DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

First, I appreciate being added to this group. Having retired from Architectural and Real Estate Photography in August I have been in search of ways to express myself within the framework of technically correct photography with a twist of conceptual expression. I'm not even sure I know what that means. I have had to make images of exactly what is in front of me without serious embellishments” or just having fun with my work. I could make twilight images and that's about as far as I could go. The kicker and frustrations for me are that I have had zero training in art and I don't even know what to call different concepts. I think I understand modern art and possibly abstract art like Picasso or Van Gogh only because my wife likes their work. My ego is a driving factor in that I want people to like my work as they have in the past (I have several thousand followers) and yet I want to implement changes by adding fun to my photography for me. I particularly like to make images of animals sans reptiles. I have recently had shoots at five different zoos and I absolutely love it. I also love the fact that I can rent an electric scooter to get around. Otherwise, I couldn't do it because I'm an old fart and I don't want to pop my stints. I shoot RAW and I edit in LRCC and PhotoshopCC using some filters in On1, SilverEffects Pro2, and Topaz Studio. I realize that when using filters from plugins my images can be less than stellar but I don't do that because I still believe that my images must be technically precise. I am actually selling some of my images even though I am running around in ignorance on the art side of things. The Internet has not been much help and that's how I ended up here in The Exploration of Digital Artistry. I have a bunch of images on Instagram under David Pine Photography. Here are a couple of images with subtle adjustments from technically correct images. What I need to know is if I am doing something correctly or am I being foolish in thinking I am producing art.

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dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Seeing not as we expected to see has greater impact as demoed by your sticking photos. How much of which plugin and in what order... or do you have a receipt you follow? I really like these photos.

Have a look at Dynamic AutoPainter... they have a number of Van Gogh styles and many others.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I like the Topaz pulgins, especially Glow. I play with the sliders and the opacity to suit my eyes. I don't have any recipes.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

David, I very much like what you have done with these and I think it is easy to see that they are quality images to start with! I enjoyed your narrative, too. I have been facing the same dilemma lately. I am beginning to really enjoy Topaz Studio but I am almost afraid to post pictures that aren’t “normal”. I have a set that I plan to post today and you have given me courage!

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I've had some good response from civilians and I have had a few from artists. The void has been some of my contemporaries. I am having fun and I have scheduled to visit 6 more zoos this year, including Houston, San Diego, and the Bronx Zoo in NYC. [and I think it is easy to see that they are quality images to start with! I enjoyed your narrative, too. I have been facing the same dilemma lately. I am beginning to really enjoy Topaz Studio but I am almost afraid to post pictures that aren’t “normal”. I have a set that I plan to post today and you have given me courage![/quote]

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

If you had painted these photos with canvas and brush then who would complain... few if any... but the world is filled with "in the box" photographers and they rile if a photo is not SOOC. The price of the camera makes them great photographers... NOT. Dave just ignore the "Jack Asses."

I just bought a year membership + guest for the Tampabay Zoo. Your fault, you fine work pushed me over the edge and the tickets cost me $92 .. please send it to me by PayPal... thank you.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

Great shots David, and I for one love the pp work that you have done on them...

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have joined the 5 zoos I have shot. I appreciate what these facilities are doing for the endangered and rehab animals. I had no idea. The level of care is incredible.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

I love your artistic expressions. It's always fun to play. The colors are awesome....great job!

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

Love your work on these photos as they are excellent. Makes me think about stepping out of the box for a change. Between you and two ladies on the site by the names of Dixie girl (Donna) and Angela I think I've gotten myself in a rut so it's time for me to try something newer.....Rich

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

David, Thanks for bringing up this subject, showing your images, and telling your story. I don’t think you’re being foolish in producing something which starts as photography yet takes that additional step to become a piece of art. I think these pieces are wonderful examples of your interpretation of the subjects. I’m with you in not having any formal training in art basics, I just know what I like, what I don’t, and those pieces which keep me thinking. I tried some experimenting with my “normal” photographs starting with a plug-in called Fractaliius from Redfield, then added Topaz. Not showing much, but having fun and so maybe soon………….. Bev

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Thank you.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Yes. I've always been so rigid because my work demanded it of me. I still have to make my original image technically correct – then I can play. Some of my playing has blown my mind. I've even sold a few.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Thank you. What I am doing gives me a different feeling from what I accomplished with stricter standards. While I am proud of what I have accomplished this new twist almost makes me want to do a jig.

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

Well good, keep dancin' Bev