Well isn't it interesting what a google search can show up? There I was searching for any usage on my pics and I find I'm being accused of copying somebody else's images.
My initial reaction was laughter, although since sitting back and reading the replies I feel I have been harshly portrayed here by some and the thread is deserving of a formal reply. I pondered contacting Dan direct but my integrity has been questioned on a public forum so I thought the response should be delivered here too.
Copying your pictures. LOL what are you suggesting? I'm carrying a bunch of prints around, lining up an exact shot then hitting the shutter button. Please. Do you really think I'm getting up at 5am for a sunrise session to do that? 2 days later I'm at the exact same spot - lol. Hmm your example was posted in 2005 and mine was taken in 2008. I think there's a slight exaggeration going on there. Were you on the sauce when you wrote this?! I did wonder if this was a case of, "somebody else on my patch, and I don't like it"?
Right, mini rant over. I can sort of understand where you are coming from here. I can see your later response and you take a lot of that back. Fair do's. A lot of the feedback you've had here has been fair and to the point, particularly from those that have taken the time to look through the rest of my pictures. There is a fairly large diversity to what I've done and to the location. I think though it's worth me giving you an idea of where I'm coming from here as it will respond to a few other posters and maybe make others think twice before jumping to the same conclusion.
I decided to try my hand properly at landscape photography only last November. Bought some filters etc, read just about every book/magazine I could, looked at lots of other people's pictures and researched locations. I always liked a good sunrise/sunset and I really wanted to get a half decent set of shots. Another forum I frequent has some real crackers from a few regulars, which was where most of my influences came from. So I spent a good time looking around the net for places near to visit. I live about 25 miles from the coast, so it's got to be worth going to if you're getting up early. I really wanted somewhere close with a rocky outcrop, and they're not that easy to find along that stretch of coast. Folkestone certainly fitted the bill. I’ve spent a few early mornings there and you've seen some of the results. In a few months I’ve learnt a great deal and fairly happy with some of the results. I do get a buzz from looking through a viewfinder and seeing something special. That’s something I never thought I’d say about landscapes.
Regarding the picture you posted, my personal opinion is that if you stuck a dozen competent photographers in that location there's a good chance all of them would come back with a similar shot. Foreground interest - check, Lead in lines - check, Rule of thirds - check. I was never happy with that shot of mine. It needed a higher angle as that thing in the foreground just gets in the way and disrupts it. I really don't think I've ever seen that shot of yours before I found it here. If I did, and subconsciously reproduced it, then you deserve credit for that. I think they are actually quite different, although obviously of the same thing.
You have mentioned you've sold a few shots locally. If that's what bothers you here, you've nothing to worry about. I'm only doing this for fun while the motor racing season is on a break. I've got a few photos on stock sites, and so far made about a fiver! I doubt that's affecting your sales or livelihood too much. As a goodwill gesture though, if you want me to take anything down, then let me know.
I hope that clears things up, and you're not too gutted you don't have a stalkr (sic). Thanks for some of the kind comments that people have said. I must be doing something right. I doubt this thread would exist if I wasn’t.
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