The Fine Art Photography Of Richard Steinheimer
October 10, 2011admin No Comments »What does it take to join the roster of fine art photography masters? Is it skill, knowledge, fame, power, or is a pure gift you have with you ever since you were born? And once you have this gift, how do you measure it among others? How can you triumph above the rest and how can you prove that your works are better? Worse, how can you prove the world that you have what it takes to shine? Indeed, the world of photography is for everyone but it takes a real good one to leave their footprints in it—it takes someone like Richard Steinheimer.
The world that you see behind your lens is a world that triggers others’ emotions. You can let others feel and think through your works, and this is the beauty of fine art photography. You delve into others’ feelings and emotions without leaving your place because your artworks can walk farther than your feet can ever tread in. You touch emotions of people you may never know. You gain affirmations from skilled photographers, both the genius and the starters.
Just lately, photography underwent what could be its saddest moment when one of the famous photographers in the name of Richard Steinheimer died at the age of 81. Famed for his knack in railroad photography, his poetic images are mostly of beautiful trains and landscapes. He was called as the “greatest” by John Gruber, the present president for the Center for Railroad Photography and Art in Madison, Wisconsin.
Richard Steinheimer became famous for being “the Ansel Adam of railroad photography” and he was known for the habit of bravely positioning himself at the top of moving locomotives to better get the feel of motion. He is one of the best and his works will continue to inspire both the experienced and the novices in the world where pictures relay meanings. His works are many; he has been published among different magazines like the Locomotive and Railway Preservation, Train Magazine, Vintage Rail, Railfan, and many more. He was even published among different books, totaling to 70 of them. His lens became a witness to the railroads’ heyday and their shift from steam to diesel motive power.
The man shared wonderful affection to landscapes that he had many pictures depicting images of wonderful scenes and sometimes, sky-towering glories. Richard Steinheimer has the best in the name of taking good shots. No weather condition or environmental hazards could ever stop him, that he takes remarkable pictures at nighttime and under bad weather condition. From a risky shot on a moving train, the man takes pride of his creativity and photographic flare by becoming one of the best and the most famous photographers in history.
A turning point happened in his life when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and later suffered from a stroke in 2007. The active and jolly man started to give in to the problems brought about by his health condition and later on he died on a fateful day of May 4, 2011. People particularly those who have a flare in photography were shocked by the news. Words came out that there will never be someone as good and as great as Richard was. This brings regret and longing for most.
Indeed, mastering fine art photography cannot be anyone’s cup of tea. The art is created trough aesthetic communication and contemplation. It is something made to please and not for practical and utility purposes. It provides beauty and admiration and it often breaks the rules. It lives with no guidelines because it aims nothing but to please the eyes. It can surpass without living through the complicated theories of arts. It is pure hard work and beauty. But not everyone can appreciate fine art photography therefore it takes someone as great as Richard Steinheimer to convince others that fine art is beautiful. In fact, even some of the famous photographers cannot live through the expectations that fine arts will ask for.
The world of fine art photography is a real tough world. In these times when lots of people seem to have the talent to show the world that they can survive the high competition, it takes miracles or a deal of hard work before someone can shine brightly. So if you have the passion for photography, gain inspiration from the past works of famous photographers. Their works can be your guiding light to find your innermost talent that is ready to burst once triggered. Gain the love for things you see, you will become better if you can find inspirations on ordinary stuffs. Learn to become creative and understand that fine art photography follows no boundary. Your mind will create the limit, so break it. This way, you can be one of the famous photographers that lived history.
Tags: fine art photography
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