Below is a series of Tweets I posted on Friday 16th of November outlining my opinions about landscape photography.
As these will inevitably become mangled by the Chinese whispers of the Twittersphere, here they are in full.
As some people seem determined to misrepresent my opinions, here is a clarification.
90% of landscape photography I see is dull, regurgitated, amateurish and shallow.
Which is fine if you're a beginner, I've been there, I understand.
But part of the problem is the clubbish, unchallenging attitude that surrounds the scene.
Which is tolerant of an artless, simplistic ’hobbyist’ approach.
Part of my artistic progression is to criticise both where I came from and the work of others.
It is essential. We cannot do anything worthwhile without having opinions.
A very small minority of landscape photography impresses me.
Anyone who tells you otherwise is either patronising, naive, lying or bought.
My approach is 'wake up people, smell the coffee'.
Most are missing out on a wonderful opportunities for personal expression.
When we describe ourselves as artists it is simply to say that we believe meaning can extend beyond the surface.
It is not self aggrandising or setting ourselves apart as ’other’. It is sharing the journey.
I wish someone had told my past self this. I would have felt more supported in my progress and less alone.
If you find that patronising, superior or offensive, please feel free to unfollow me.
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