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07/06/2003 01:08:02 AM · #1 |
It's hard to believe that I've done ten of these things. Some have gotten lots of traffic and lots of responses, and some haven't had as many. Still, the reason I do this is that I'm learning, and writing these helps me learn. I also find it an interesting way of saying thanks to the folks I profile. Finding this site has literally changed my life as I've looked at your work and have found the good and have tried to emulate it. Literally hundreds of you have helped me either through giving me ideas that I've wanted to try, or in showing me a technique that I've wanted to use, or by showing me how light really works in photography. You might be surprised at how many times I refer to your photographs. So a big thank you to you all! If I've ever left a comment on a photo of yours, I feel certain that your photo helped me learn something.
To me, all parts of my life are connected and intertwined. I cannot separate my photography from other parts of my life, so I feel that my life is better and has improved as I've discovered new ways of telling stories through photography. The photographer I'd like to profile this week, I feel, perhaps feels similarly--and that is the most important thing he has taught me, which is more important than photography itself, I am sure.
jmsetzler has inspired many of us, and my first day on this site, I selected him as my first favorite photographer. With his clever self portrait (which is probably more profound that we realize!), he indicated his desire to move on and try new things. I'm very anxious to see what those new things are, but I hope you'll check out the newest images in his portfolio:
//www.dpchallenge.com/profile.php?USER_ID=772
But this week, I'm not going to profile him. You are!
As he finds his new role with photography and here on the site, I'd really like to know your own thoughts about his photography. What, specifically, have you learned from him?
You can choose your own format to do this, or you can use this one:
1. find a favorite photo of his
2. let us know specifically what you learned from it
In conclusion: THANKS JOHN! Not only are you a great photographer, you are a helpful, kind and genuine person.
-David
Previous Profiles:
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=30846
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=29504
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=28556
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=27586
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=26580
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=25693
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=24573
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=22655
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=23282
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07/06/2003 01:13:34 AM · #2 |
Hey, maybe I should go first!
In this shot, one of his most popular (and the one that immediately struck my eye), I learned about clarity. Simple clarity of communication. In this photo, he shows me how lovely nature is, and how glorious in its simplicity.
The technical mastery of the photograph is clear as well. Sharp focus where it is needed, interesting composition that invites our eye to go beyond the photo and into its world, and interesting lines and elements that make it, in my opinion, a perfect photograph. I've learned other things from John, but clarity, I think, is perhaps the most important lesson he has taught me--about photography, anyway.
Message edited by author 2003-07-06 01:13:59. |
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07/06/2003 08:19:54 AM · #3 |
This is my favorite Setzler shot. Bridge of Sighs III .
I really like IR shots and this one is exceptional. I liked it so much I tried to copy it. Of course, it doesn't look this good, but I'm a mere mortal. I like the lines and patterns of these types of shots. These bridges make for some really cool pictures. The "color" version of this shot is pretty cool too. It's like infrared, with twist. Bridge of Sighs II .
John has done some amazing work. He always seems to come up with something different. He kinda keeps you guessing what he's going to come up with next.
Bob
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07/06/2003 08:47:25 AM · #4 |
I'm not sure I could pick out a favorite of Johns. Each one has that special something that shows his talent and teaches me something. John was the first person I talked to on DPC and we became close friends. I had only taken a few photos with a 2mp digital. I bought a camera like his and he took the time and his love for photography and taugh me EVERYTHING I know today. He gives to anyone asking for help, not to mention the tutorials in the forums (check those out if you haven't!).
Thank you John....you rock !
Message edited by author 2003-07-06 09:50:24.
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07/06/2003 08:57:54 AM · #5 |
John, John, John..... :)
The master has taught this young grasshopper many wonderful things about photography. Not only trough his photos and tutorials but through his philosophy and his genuine spirit. U de man John!
One of my top John shots is this one. It showed me his sense of humor and his way of thinking outside the box.
