Carl T. Loveall — Photographer of the Month — September 2019
When I discovered Carl’s work I was deeply impressed by how well he handled colors, light, composition and atmosphere. Every image was a visual treat — a study in harmony and balance. This summer I had the pleasure of spending a week with Carl, and he is, in addition to being very gifted, a humble, generous and amiable human being.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been living in Germany for 12 years now. I originally come from the U.S. I was born and raised in a small town in Michigan outside of Detroit. I grew up a so called “country boy.” This was pretty much in the middle of the woods — on a dirt road, as it were. What we then called our “next door” neighbor was the next house around 1 km down the road. The town where I went to high school had a population of around 800, and sported one gas station and one supermarket. Your typical American small town village. So as one can imagine, I spent a lot of time in nature. When I was young I loved wandering the forests alone. It was like an adventure; finding and discovering new places. Later in my teen years, I spent a lot of time partying in the forests with my fellow classmates with a big campfire every weekend. But like every teenager growing up in the country, we all dreamed of the big city and the bright lights. We were young and dumb. I didn’t appreciate what I had until later in life.
What made you start out with landscape photography?
I moved to Europe at the age of 28. Immediately I fell in love with the architecture, and of course the castles of Germany. I wanted to share everything that I was seeing and experiencing with family and friends back home. I had at the time a cellphone which took great photos. I found this sort of inner peace. It is very hard for me to put into words, but I truly loved taking photos and I thought I was good at it until a friend of mine introduced me to 500px. My jaw dropped! I was blown away by what I was seeing. This was during the 500px prime time with all the great landscape photographers, and my idols always on the first page.
So I bought my first DSLR. At first i had no idea what I was doing, and truth be told, I still have no idea. I started with castles, I learned quick Youtube lessons and made horrible photos! Too over saturated, and probably I am still guilty of this. But during a trip to Castle Neuschwanstein, which is located in the German Alps, it just clicked somehow. That I loved being in nature, the mountains, atmosphere and the light. Pure mother nature was more appealing to me than a castle. It’s hard to explain, but it was like I was reconnecting with my childhood and the simple joys of being outside and being free. And discovering something new. I felt that freedom again and the unlimited possibilities a child has. That feeling is what drives me in landscape photography.
I am on a never ending quest to learn more and better myself. In the field and in post. To make a long story short, sitting alone or with a fellow photographer in nature away from the day to day busy stress waiting for something to happen, and whether it does, or does not, this is the time I value the most. Decompressing, and disconnecting from the world. In hippy terms “be one with nature” ;)
What do you want to communicate through your photos?
With my work I really cannot say I have one thing to communicate. Sometimes I love to photograph simplicity, that is, no complicated composition; just the idea of beauty. Let it be a tree, of just some beautiful waves. Sometimes I want to show the grandeur of things. Or sometimes a thought provoking photo. I guess you could say I want to capture my feelings without words, if that makes any sense.
What has photography done for you?
It has made me a better person. A more caring person, and more aware and understanding of things going on. I have always been a very impatient person. But photography is somehow my balance. It slows me down, and lets me appreciate the smaller things in life. When I am out shooting, I have no worries about money, or about the stressful week awaiting me at work. I feel free and can reconnect with myself and others; it’s my Zen.
How would you describe your work, and how has it evolved since you started out?
A very hard question. I would describe my work as Chaos. When I first started out, it was unorganized chaos, and now I guess you could call it, “organized chaos”. I really have no idea when I go out shooting what I am going to do, and I prefer this method. When I first started out, I had one composition in mind, one idea. And never changed my comp to what was going on around me. Nowadays, I go out shooting without the pressure of this “one shot”, or I have to get a keeper. I try to focus more on what I find interesting, and not what others would do. I have learned to shoot for myself, and not compare what I am doing to others.
I suppose most of us have periods when we seem to lose the fun of photography. Have you developed any strategies to keep the fire burning?
Of course this happens to us all. I tend to go through phases. I have weeks on end were I just want to process and edit shots, completely concentrated. Then it loses its fun and I find myself stuck without inspiration. When this happens I know now it’s time to go out and shoot, get away from the computer, spend some time in nature, and boom! I get a shot the sparks my fire and I am back into processing. I shoot more than I process, and sometimes all it takes is to see the work of another photographer, and say ok, that is awesome! Lets see what I can make out of my shot.
Have you ever been severely criticized for your work? And in that case how did you handle it?
Of course I have been criticized, sometimes with positive criticism which I love. I am always thankful for this! It helps me grow as a photographer. And sometimes I receive very negative comments. I try to focus on the positive and leave the negative behind me in order to grow and learn more. But I tend to be my own worst critic. This is something I have to learn to overcome. Self doubt is very crippling, and I am my own worst enemy when it comes to this.
Have you any hobbies besides photography?
Hobbies other than photography? Hmm? If being a procrastinator falls into the category of a hobby I am very good at that!
In which direction do you believe landscape photography is heading?
I think landscape photography is moving into another realm. Something which I am very excited about, and embrace. The technology today that we have was unimaginable years ago. This is especially true about night photography. The camera sensors are getting better, and the digital darkroom offers unlimited possibilities. We can now shoot in the darkness and pull out before unthinkable details from the image. But in my opinion, social media is not helping to promote the cause. More and more pristine places are being destroyed by Instagram hashtagers for likes. But this is a discussion for a later time.
What is the most amazing place you have visited? Is it possible for you to articulate why it made such a huge impression on you?
For me the most amazing places I have visited to date are Iceland and Norway. It is hard for me to put into words the feelings that I have had in these two countries. No words, no photos can give the north justice. It’s an energy that I cannot describe. It truly moves and speaks to the soul.
What inspires you?
Nature! I am very inspired by what can happen at the same place at different times or seasons of the year. And of course I am inspired by the work of others. I see a shot posted on social media and I think wow! Why didn’t I think of that, or why did I do a crappy comp or rushed the post processing. This pushes me more for the next time. Inspiration by failure can be a positive thing.
Do you have a piece of advice for young aspiring landscape photographers?
My biggest piece of advice is; listen to yourself. Photograph what you find interesting. Of course we all have our idols and big influences. Learn from them, and never stop learning. I learn something new every time I am out shooting or processing a shot.
Surround yourself with like minded people. Do not ask advice from people going out and taking selfies or your friend who captures a few vacation photos on his cellphone. Surround yourself with fellow photographers, people who are doing what you are doing, and ask for constructive criticism. That is the best way to learn. Leave behind all the negativity, and don’t be your worst enemy with criticism. I battle that every time I work on a shot, and trust me, it does not help. It is only an obstacle in your way. And last but not least, gear does not matter! Do not get caught up in who has the best camera, dynamic range and DxO Mark scores. Photography is an art, not a technology.
