blazing my own trail through the wilds of photography and well…the wilds. Because let's face it the world doesn't need another Peter Lik. It needs more originality, more creativity, and maybe just a little less saturation.
And if you’re going to put a moon where a moon could never be at least have the guts to admit it and not say things like “the lunar experience of the moon coming up over the horizon was…”, well, completely fabricated.
Conclusion
And there you have it folks a ‘tongue in cheek’ exploration of the Lik-a-Like phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard fan of his works or a staunch critic of his work, one thing's for certain: the world of photography is never short on drama, intrigue, and yes, a healthy dose of imitation. But hey, if nothing else, at least the Lik-a-Likes give us something to laugh about on those dreary days when the lighting just won't cooperate. So here's to the copycats, the imitators, and the downright ridiculous milky way shoots, may they continue to entertain us for years to come.
And remember: if you're going to mimic someone, at least have the decency to do it with style. Or better yet, find your own voice and let your creativity shine like a beacon in a sea filled with copycats. Happy shooting!
Until Next Time, Take Care & I’ll,
See Ya on the Trail!
Rodney Lough Jr.