Monthly Challenge -- Based on the Photography of Edward Weston

The next Monthly Challenge (which, because of the two presenters in April will actually be for the May meeting)  is based on the photography of Edward Weston.

Weston believes that photography is an art form and that the camera has the ability to capture the thing itself, the essence of what a thing is.  The art of photography involves presenting the photographic subject -- whatever it may be -- in terms of its basic reality -- shape, line,  and form -- which, according to Weston gives insight to the essence of the thing.

Weston believes that even very ordinary objects have great beauty, especially when the photographer focuses on line, shape and form.  It is by looking closely at this aspect of an object being photographed that we see its beauty.

Weston photographed anything and everything.  He is famous for his images of vegetables (especially peppers) and his nudes.

For this Monthly Challenge your goal is to focus on line,shape, and form in order to capture the essence of something in the style of Edward Weston.  Here are the two options:

  • Essential Veggie...focus on form, lines, essence using a vegetable of your choice.
  • Quintessential Something...focus on form, lines, essence...except you can work with any object you want.

The PowerPoint presentation below (which was presented at the last meeting) will give you more information on Weston and his ideas.