 Pete H |
My Mind the Camera This is not a question (hope no one minds), but rather a little food for thought. I read and re-read so many questions about “Are my pics good?” “Am I good enough to shoot pro?” Let’s get one item out of the way right off. A pro is paid..amateurs are usually not. There is not a question of quality here. Fact one: Very few photographers make over $100,000.yr. Those that do, generally are shooting what & where they are told! I do not write this to dissuade anyone from seeking a career in photography, rather; to enlighten many to the fact that making a living in photography is NOT easy, and rarely does the “high” of shooting continue very long. So this now begs the question, do I want to be a pro photog? I am personally acquainted with a photog who shoots regularly for National Geographic. ALL..I mean ALL the photos that make it to publication are of incredible beauty and high asthetic value..Real “oooh & Ahhh” photos. Anyone who believes his photos are a product of pure technical knowledge, raise your hand. LOL His expense account is staggering! The number of shots he does in a day are equally staggering! He may shoot 500 in one day with 2 that will make it to print! Now; I have seen photos on BP that are equally good. Why are these not in publication? Yes; technical knowledge is of great value, but it is NOT an end all. If I could equip many here with Hasselblads, a dizzying array of lenses, a pro lab that travels with you, airfare to the remotest parts of our planet, I bet many of us would produce award winning shots. The old adage holds true: “It is not what you know, but WHO you know!” I’ll leave that statement at face value. Next; “are my pics good enough?”..or are they just “good?” This begs the question, good enough for what? Further; the question leads yet to another. (“What is a good photo?” ) This question is answered more subjectively than objectively. The short answer? It makes YOU happy! It feeds your soul. It completes the circuit from conception in your mind, to finger, to capture, and ultimately, back to your eye. Sure, the rule of thirds or ninths, sunny 16th etc are all (rules) that can be taught and learned by most, yet understanding these basic concepts does not a photographer make. In strictly my opinion, a great photo needs to encapsulate more than one thing. I feel it should tell a story, evoke a emotional response, cause your viewer to ponder and pause, enter the viewers mind with ease. Morso; a great photo should arouse more senses than just sight. Smell, touch and hear etc….Is that possible? You bet it is. I have seen, and so have you, great photography done with old brownies, P&S cheapies etc. I’ve never purchased a camera with great photos already on the roll or in the CF card! LOL Is this not the best thing about this art? We start with nothing! Our cameras are just light buckets, asking us to distribute that light as we see fit. Personally, I am NOT a fan of Van Gogh. Does that mean he is not a great artist? Does it mean he is a great artist? Who says? Many of these (artists) went crazy or died flat broke. Hmm? OK..so NIKE foot wear loves a shot you did and paid you $20,000. Can you shoot it again? Are you now a great photographer? Gear: I see so many arguments about this camera being better than that camera. So; why are my photos not right? What is wrong with my exposure? Which camera will give me the best shots? Is this a good composition? What makes a good subject? I hope to write a part II to this. Where, how and when do I know to press that shutter release? To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question. J May your light be pure, Pete
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Kitty Cross |
Pete That's the most down-to-earth sensible thing I've read on this site. I want to be just like you when I grow up (grin) You hit the nail on the head particularily about the Nat.Geog. guys. cheers
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Kitty Cross |
and a particularily fine photographic eye I might add.....nice violin. Excellent gallery. You see the light..
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Michelle Ross |
Yep Pete you summed this all up perfectly ... I struggled at one time with the "Why are my Photos not winning" syndrome. .. but then it finally boiled down to asking myself. . . Do I like these photos? and most of the time the answer was yes. .. do I like these same photos today . .. some I do some are okay . .. some I can't believe I ever took . . .I get bored very easily which makes it difficult for me to photograph the same things over and over LOL . .. but now I've kind of shifted my talent to portrait work . . . I'm usually my own worse critic and ponder with every shoot where to take them and hoping they wil please my client. . . so far so good but I know my day is coming when someone says.. . "I don't like them" . .. but whenever you are dealing with something as subjective as photography it's always going to be such an opinion . . . I work with 4-H kids and they get to exhibit some of their "work" at our County Fair . . . some have gotten discouraged with their red ribbons . .. I finally had to tell them and I reinforce this every year. . . that a judge thought that on THAT ONE DAY . . a different judge might give a blue or even a purple. . but what is most important is that THEY LIKED the photo enough to share it with someone. .. and that they listen to what the judge tells them and see if they agree with how he/she would have made it better. . . if they don't and still like it the way it is then in their mind it should be a winner. . .Many Many Many of mine I have like simply just for me and that's all that matters to me . ..
