While reading the interview transcript of Bryan Schutmaat, I was reminded of a piece of advice from my film studies professor, Dr. Melinda Barlow, said regarding the director's role in film: “To leave space for the audience.” I was reminded of this when Schutmaat himself stated that one of the amazing things about photography is its ability to create an atmosphere for viewers to analyze, explore, and step into independently. He then followed this up stating if photography is too heavy-handed then that is a negative. Reflecting this upon my own style of photography, it makes me question if I’m heavy-handed because of my gravitation to text and/or messages. Admittedly, in the beginning I consciously chose to do so because I didn’t want the viewer to be lost or confused about my personal thoughts and beliefs. However, after reading this, I should try to be more indirect. 

Schutmaat’s series, Grays The Mountains Sends, greatly reminds me of Wim Wenders’ photography. I’ve attached a few of his photos below. 

Similarly, there was a quote which stood out to me in the reading about Reshaping Robert Adams’ Landscape: “‘Successful art re-discovers Beauty for us,’” (2014). I thought this was great because of how broad the word beauty could mean. For example, it could apply to something so objectively beautiful such as a sunset, and something so subjectively beautiful like cigarette smoke. However, I must admit, Adams’ photography didn’t resonate with me. Other than the photo with the young girl, the rest felt less intense.