CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Curious as to thoughts of this shot. When taking it I could see mtns., tree tops, a cliff, clouds and stars. I was shooting on a platform overlooking a river shoal and that day the mica that is common there was floating on the surface of the water, thus the stars.

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RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I very much like this abstract.

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Richard, That was quick! Thank you and I am delighted that you like it. It is one of two that I am considering placing in an upcoming competition in the "Art in Nature" category that we are not usually offered. Sandy

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Greetings from a hot humid and damp South Seas.
The interesting question is do you consider it art and why?
To me its a Photoshop type doodle not unpleasant in any way but appears to lack the planning an artist puts into their work.
Who does not offer you the Art and Nature category?
Ol' Billy is lost on that one.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

It brings to mind fog coming off the river early in the morning.

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Greetings to you Billy! First question- Yes I would consider it to fit into the category of art as I knew what I was looking at rocks, water and mica but could envision as I was shooting,the mtns., clouds ,stars, etc. In fact as I looked through my lens I said Wow, this looks like I am above the stars looking down on earth. Made my heart flutter. Do you ever get excited like that or see something you didn't expect but the camera captures? You don't always have to plan photos ahead of time. That can make them just technical and sterile, and without any emotion or feeling. Sometimes God gives us a moment of capture just as a gift to us. Photoshop doodle- this has very little PP just a bit of LR. I could send you the original raw that would show you hardly any difference in the two. I belong to Georgia Nature Photography Association and I don't remember the category of art in nature being offered. This allows blurring, abstract, PP beyond the norm, etc. I felt this photo fell more into this category than the others and I was excited as I like "different" and never felt I could submit some photos. Hope I answered your questions and yes I do appreciate your comments. Hope we are new friends and look forward to submitting more for your comment. Sandy

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Hya Sandy and a great answer which fully explains your viewpoint. I sincerely hope we are indeed new friends even if we disagree about aspects of our great hobby.
Many debates have taken place on here about what constitutes art and you will find many friends here who share your viewpoint. Some will even refer to themselves as artists or artistic lol.
My view is snaps are indeed sterile any emotion feeling or indeed story comes from ones imagination. The camera is just a crude machine that captures the image that's in front of it when the shutter is open. The mountains and trees sound rather interesting the water a little mundane.
Heart flutter huh. Used to happen when chasing young women but my old legs will not allow that now!! That appear to run so fast these days.
It is indeed a pleasure to meet you even if we may have differing views.

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

And such beauty that is, and serenity. Happy that the photo brought that memory to your thoughts. S

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I think it's pretty wonderful, and it does make one think of mountains. I like the mystery of it, and am drawn to these types of shots which are somewhat in the style of my most favorite nature photographer Guy Tal.
Intimate landscapes, and abstracts of those intimate landscapes that you have to really puzzle over at the same time you are enjoying the colors and forms. The reflections off the mica are interesting - did you try lots of settings to see what else the mica might do? That sounds like a place to return to over and over if it's near you, it might yield many treasures.

Good luck in the contest and let us know how things turn out!

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

So glad that you enjoyed the photo. I do go to this area as much as possible as it is a treasure for variety in shooting. Did not try different settings but good suggestion for future adventures. Made a note to check out Guy Tal. Thank you for encouraging comments. Sandy

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Beautiful. Very Zen. Puts me in mind of an Asian ink-wash landscape. "Art in Nature" indeed! :thumbup: :thumbup:

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

I have an Asian screen in my dining room that has mountains that look very much like this photo. Color almost identical. So I thank you Chuck for your comments. You saw what I saw through my lens. Loved your comment too about "being who you are----". I heard it this way; "Be who you is, because if you don't be who you are, you be who you ain't."

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Profound! :lol:

I got to thinking (rarely a good idea) :mrgreen: ... There have been SOooo many discussions in the 'hog about what constitutes "art." I did a quick basic search herein for "art in nature." The list is long, and often asks other folks whether something is or is not art. Unsurprisingly there seem to be as many answers---opinions---as there are 'hoggers.

I'm one of those guys who says, I don' no nothing 'bout awwt, but I nose what I likes. Really! I have no formal training in art, but I love art museums and all kinds of art, and no matter which section I'm in I will find things that stop me cold...or leave me cold...and everything in between. I suppose that if I had some formal training, a silk scarf, and a glass of chardonnay, I too could know what I was looking at and whether it was really worthwhile, but I just nose what I likes, and to some extent I like pretty much every genre, but within a genre there will be things I reaaaaally like, and others not so much. :shock: That said, for what it's worth, I love your picture and think you should submit it as Art in Nature, because I think it is exactly that. :)

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

My first perception was not unlike yours of topography poking up, here-and-there through a low fog.
Then I came to realize it was very turbid water flowing among rocks, some moss-covered. I wouldn't have guessed that mica accounted for the glints of sparkle.

By its illusory aspect, it is, to my mind, a remarkable natural abstract and took a good eye to perceive as such and to capture.

At his is definitely one that would stop my slow stroll through the gallery...clearly of more than "passing interest".

Dave

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Morning, I tend to think exactly as you do about "art" in any form. It is presented in many forms for sure. For me it ranges from ridiculous to drawing my breath causing me to linger or a desire to hold the image or object forever. A video of Lensbaby photos of flowers and mushrooms by Andrea Gulickx, brought me to tears recently. Exquisite beauty and it was set to music which did me in. I plan to submit the photo and one other. May go nowhere in the competition but it will go to my wall after and I will enjoy it or them both. So appreciate your encouragement and thoughts. Sandy