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Joyce S. Bowley |
Pete, Nicely said. Photography requires being both an artist and technician. I could go on, but I would just be repeating what you've said. Thanks. Joyce
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Sharon Day |
Very interesting discourse. Sometimes I think if a person has to ask if their photography is "any good" they already know the answer whether it be good or not so good. When I see those kinds of questions and I visit a gallery I usually have an opinion immediately. I wish when I see galleries that could be improved I could say, "You need to improve in this and this area." On the occasions I get it right it's not accidental, but I can't really verbalize what makes a photo worth viewing for more than a few seconds.
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Denise Christopher |
Pete, Please reprint your comments and hand them out at every school and camera shop you can find. I attended a 'famous' photo school and overheard so many people say 'if I buy his equipment I can shoot like him, right? Yes, a technical education is a given, but my favorite prof said the best teacher in the world is a case of film and a large trash can.
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Nicole Kessel |
Well said, Pete! ...Tiger Woods... Kmart golf clubs... LOL!! Looking forward to part II.
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Pete H |
Thanks to all who read and responded. I think often, we need to elaborate on this art, to the point that some may even take offense..and believe me, some of (MY) photos offend me..not technically, but rather "why did I even click the shutter on that one!?" LOL I looked at everyone's gallery who responded here..You all have some great shots, a clean eye, and I found shots in everyone's gallery that you shot from within your soul and heart. I will start on part two as soon as possible. Right now I'm still trying to get Tiger to take me on! LOL May your light be pure, Pete
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Craig Paulsen |
they say in heaven that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I see that light of my many different tunnels everday and people are smiling at the end of every one don't try to master light, become one with it
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Yoda?
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery  |
Try not. Do, or do not, there is no try...:-)
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
I recognize that as Vodka.
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Robyn Gwilt |
Pete you are so on the money - but I guess the reason why we all are such BP fans - is that EVERYONE craves a bit of attention and the odd positive stroke (hell sometime even a harsh crit will do). Somehow having friends say your pix are stunning, or you have a good 'eye', is great... but they're not photography freaks - so having 'peers' pass a comment or opinion is somehow more credible (am I making sense), but ... then again, if the Joe Soaps out there do think our pix are great, isn't that what its all about - when someone looks at a pic and say "Wow, I love that" - its instinct, they're not pulling it apart technically, they're looking at something thats giving them that intangible 'good feeling' - so thanks for all that - and may our shutter fingers never grow crooked!! :)
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher  Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
What a great, well thought out opinion! Pete, you spoke to us all here. I know a few people who shoot "for" the contest or stock or whatever and I'll look at their shot and wonder why anyone would want to shoot that. I think you should shoot what you love and love what you shoot and to heck with what anyone else thinks!
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery |
Well, if my shutter finger ever does grow crooked, I'll just add in the comments that my palm was placed infront of the lens for artistic reasons....:-) Bob
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Would that require another contest category?
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Pete H |
You are all welcome..and I appreciate your well received comments. My mom always said "if you have nothing good to say, then say nothing." Personally; I will critique someone's photo if, and only if they really want a critique..and even then, it is only an opinion.
May your light be pure, Pete
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
So it's Yoda after some Vodka?
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Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
Great words Pete! I'm all for shooting from the heart. My pics may not win any awards and they certainly won't put my kids through college but they do make me smile. If they bring a smile to someone else's face that's cool too. Happy shooting everyone!
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- Sherry Stricklin Boles Contact Sherry Stricklin Boles Sherry Stricklin Boles's Gallery |
Very interesting commentary, Pete...excellent points! I look forward to Part 2.
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Angela K. Harter |
looking forward to part 2 also! you have reminded my why I started taking pictures in the first place....to capture that special moment that will mean so much forever! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
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Susan Patton |
Once again right on the money with your words of wisdom. (I'm still on that break, but from shooting, not reading.) Thanks for reminding me why I love this hobby.
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Barbara Helgason |
Very very well said Pete, thank you and I look forward to part 2!
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Bob Cammarata |
Pete, You surfaced some excellent points pertaining to someone getting published by one of the "majors" and your comments are indeed valid. Those seeking this achievement as their ultimate goal have to realize that they are a small fish in a very large pond. Their work will be competing with the best of the best...those photographers who are already established or have the resources to travel to distant lands and have access to the best equipment available. Although, many of the posts here to this forum inquiring..."Am I good enough?", refer to those contemplating starting local portrait shops or selling their prints. To those photographers, I say YES! (P.S....I have never aspired to play golf with Tiger Woods. It might have been fun to fish in a tournament against Roland Martin though.) ;)
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Pete H |
Hahahhha..Thanks Bob...Good luck with Roland; Tiger is not taking my calls for some reason LOL I'm with you though, show me some 6lb largemouth bass and I'm there. :)
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Debby A. Tabb |
HERE,HERE! WONDERFUL FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
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