Distortion: Andrew Pusbach

 

 

 

 

  

Distortion is the twisting, changing, or alteration of a shape, truth, or condition.  
 

Eliminating the subject’s environment from the composition, viewing it from a unique angle, or employing selective focus, removes its context. This allows the viewer to free his imagination to see the subject in a more creative and abstract way.

When a photograph is created, the composition, timing, and inclusion of specific elements, is all subject to the photographer’s personal vision. This can be interpreted as distortion, due to the fact that the photographer’s personal vision dictates what is conveyed to the viewer.

For this particular image, I photographed an old and dilapidated train car in Victor, Colorado. I found the subject to be interesting, but a compelling composition was evading me. As I studied the car I noticed some peeling paint on one of the walls, and realized that I found my subject.

 

Movement: Andrew Pusbach

North Clear Creek Falls is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet just off from highway 149 in the Rio Grande National Forest. The falls is just over 100 feet, crashing down into the canyon below. Due to its size, beauty, and accessibility, North Clear Creek Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Colorado.

When I went out to photograph the falls, I knew that I wanted to create an image that was different from the others that I have seen. Much of the time, the falls are photographed from the scenic overlook, or from down in the canyon with a wide-angle lens. I made my image from down in the canyon with a telephoto lens, so that I could isolate the beautiful rocks jutting up from underneath the falls.

The sun was lowering towards the horizon, thunderstorms were building above me, and the falls were crashing into the canyon with such ferocity. Photographing North Clear Falls was an incredible experience; I hope to return to it in the future.

Color: Andrew Pusbach

Colorado is well known for its vividly colored wildflowers, lush green valleys, and beautiful mountain ranges. Whenever I visit the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area I am overwhelmed by the experience, between the stunning peaks, the crystal clear mountain lakes, and towering aspen trees.

 Despite their beauty, the Maroon Bells are considered to be two of the most dangerous peaks in the state. They are often referred to as the “Deadly Bells.” They have claimed the lives of many an ambitious climber over the years, however, this does not stop people from reaching their summits.

 The Maroon Bells are some of the most well-known peaks in the state, and as such, are photographed constantly. Due to this, the real challenge when photographing them is walking away with a unique image.

When photographing the Maroon Bells, I prefer to visit them during the summer rather than in the fall because there are fewer photographers. As I watched the morning unfold I began to notice the interesting clouds moving above me creating dynamic shapes and patterns in the sky. The image above was my favorite from the morning.

Information for The Maroon Bells Wilderness Area

Decay: Andrew Pusbach

“We are threatened with suffering from three directions: from our own body, which is doomed to decay and dissolution and which cannot even do without pain and anxiety as warning signals; from the external world, which may rage against us with overwhelming and merciless forces of destruction; and finally from our relations to other men. The suffering which comes from this last source is perhaps more painful than any other.” – Sigmund Freud

Decay comes in many forms and has countless interpretations.  Throughout human history mankind has suffered. As the above quote states, much of the pain in this world is brought on by our relations to other men.

Life, existing on this planet is a form of decay, the moment we are conceived in the womb the clock starts ticking. Our days on this planet are numbered.

 With this idea in mind, I made my way out to south east Colorado in search of abandoned houses. These houses and the objects within them tell a story, a story about their past occupants; they offer a small window into what was once private and personal. Many of the houses that I came upon were far removed from the rest of civilization, which allowed seclusion and shelter from the rest of society.

 I don’t know who lived in these houses, I don’t know why they stand vacant, and I don’t know the persons predisposition towards his fellow man. But, I do wonder who they were and what happened to them and how they lived their lives. The impression that I walked away with was one of sadness, struggle, and loneliness.

Abstract: Andrew Pusbach

“As the language or vocabulary of photography has been extended, the emphasis of meaning has shifted, shifted from what the world looks like to what we feel about the world and what we want the world to mean.” –Aaron Siskind

One of the inherent qualities of abstract photography is how it allows the artist to view the world and its mundane objects in a unique and inventive way. It can be interpreted in countless ways, continually challenging the viewer to understand. Abstract art can be viewed from numerous angles and perspectives; in many cases, changing the orientation of the image also changes its interpretation. Aaron Siskind’s abstract photography has greatly inspired me to see the world in a new and creative way.

Link to Aaron Siskind's images and information: http://www.aaronsiskind.org/images.html