Sunday, August 17, 2014

Photographing an Icon

We have all been somewhere on vacation that was famous for a certain thing, an icon.


Take for instance Paris, what do you think of? The Eiffel Tower.


Or London? Big Ben.


Walt Disney World? Cinderella's Castle.

When I go to a place that has a famous icon the first thing I want to do is take lots of photos of it, capturing it from every angle. Always looking for that one unique shot that nobody else has taken.

In Kat Sloma's Sense of Place class material she makes a spot on statement about photographing icons.

"Icons of famous places are irresistible, yet often difficult to capture.
You may be so excited to see and experience a place in person you
can barely contain your enthusiasm as you photograph the icons. You
may take hundreds of pictures, reveling in the excitement of actually
being there. Yet when you review your images later, it is easy to find
yourself disappointed with the results. Why? We've been conditioned
to expect great photographs of icons through the media. Beautiful
photographs are found on postcards, posters, websites, books and
magazines. Icons become icons through many years of extended use
in imagery associated with a place. The images you see are usually
the best of the best, amazing captures created over what might be
years of study by artists and photographers. This is a tough
comparison for the images you capture in a single visit."

I have definitely felt this way. I had no grand expectations when we visited the Eiffel Tower. I was still too new to my camera, and still happily shooting in automatic mode. The Louvre and Notre Dame would have been so much better if there had been less people in my way. 


I did however expect spectacular results when we stayed at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier Montana last summer. I had seen many beautiful captures of this lodge and I knew I was capable of getting those same results. What I didn't take into account was the fact that we were only there two nights, that we were busy during the day and that it would be raining on our last morning there when I could have gotten up early to catch the golden hour. 


My one exception to this feeling of disappoint when photographing an icon was when we visited the American Cemetery in Normandy. Even though we were only there for an hour, I was able to capture exactly what I was hoping for and I think that has more to do with connection to the place than the actual photographs themselves. I have always been fascinated by the European part of WWII, and standing in that cemetery creates an emotion that it is beyond words. Also there was a stillness there that doesn't exist at the other icons I have visited, making it much easier to be in the moment and connect to the history and emotion of the place. 

Here is another thought from Kat:

"Instead of attempting to recreate the "postcard shot" try
spending your time and energy on capturing the icon 
with a point of view unique to you."

You can still make an attempt at that iconic shot, but also take shots that are true to your style of photography. For me, as I shared in last week's post, I prefer to shoot subject alone and particularly bits and pieces of the subject. Although as I continue to work through this course material I am realizing the importance of subject in context, at least for a shot or two, to help tell the story.

In the end, embrace your style and shoot those icons in your own distinct way. You will be much happier with the results instead of trying to recreate the picture perfect postcard.

12 comments:

Karen Lakis said...

Very true, yet I never thought about why. Vacations can be so busy, that it's not always possible to catch the right time or weather and then there are all those other tourists milling about... I will try to keep these thoughts in mind. I think it will help me to capture my own image. :-)

Cathy H. said...

Yes, we all need to get the icon shot out of the way! But, the shots that mean the most are those that are taken when we see with our own eyes and heart.

Lynne said...

Brilliant photo of the One Cross symbolism of American loss at Normandy. . . .
and the kneeling figure in the distance . . .
Brilliantly poignant . . .

Bonny Bonafilla said...

I think you've captured these icons beautifully. It's really tricky when you're only there for a fleeting visit. If the light's not right and there are too many people you're totally out of luck for the classical iconic shot, but as you say focussing on one particular aspect that interests you is a good way to capture something that speaks of your unique interpretation of what you've seen and that really is a one-in-a-million shot. All the best, Bonny

Dotti said...

Excellent thoughts. I almost always am disappointed with my travel photos. Some of it is what Kat has said and you shared. Some of it, too, I think, is sensory overload. A new, exciting place, so much to see, so many photos to take, so little time. That said, I think your photos are superb!

Donna Hopkins said...

Ditto. I feel exactly the same. I love your cemetery photograph and your connection to the subject is clearly evident. I cannot put into words the difference, but I can surely see it. I appreciate your photography, but equally so, I love being on the journey with you. Your story is one of a women in the midst of creative evolution - and it's a really good story.

Deanna said...

Oh what a great post. I am going to Paris next summer and I will try and keep this info in my brain as I photograph that beautiful icon. I so enjoy your posts and your creativity in words!!

Michelle B said...

Yes, we do need that iconic shot in our image library, but finding that shot unique to your experience makes an even better image. Especially since the perfect time, light and no people shots are near impossible on a family vacation. :)

The Artful Diva said...

I love Paris and London too!

Louisette said...

Lovely shot historic building. Greeting from Belgium.

http://louisette.eklablog.com/

Suburban Girl said...

I prefer the bits and pieces approach too.

Unknown said...

Wow!!! This is an amazing post! Yes yes yes to what Kat said sbout shooting iconic places. I think the next time I go someplace "famous" I will keep this in mind and try to make it my own. Excellently done my friend.