Introduction
Photography has taken me down many paths. I've photographed beautiful natural features in the wilderness, seldom-seen wild animals, famous and not-so-famous people, the dangerous and the mundane. LDS Temples have always been one of my favorite subjects, but are difficult to photograph well. Their spectacular architecture lends itself even to snapshots, but those lack the ability in most cases to lift and inspire. Temples deserve more attention - more time and effort.
I've always said that in photography, the more you know the harder it gets. Things got much harder for me when I discovered large-format photography. Large format has been around for more than a century and refers to an original image that is much bigger than a traditional 35mm negative or slide. The larger original allows incredible resolution and can be enlarged far beyond what is possible with smaller formats. In addition, the camera allows for a collection of "movements" or "perspective controls", giving the photographer the ability to avoid distortion inherent in lesser formats.
The downsides to large-format are many. The film (yes, I'm still shooting film), developing, camera, lenses, and accessories are all expensive. The camera is big and bulky and sits on top of a heavy tripod. It takes a long time to set up and is poorly suited for shooting anything other than stationary objects. My camera is basically a wooden box with a leather bellows and needs the chosen lens physically fastened to the front. It's completely manual and lacks any kind of electronics. It does look nice, though. I'll post images of it later.
The large-format approach requires some preparation and planning - so does Temple photography. Many elements contribute to a dramatic, inspiring image; composition, light, season, weather, timing, etc.. While large-format is harder, I definitely think it is better.
I'll be posting Temple images as well as pictures relating to what I do before and after, to achieve the final image I have in mind. I'll also give some background information that I hope will be interesting. Feel free to comment or ask questions.
I've always said that in photography, the more you know the harder it gets. Things got much harder for me when I discovered large-format photography. Large format has been around for more than a century and refers to an original image that is much bigger than a traditional 35mm negative or slide. The larger original allows incredible resolution and can be enlarged far beyond what is possible with smaller formats. In addition, the camera allows for a collection of "movements" or "perspective controls", giving the photographer the ability to avoid distortion inherent in lesser formats.
The downsides to large-format are many. The film (yes, I'm still shooting film), developing, camera, lenses, and accessories are all expensive. The camera is big and bulky and sits on top of a heavy tripod. It takes a long time to set up and is poorly suited for shooting anything other than stationary objects. My camera is basically a wooden box with a leather bellows and needs the chosen lens physically fastened to the front. It's completely manual and lacks any kind of electronics. It does look nice, though. I'll post images of it later.
The large-format approach requires some preparation and planning - so does Temple photography. Many elements contribute to a dramatic, inspiring image; composition, light, season, weather, timing, etc.. While large-format is harder, I definitely think it is better.
I'll be posting Temple images as well as pictures relating to what I do before and after, to achieve the final image I have in mind. I'll also give some background information that I hope will be interesting. Feel free to comment or ask questions.
Thank you for your painstaking efforts and time. Your work and commentary are an inspiration to me.
Reply to this
I love your work! I would love to see some of these pictures for sale or published! Keep up the great work.
Parien
Reply to this
Richard:
Your work is incredible!! I love love love the Mesa Temple in Sepia - it's gorgeous!! I'd love to get a price to purchase that. Have you ever done the Snowflake Temple in Sepia? Love to see that too!! What a great photographer you've become!!! Love, your cousin, Barbara Brimhall Gardner
Reply to this
Richard,
You are sooo awesome~!
Your work is absolutely amazing.
Jolet
Reply to this
Richard,
This blog is a great idea. Having a story behind a piece of artwork adds to its romance. Giving pointers is also a great idea. I would love to see an entry based solely on your camera.
Reply to this
Wow. Georgeous pictures. You are very talented. Thanks for sharing them.
Reply to this
Richard,
The photographs are awesome. I love the Salt Lake Temple. Can't wait until we can get some in the store. The commentary is great.
Reply to this
We really enjoyed reading the stories and thoughts behind these photographs, Richard! It sure adds to the already beautiful images you've captured. Great new website!
Reply to this
Wow, each of those temple pictures were stunning. And the descriptions help us appreciate the effort it takes to capture a great picture. Cool website.
Reply to this
Richard,
As a photographer I have always been impressed by your work and glad to know that one of my hiking companions and friends has done so well in photography. I really appreciate the information you have shared in this blog about how you set them up - photography is just snapping a shot, but great photography is planning the shot and then executing it.
Reply to this
Richard,
I love the blog. As always I'm a big fan!
Reply to this