Response to Very Few Times I Think an off topic post is useful but..

actually, altaf, i think the contemplation of a photograph such as this is helpful to any real understanding of how exceptional pictures come into being. in so many cases, there is a strong element of the tired cliche', "f8 and be there". the "elkfire" image is typical. no doubt any number of photographers who happened to be where this gentleman was in possession of any sort of competent camera could, and would have presented a very similar result. of course, one could argue that he has displayed talent in awaiting the "decisive moment" of composition as the elk moved into place. that may be true, or it may have been luck. photography is not usually so demanding of intimate, conscious control of the imaging process as is painting, for instance. it is often the art of the accident. joe rosenthal was on iwo jima for better or worse, and it is certain that he didn't conceptualize and direct the positioning of each of those marines. of course, he very likely sensed the point at which their bodies were in such exquisite tension and communicative combination, and he is to be honored for that ability to capture in at least one frame, an unforgettable image. consider the many well-known photographic artists who have been fortunate enough to have had a session with the legendary ms. monroe: who among us could have failed to come from two or three hours with her and a leica without producing at least a couple of stunning images? of course, it may be that eisenstadt would have captured more of them, or one or two that were of greater impact; but the primary component remains the opportunity to be there and touch that release. in short, how many of us, given a set of paints and a canvas, and the rest of our lives to do so, could have presented the world with "starry night", or "mademoiselles d'avignon"? still, that element of the possibility of greatness may be why so many of us love this medium. each of us walks every day with the potential to capture grace, beauty, drama; even fame. it's a hell of a way to pass the time.

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