Why you need to be a photographer
No one sees the world quite like you. No one is as unique as you. We all have a story, even if we think that story is boring another person might find inspiration or fascination from your unique perspective of this world. If only that, you need to pick up that camera and start showing us what you see. If that's not enough, here are some reason you need to be a photographer.
'The decisive moment' is killing photography
The fallacy around 'The decisive moment' is killing photography. Focusing on the one perfect photograph. The image that captures it all. A photograph that not only says a thousand words but a narrative too is in truth, a unicorn, a fallacy, a dream. So why is the decisive moment killing photography?
Insta style is death
Recently I came to the realisation that my work doesn't have a consistent style. My images are cohesive, recognisable but not consistent. I was looking at artists I admire and seeing there work and thinking that their photographic style isn't consistent either. Many photographers body of work is generally all over the place from project to project. When comparing old master photographers to current photographers I liked, the newer photographers work was more consistent, recognisable and stylistic. But Everything I just thought was wrong, I was so wrong here's why.
Bear your soul
Bear your soul through your lens. Become vulnerable by showing your true self, the person you are scared to reveal. Try to stop carrying about what avatars think and say. Stop looking at an infinite feed of individual images that tell no story. Because when you start focusing on getting attention on these platforms you lose yourself, and you lose your creativity. Bear your soul and do it regardless if anyone is watching or not. Because if you need to think to create, I suggest you stop thinking.
Making something out of nothing
The world is in a very strange, scaring and uncertain place right now. I'm lucky enough for the time being to be alive and safe at home. As I'm writing this, I'm living in New Zealand, our borderers are closed, the whole country is in lockdown and no one's leaving their homes. Police are patrolling the streets and to go anywhere, one needs permission or a pass given by the government. All because of Covid-19. But out of all this negative, scary time in history, there is a small positive… we all have been given time.
Incremental steps
We have all done new years resolutions. The day before or the week after we all come up with the most stereotype goals, mainly all physical or finical. That first month most of us stick to it. Getting past February is amazing if you're still in there, but here is where most of us lose focus or motivation to continue as we aren't seeing results. Heres how to stick with it till you start seeing results and your goals are achieved.
How to find your photography style fast?
How to find your photography style fast? Let's not waste any time, what is the most important element in someone's photography style? The quick answer is repetition. What do you do the most and consistently, that will define your style. What comes naturally to you will ultimately become your style. Your default, or to put nicely who you really are and how you see the world will ultimately mould your photography style.
What are you selling?
We are all here, and like it or not we are all selling something. What are you selling? What are you doing or creating to sell, produce, service, obtain, give, get, share? We all provide something to this world be it for colleges or customers. It's a very capitalist view of the world but its true. What are you selling?
Can photography gear make you a better photographer?
This is something I struggle with, I truly believe that the best camera is the camera you already have. I want to believe that you can give me any camera and I will still make great photographs. But the truth is, camera gear does matter… kind of.
I'm not shooting enough
I'm not shooting enough photographs. We have all heard the film argument about how it slows you down and you take fewer photos. I get that, but there is a difference between shooting less and shooting a lot and shooting a lot of the same exact scene. Instead of machinegun photographing a subject, take a photograph and recompose to tell a story. What I'm getting at is I'm not taking enough photographs, I'm not producing enough content.
Why I use a 50mm lens over a 35mm
I've tried many different focal lengths and I have set myself up with only using one, the 50mm. Recently I thought I would quickly (very very very quickly) try out the classic focal length of 35mm. For thous of you that don't know, I only shot with a 50mm. And I have so say… I'm conflicted.
Life, randomness and sales
We all like to think that life is guided, destiny or gods will. But in truth life is random. The counter-argument is I make my own luck or I have worked hard to get to where I am. I met the love of my life, it was meant to be. But statistically, to find your ideal partner it's only 1 in 100. Knowing this you could successfully find the ideal partner for you to mate with, marry or find your so-called soul mate in the dating game. Not very romantic but never the less true. The same goes for your success, statistics never lie, they just aren't sexy.
You're focusing on the wrong thing?
When you think about what we need to focus on, money, our health, family, rent, debt, what camera to use, how to get clients the list can go on forever before even looking at the fundamental elements all photographers need to focus on. Your audience.
Do what you can't do without
Passion is a word that gets thought around all the time in creative fields. Doing what interests you, inspires you or having a hobby is another term. I've been told that turning your passion into a career is the quickest way to kill it. The truth is if its a true passion you can't do without it, you can't go a single day without thinking about it. I'm not talking about sex, food or money I'm talking about something so visceral you have to do it regardless of modern life's priorities.
I'm looking, but all I see is ego
I've been contemplating Instagram, social media, feeding the beast, wondering when it will show its appreciation. When will it be my time in the spot-light? Dilutions of grandeur. If your taking photographs, if your creating for anyone other than yourself you will hit a wall of 'why?'.
Why I use a Leica Rangefinder
I’ve had a lot of negative feedback about my choice of a camera when compared to alternative brands and image capture devices. All these judgments are valid and have good arguments in regards to the available choices from DSLR, mirrorless, point and shoots or smartphones for that matter. But I thought I would explain my reasoning on why I use a Leica rangefinder.
Know who you are
After a certain amount of years, you know who you are. It can be through experiences, experimentation, rebellion, music, a book, a person or just time. Knowing who you are is very valuable when it comes to art, how you see the world and express yourself. The truth is there is no path, shortcut or cheat sheet for discovering yourself. I strongly suggest you don't follow someone else in this journey called life, because all you will do is walk in someone else's shadow, and you will never see the light for yourself. Only you can walk the path, only you can trip and get your own scare that will mould you into the person you will become.
Technology has no soul
As soon as you start talking about the technical side of photography you start turning away from the most important aspect of photos, telling stories. Technology is and isn't important when it comes to photography. No one care what camera or lighting you used except other photographers. I'm a big believer in the older you get the wiser you get, the less insecure you get, and the less you care about gear. Technology has no soul and here is why.
Taking a break
It's called many things, burnout, a holiday, self-reflection, personal time or recharging your batteries. Whatever you call it, it's OK to step away from your craft, it might even be necessary. For myself, I put the camera down, stoped writing and deleted my social media from my phone for two months, I needed to step away and take a creative break. This is why you might need it too.
What is the value of a photograph?
When it comes to art or creativity it's subjective. And art is only worth what your willing to pay for it. One person's monthly income is another persons pocket change. Personal style, preference and tastes vast dramatically from age, culture, social groups and geolocation. So can one find a baseline for what a photo is really worth to the user in today's economy? And answer the question, what is the value of a photograph really worth?