New to DA, I find myself surfing franticly. Some art amazes me, if only for the fact that I'd never found it before. Some pieces are so familiar I might as well have them hanging on my walls. It is a true joy to peruse the heartfelt offerings of so many talented people. Except it is a sadness as well, now.

This week, I found a photo being claimed by a Russian photographer that I KNOW did not take the photo-- unless it is an amazingly accurate replica, right down to the wrinkle. I KNOW it was NOT taken in Russia (as the photo claims). I KNOW all this because I know the person who took it- I've seen the original. I've discussed with him for hours how he used colored lights and filters to make an unfinished sheetrock wall look like an old decaying stone building. I've even pointed out the bit of shadow that seems erroneous to me which he explained was a bit of leftover sticker on one panel that they couldn't quite get the darkness to cover.

The real photographer doesn't want to buck the system, which is his choice, but I am saddened that selling prints could bring someone who obviously has talent of his own to also claim the talents and inspirations of others. It is not my place to point fingers on my friend's behalf, but I could not walk my path today without voicing disapproval of this bit of blight on an otherwise magnificent experience here so far.