Photo of the Week: August 24, 2012
Our panel of professional photographers choose their favorite photo from Y! Travel contributors
Editor's note: Welcome to Yahoo! Travel Photo of the Week, chosen from the Flickr group created by our readers - you! Each week a professional photographer will select a photo that stands out from the crowd, and explain why they chose it. To have your own photo considered, join our Flickr group and start submitting your own photos!
This week’s winning Yahoo Travel Picture of the Week – by Edison Farmer – is a terrific example of thinking a bit differently in an extremely popular tourist destination, in this case the Seattle Space Needle, a constantly photographed landmark.
Farmer’s striking image of razor sharp thistle plants contrasted against a blurry blue reflection of the Space Needle - created with a Nikon D40 camera - pops off the display as a refreshingly different view of this possibly over-exposed Seattle landmark, creatively reflected in one of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s amazing works of art.
Farmer has effectively accomplished the goal frequently tossed at photographers by photo directors, editors and clients: “Surprise me!” This photographed stopped this reviewer, spotted among thousand of images, as a visually wonderful surprise! Great seeing, solid technique, and good imaging, Edison!
Tip of the Week
Take Edison Farmer’s lead and consciously pursue non-cliché imagery rather than putting your camera in the same tripod holes as dozens of photographers who have preceded you to any often-photographed landmark. Sure, go ahead and make all the traditional photographs you wish but always keep a sharp eye peeled for something different.
Don’t settle for the standard view – look around to see if there is a way to make the picture unique, especially when photographing famous landmarks. Surprise us!
Gary Parker is an advertising, corporate and editorial photographer based in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA. Gary was a staff travel photographer for Southern Living Magazine, as well as a frequent travel photographer for Sunset Magazine. Gary was twice named a National Newspaper Photographer of the Year, Southern Photographer of the Year and has won international advertising and editorial awards. Gary’s work may be seen on either of his websites: garyparker.com and CatDogPhotography.com
