While this post takes a look at some incredibly stunning tree photography by artist Myoung Ho Lee (tree art posts are some of my favorites), it is personally devastating. Let me explain. For some time now, I have been cultivating a super-secret idea for a photography project that I'd like to undertake "some day" when I get the time and funding. Just last week, I disclosed my idea to Kevin and we were discussing the feasibility. After I listed off all my hang-ups and excuses, he said "apply for a grant! just go for it! do it!" And I was pleased that he liked my super-secret idea. But that's when it first occurred to me to do a Google search for "tree portraits."
Trees have personality! Character! They communicate. And they are immensely beautiful. And to attempt to capture their beauty and form by constructing an enormous backdrop and then photographing the solitary tree – as if in a studio, but still out in the middle of nature – well. There you have it. My secret creative project idea. Laid out to you before it's even been done...er...except that...It HAS been done.
A quick internet search brought me to the Tree exhibition at Yossi Milo Gallery, and there I saw these wonderful photos by Myoung Ho Lee that I wish I had taken. Here was my own idea, already executed - beautifully - by a South Korean gentleman just 4 years my senior. I was devastated. AND. To make matters just a little bit worse, I realized the show was last year, right here in New York. I could have gone.
I don't know. I guess I'm being overly dramatic. I'm just sad I'll never be able to see this project through and get credit for it. Or, maybe I'll do a similar project some day - but would it be seen as copyright infringement? Whatever. You heard it here first. I had the idea before I saw his work, though it will never seem original to the world. Oh well.
This has NOT kept me from truly appreciating the beauty of Mr. Lee's photography. I love it. Read more about it here.
Bravo, fine sir. Your trees are lovely.
16 comments:
Oh no! That other artist stole your idea telepathically! ;) What about doing it with city trees, to highlight the urban tree? Ah well, I'm sure the tress will inspire some new ideas soon enough. :)
These are beautiful... I'd love to have something like this hanging on my wall or even painted on my van.
Keep up the good work!
Well, it hasn't been done by YOU yet! Go for it - don't let the fact that someone tried something similar stop you.
AwW! Well darlin,' don't be discouraged. It was a cool super secret idea. Still is. Do you want to meet the other artist? P.S. Next time you have a cool super secret idea don't do a google search until you execute. :)
Very cool photos, just because someone else is doing them doesnt mean that you cant do them better, I say persue the dream. I am running a Tree Photography Contest at www.EarlyForest.Com until April 22nd. I would love to have you participate. If you have a chance to let your readers know about it that would be great too.
Thanks,
Craig
Too bad. But try it, you could give it an individual touch.
I do believe it could be done better. While you are doing it, let the creative ideas continue to flow and you may end up with something completely woderful and unexpected. Personally, I would frame the picture within the back drop only, cutting out the surrounding area. Brian, Tree Lover.
inspirational photos of beautiful trees, of all stages. I share the same love for them. thank you for bringing an awareness of their presence.
Enjoyed cruising through your blog. Such beautiful photos of trees. It has inpired me to take more tree photos.
gorgeous pix here
These are beautiful Really great concept!!
so funny that i stumbled onto your blog! I have also been doing 'studio' tree portraits in montreal...i guess sometimes its better not to know that it's been done and just do it your own way...Hope you went ahead with it anyway!
Beautiful portraits...I am looking for a button to follow your amazing blog. Where is it?
Beautiful pictures :)it really calms me down to look at them - wonderful! Thank you :)
it seems so vivid but it's not and that's what i like about it. Lets save trees
Hi, I have always loved taking photos of trees, i think it is so easy for them to be needlessly cut down or destroyed for whatever reason and the beauty that was is gone. It is so important to capture it and celebrate it. It is also a really good way to remind peole that we need to care for our environment. one day whole species may not exist.
Have you read "A tree grows in Brooklyn"? you reminded me of that book :) keep up the good work, I would go see your exhibition if it was on show.
:)
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