The Subjective Landscape

Many landscape photographs can be considered objective representations that are little more than recordings of actual appearances. However, they can also be subjective in that they are a creative and personally expressive response that reflects the photographer's thoughts and feelings. In this presentation I distinguish two schools of thought in landscape photography today, what I call objective and subjective landscapes. I discuss the defining qualities of each and how they differ in both approach and intent. I also discuss ways that we can express and develop our vision to make more subjective, personally expressive images that go beyond mere representation. Finally, I conclude with the rewards that come with making subjective photographs.