May your road be filled with great photography to come.... and if ou have a URL where we could keep on seeing your work..... ;o)
Yanik
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07/06/2003 10:24:25 AM · #6 |
| I really admire John's studio shots. They are beautifully set up and executed always perfectly lit. I'm trying to learn from them, as studio shots are not my best. Congrats John, you're amazing. |
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07/06/2003 11:01:17 AM · #7 |
What John has taught me isn't so much how to take a better photograph, but how to view those that others have taken. When John started up the Critique Club I joined, and through conversations with him and my doing CC's I realized that there is more to a good photograph then just take sharp focus and great colors. There is emotion and feeling in good photo's. Something that makes you look at it and wonder more about what is going on in what you see.
A good photographer can get the technical aspect down a give you a pretty picture. A great photographer can do all that and leave you Breathless after viewing their work.
Thanks John!
Message edited by author 2003-07-06 13:43:12.
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07/06/2003 11:01:31 AM · #8 |
This was the first Setzler shot I remember seeing.
What it taught me, as somebody who had just taken his second ever studio shot, was how much impact your lighting setup can create. It's a simple shot, something I like, but the top half of the shot is dominated by shadow - especially the graduated greys as the ball comes into the light, and the bottom half is dictated by light - playing on the ridges of the piston pin.
It took me 5 months to finally get a shot that I believe matches up to this one.
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07/06/2003 11:15:56 AM · #9 |
My favorite shot of Johns is Light of the Spirit
This shot seems to show who John is. The light coming from the window is so perfect.
I like most all of Johns shots. His studio shots are inspiring to me. I have tried quite a few of his shots, but never have come close to looking as good as his. I hope to see more of his photos on dpc.
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07/06/2003 02:36:59 PM · #10 |
| I'm most impressed with John as a human being. Of course his photos are top notch and we have all learned from them but he doesn̢۪t stop there. He has spent countless hours helping people on this site. From his work on the Critique Club and his tutorials to his 5893 comments he has done nothing except try and bring us all up to his level. John is an example to all of us not just in photography but also on how to be a caring selfless person. |
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07/06/2003 02:48:18 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Sonifo:
My favorite shot of Johns is Light of the Spirit
This shot seems to show who John is. The light coming from the window is so perfect. |
That has to be my favorite for the very reason you mentioned. Giving and caring man. That's John :)
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07/06/2003 04:29:14 PM · #12 |
Too many shots to choose just one favorite. Ill just say I admire his body of work as a whole.
I first met John over at the Deviant Art site. I remember him making some comments on several of my shots and sent me some private messages were we exchanged tips and setup info. What really made him stand out to me at the time, was an email he sent me asking if I minded him duplicating a shot of mine. I thought that was truly a great comment and that the fact he even bothered to ask me for permission showed what a class guy he is. The funny thing is, his shot was far superior technically even though it was the same shot.
Thru John is also how I found out about this site. I really admire what he has done to help tutor and educate people here on this site to raise the bar on their own photography.
I defiantely appreciate John as a friend and his honest critiques and comments on work that I share with him.
OK, enough ass-kissing! You owe me a good photo idea...lol
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07/06/2003 08:28:51 PM · #13 |
I can't add much to what's been said about John. He is definitely an inspiration for me. I am awed by the fact that he can take a great photograph in virtually any category.
I find his best work to be images that aren't considered the norm. Some of my favorites of his are not his highest scoring. For example: Follow Me
I make it a point to find his photo after each challenge and am disappointed when there isn't one.
When he becomes famous one day I'll be glad to say I knew him.
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07/06/2003 11:36:35 PM · #14 |
Thanks to everyone :) I'm flattered :)
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07/07/2003 08:34:41 AM · #15 |
I have come to know John thru this site, and the chat. He has not only been a great instructor and an inspiration for photography, but a good listener. I hope to meet him someday in person.
Congrats, John, on your skills - technical and human.
:)
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