I’ll admit to being pretty jaded when it comes to looking at photos, primarily due to paying attention to millions of photos since I started working for Galen Rowell back in 1990. To really get my kudos, an image has to shout out the story immediately, and be in tune with a strong personal vision. I’d like to share a photo I saw today on Flickr that totally scored on the “Found Image” scale. What is a ‘found’ image? To my definition, it is literally stumbling onto a scene, and catching a truly unique perspective, moment, or element. Many photos of landscapes and street scenes are the result of stumbling upon a ‘found’ image. If you had to set it up, were actively looking for something, or engaged in planning to get the shot, then it’s not a ‘found’ image.
Check out this image. Then, when you’ve had a good moment to absorb the photo, scroll down a bit, and see the image in it’s original context. This photographer deserves praise for pulling this rabbit out of his visual hat. Seriously, how many of us might have ever seen that, or even more, thought to take a picture of it. Truly, a fine (art) found photo.
I wonder if he noticed the peregrine falcon eating a pigeon on the ledge above him. 😉
I love ‘found photos’! Nothing in photography seems more exciting and inspiring than stumbling onto a great image that was totally unexpected, or preconceived. I guess this same experience can come from a studio setting when the lights just come together, but mine are always out in nature when elements of the natural world just seem to be posing perfectly.
The image you refer to certainly is a great example of the kind of photo that keeps me addicted to this profession.
cheers,
-Scott