P#17: An Impressionistic Winter Forest Scene

The Right Mix of Composition and Technique

Bill Neill: This winter forest shot was taken in Yosemite. Sometimes I have reason to go to Yosemite Valley. The Ansel Adams Gallery there sells my photographs. I had a delivery to make and lo and behold at the time I was going there was a snowstorm. It was a perfect convergence.

Again, I worked very hard on this composition to create the spaces between the trees. It was not a random spot where I stood. It was the same thing with the giant sequoias. I took many pictures, looked at the histogram, shuffled around in the snow left and right, and worked very hard to create this design. (click the image for a larger version)

Even though, as the camera moves, you are a little bit out of control, it is possible to create a strong design by choosing carefully where you stand.

I've seen a lot of people try these techniques. In a sense they think it's easy street and they don't have to pay attention to the same things. I'll just go out and learn my camera and I'll create art, but image design is still important there.

Audri Lanford: I really love the abstract impressionistic imagery here.

Bill Neill: I have a whole portfolio of impressionistic photographs on my Web site.

To Conclude

Some people assume that impressionistic photographs are some of the easiest to manage, and that composition can be thrown to the wind. Bill Neill proves this isn't true.

The best impressionistic photographs take strong composition as well as technique, and that's exactly how he created this wonderful winter forest shot.