So here goes: Do you think you're TOO good for this forum? Meaning, are you seeking a critique from your peers for advice, or just a pat on the back?
You decide...
In my opinion, for those who REALLY want to make it, stop getting advice from other photographers and gain insight from others. I can tell you this is a good way to learn. If you can't, or think you can't do this, you're wrong. Get your work out there and start listening. Stop saying you're going to do a show or an art fair and go get it.
Interesting topic, Chris.
I certainly don't think I'm too good for this forum...if anything, seeing the work of others here gives me an inferiority complex! While a pat on the back is nice, I do want (and appreciate) any and all criticism for the few photos I post on here.
As for shows or fairs: good point. Maybe I need to get off my butt, and see what otherwise disinterested 3rd parties think of my work.
Ouch! You sure know how to strike a chord Chris. I have been mumbling that I am wanting to do a show for quite some time now. Part of me still does not have the confidence that I have high enough quality work to show. The other part of me is chicken and wants just "one more season" to prepare.
I do sometimes seek advice on my images from other photographers, however, I have learned that they are an impossible crowd. Never have I meet such a great group of kind hearted people that will find every little flaw you never saw. More importantly, flaws that people who actually purchase images never see.
Looking at my current work that I am in the process of printing and mounting I don't see a lot of it that I have posted on forums. I think my "best" work I am confident in how it makes me happy. Hopefully it will make other people happy too.
Thanks for the weekly topic! