Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Hudson  Steven,
Its interesting to see how this has developed, and I have reserved comment until it has developed. I gotta tell you, this aquascape just hasn't done anything for me from the begining to now...
I think you have had too many sticks too randomly placed. When they were bare it just made the whole aquascape too dis jointed and chaotic, and when they are covered up with moss and whatever, they serve no purpose and the end result is just a solid mass of plants with little definition or contrast. Even the depth of field is lost. I can see the resemblence to the photo you are trying to re create, but I wonder why would you want to? Is a tree lined hillside in that context a pleasing thing to the eye? Is it three dimensional, does it have good contrast, focal points, and have various levels of detail? To me it doesn't. I think you can reach your goal with this aquascape if you put it more into a traditional design modle. If you want to create a tree lined mountain, make a mountain on one side of the tank with an open valley or field around it, or something to that affect. Anything to give it more definition and detail |
Thanks for the commentary Robert. I think you're missing the point though.
We use focal points, contrast etc. in order to help us create beauty,
not the other way around. If something's beautiful without those things, than it's beautiful without those things.
The place I saw was
beautiful, inspiring, rapturous. I understand that my horrible photography cannot share this with you (I even said that my horrible photography doesn't convey the place), but I was hoping people'd at least believe me on my account of it, considering my other truly beautiful photographs from Japan (when I didn't have to take them through a train window).
Well, Ranmastone does because he's seen the like place. It didn't have focal points or huge breaks or glaring contrasts-- but it is beautiful. This aquascape looks like it-- beautiful. Quite frankly, it overwhelms me.
And if you don't think so, I guess it's like others have said-- I can't make everyone happy.
Donald-- Thanks man, you're a big help.
To all:
I used to think towards everything, "well, it's worth a try." With Hau Coast too, I tried all sorts of varieties in response to feedback, because it "was worth a try." But, just like the photos with red plants of Hau Coast-- I know now I'm never going to use them.
Now that I think about it, if I did make this into a totally Amano-ish, traditional-ish scape (because I could, it would be pretty easy quite frankly), won everyone's approval (though I'd probably upset those who love originality), and heck, even if I top 10'd the ADA with it (impossible for the tank size btw), the result would be . . .
I'd hate myself for it.
So I guess in the end I got to say: If you want to see an Amano, go buy some Aquajournals. Come to my thread to see
my work, because in the end, I guess all I can do is stay true to my vision.