What is the importance of a picture to you? What does a photo do for you? Why do people like pictures? Why are photographers needed?
I'm not sure if I have answers myself. And I guess that's more than just one question, but it still stands. I think that for the past year or so I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. In these past few decades of my life I've had so many different experiences and passions, all of which I'm extremely grateful for having experienced. But having so many things that I love doing in my life poses a question: what will I keep with me for the rest of my life, and what will I have to let go? I wish I could do everything, I wish, of course, that I could follow my childish dreams and do everything my heart desires, but practicality opposes me. And so the questions arises as to what I will do with my life. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering, which is extremely interesting and enjoyable, but I don't know if I can see myself becoming an engineer for the rest of my life. I love music, and have recently picked up a cello for the first time in 3 years, and have tried to remember something, anything that I learned in my 8 years of practice in middle and high school. I have also recently rekindled my love of backpacking and being out in nature, and am toying with the idea of hiking the John Muir trail next summer. I've spent the past 5 years or so helping out with the youth ministry at my church, which is something I intend to keep doing. And of course, getting back to my question, I love photography. It's become more than a hobby. I skimp out on my food budget each month trying to save up some cash to buy a lens. I have to hold my self back to not spend my loan money on new equipment. I can't watch a movie anymore without thinking what focal length lens they are using for interesting shots. It has most definitely become a huge part of my life, and it's how many people define me.
But why? Why do I love it so much? Why do I want to do photography for the rest of my life? And why am I hesitant about pursuing this passion?
Actually, I don't think I am hesitant about it. I'm pretty confident that I'll take any opportunity I can to expand my skill and my portfolio. On the notice of a couple days, I flew to Texas to spend 10 days photographing a summer camp, of which some of my friends were coordinating. I'm more than happy to lug around the many extra pounds of my equipment when backpacking, just to get a few good shots. I guess I've proven to myself that I am dedicated to this hobby/passion/whatever it may be.
But I guess I'm worried about failing. Anyone these days can buy a nice camera and take some pretty sweet pictures. Looking at some of my friends, I can see in their work that they have skill, that they are serious about developing their talent, but I don't see that in my work yet. I wish I did, but I don't. I'm still hesitant to call myself a photographer, I don't feel worthy of the title yet.
I don't know exactly where I'm going with this. I think I'm looking for something. Sometimes I feel like I just shoot whatever is in front of me. I don't always have a goal or an idea of what I want to capture in a picture, I just look to frame it nicely, let my camera do a good deal of the work in exposing it properly, and hope that it will come out well. Of course it gets easier to plan and predict as you practice more, but I'm still just shooting. So I'm looking for a reason. I want to take pictures with a thought and purpose in my mind. I want to know why someone will choose to look at my picture and find meaning and value in it. That's what the purpose of pictures are - so people can view them some time in the future, and connect to something within the frame.
So I ask again: What do you look for in a picture? What do you connect to? What is something I can hold on to, something that can help guide my photography?
I suppose I could respond to everything... but that would take a long time. But why a photo is important to me? My answer is probably cliche, I believe photography is important because it captures memory and beauty. When time, and everything else around it is working so hard to change it and age it, your photo keeps it there, exactly how it was to you at that moment and nothing can harm it. Except for accidentally deleting it :P
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly, I feel like you are VERY worthy of the "photographer" title. Your photos always blow me away, and everyone else! Often times its harder to see the value in your own work than in others. Don't give up, follow your dreams, yo! :)
I feel like a great photograph is suggestive and mysterious...as a viewer, you know there's something hidden in it and so you have to take a closer to look to find out what it is exactly. ...the subject doesn't have to be anything special, but yet, the composition of the photograph is intriguing and engaging and moves your eyes and focus from one point to another...so that one quick look is not enough.... :)
ReplyDeleteEverything needs a purpose. And that's something you need to find for yourself. I shoot to capture moments in time people might not appropriate, but will appreciate later. I shoot to capture beauty and show people the world through my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI am humbled every time to Attempt to capture a moment, because honestly there is no replacement of actually experiencing the moment first hand. So i know that my photo's in no way can even compare to the real experience, but i sure will try to do my best.
Idk if you do this but I recommend to everyone is this. First Be inspired to shoot.
In a way every photographer is searching, yearning for "the shot" you have to want it to get it. Don't just click away hoping to get it. click away thinking how to compose a shot to make it even better. Never be satisfied.
Then physically (you probably do some of this already)I recommend a nice quality prime lens. I highly recommend shooting in aperture priority and shooting raw to get some of the most control over your photo. Then Get some awesome editing software. so that you can push the photo to truly show its self.
when it comes to wedding photography, if you want to get into it more, I Highly recommend a speed light, on camera and off camera, with some sort of light diffuser, like a gary fong product.
check this guy out. Be inspired
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julianbialowas/sets/72157625166657966/
If you want to shoot something, i bet some one already has, search flickr and see what they are shooting and how they are shooting, then take that and try to make it better ;)
keep shooting dude
love you.