I’m always buying photography books and on the lookout for good DVDs. I like the books because I can read them at my leisure. And if they contain assignments at the end of each chapter that’s even better. DVDs, on the other hand, can be even better because you can see the photographer in action.
But not all DVDs live up to this level of expectation. Sure, you can get see where the photographers are photographing. And often you can see what they captured. But all too often you aren’t privy to what is going through their minds. Well, I found a DVD that sets the standard.
Tony Sweet is nationally recognized photographer known for his fine art nature and flower photographs. Tony’s images are surreal, impressionistic and speak directly to your soul. They are spontaneous, with a simplicity and clarity that approaches perfection.
In addition to three great books he has produced a 2 DVD set – the “Visual Literacy” instructional DVD. There is over four hours of fascinating insight into his photographic technique. Disk 1 is “In the Field”; disk 2 is “In the Studio.” I was enthralled with “In the Field” and watched all two hours of it from start to finish – twice. The wealth of invaluable techniques took me a bit by surprise during the first viewing so the second time through I took notes – three pages worth, all bullets.
Tony talks the whole time. He’s describing what he is seeing and what he’s thinking. He doesn’t hold anything back. You become a part of the creative process from the pre-visualization through the technical decisions and ending with the final result. You are with him as he plays with different techniques that result in totally different moods for the same subject. And you are infected with his enthusiasm for and total abandon in his work. (It doesn’t feel right to call what he does ‘work.’)
The DVD is divided into different segments, each of which introduces one or more techniques. Some are along the lines of what you might consider conventional landscape photography (although nothing is conventional about Tony’s work). Other techniques are really far out – and very powerful.
I’ve just started playing around with some of Tony’s techniques and must confess I love it. And ‘playing around’ is definitely the correct term. Initially I thought they were too far out for me but once I tried it I experienced the exhilaration of letting go and having pure, simple fun. I was a kid again, a good place to be when trying to be creative.
So I enthusiastically recommend “Visual Literacy.” You can find it on his website along with his photographs, books, cards and other goodies – http://tonysweet.com. As for me, I’ll be out there playing around, getting more far out and having a ball!
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