Friday, May 20, 2011

Sam is More Than Abell

View of Cannon Beach from Ecola State Park, Oregon  © Doug Hickok


Ever since I was a kid, I have loved paging through National Geographic magazines. I was captivated by the pictures and maps of far away places that I found fascinating, places I wanted to learn about and visit one day. I was completely moved by the premise behind their motto, "Inspiring people to care about the planet." But it wasn't until I became interested in photography in my early 20's that I gained a true appreciation for just how amazing the photographers behind the photographs were. They worked unceasingly to find the most revealing vantage point, the most beautiful light, the most dramatic mood, the most telling human gesture or expression, or the most exciting wildlife behavior. They often worked in the most challenging and dangerous environments. Approaching their photography in a journalistic though artful manner, the emphasis was always on getting the image right in-camera. Over time I came to admire the work of many of these photographers.

So my pick for today's Favorite Photographer Friday is Sam Abell, one of many great NGS photographers whom I find inspiring. Quite unlike Ernst Haas and Pete Turner (previous FPF photographers), Sam Abell's color images are often quiet, understated, and sometimes almost monochromatic. His book The Photographic Life offers fascinating insight into what it was like to be a NGS photographer and even illustrates the processes he used to create some of his most iconic photographs. If you ever see his book in a library or used book store, scoop it up. You'll be fascinated. You can see some of his images here, and his website here.
Have a great weekend!



30 comments:

  1. I am really getting my education, Doug, with these FPF posts. THANK YOU. I love how your own image shows the inpiration you have received. Carry on!

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  2. beautiful shot ! A place where I would like to be
    just now !!! Sam Abell's shot are amazing !
    have a nice day and a nice weekend !

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  3. Wonderful photo! I wanna be there! :)
    I looked Sam Abell's website, he is really an excellent photographer.
    Have a nice weekend you too!

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  4. Wow ! beautiful tones of blue and green and beautiful composition also.

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  5. Beautiful perspective and colors Doug. This shot could be in a magazine!

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  6. Years after years, when in Romania few people knew about the National Geographic Magazine, I looked fascinated at the glossy photos, dreaming something similar with you, Doug. I had a cousin in Washington, D.C., who offered me a subscription.

    Your link to Abbel's book is great and so is your photo for this post. Thanks!

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  7. Stunning coastline and colors
    Bravo Doug!

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  8. Sam Abell is truly an inspiring photographer. And - I just love the colors in this image!

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  9. Impressive and at the same time soothing image...
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  10. The note about how you were a kid, it's as if I were reading themselves. The same dreams and passion.....
    Beautiful view and this is one of many places which I want to see. For now only in dreams and thanks to yours photos.
    Yeah, the kid's dreams and passion are still current.....:-)

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  11. Your photo blog is superb!

    Great quality of pitures!

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  12. I was with Famous Charleston Photographer, Doug Hickok, when he took this photo. As stunning as the scenery was, being in the company of ten to twelve children and grandchildren was priceless. I count Doug as one of my children!

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  13. Hey no way, I read Nat Geo when I was little too. It started out with my dad giving me a dollar per article, then his magic scheme worked and i was too in love with it to stop reading :) The more I think about it, the more I feel you have parenting down to an art form. Not to mention your beautiful photography.

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  14. Nice place, Its look North Spain, I like it, I feel like home.

    Greetings. I thank you for yours commets.

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  15. This is a marvelous view of this famous place and viewpoint point. I've always liked the Cannon Beach area even as it gotten over populated during tourist seasons. Very nice shot.

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  16. Nature photographers have so much patience...

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  17. such a beautiful landscape, this coastline is one of my favorites.

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  18. I love NG magazines too!
    I still keep a lot of old NGM at my home in Malaysia.
    Terrific pictures and great stories. Plus, free maps. :)
    I love Steve McCurry portrait photos.
    Remember the 1985 cover (Afghan Girl)?
    It's one of the most beautiful photos I have seen. :)

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  19. I have been a subscriber of NG for years and have bought every spare copy at used books stalls. I agree with you about Sam Abell, a great and unmistakable photographer.

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  20. Excellent overview with excellent blue. Really attractive these successive waves of waves.

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  21. gorgeous, photographers truly do appreciate and love to share.

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  22. I am not a big beach lover but this is a beautiful spot.

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  23. Breathtaking image Doug and a great homage to an inspired photographer. Have a great weekend!

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  24. beautiful, love the lines created by the waves

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  25. All I have to say, Doug, is this picture is good enough to BE IN National Geographic!

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  26. I love this spot. That is a great SP for doing photography. Abell was doing a workshop in Coupeville this past summer when I was taking one with Tony Sweet.

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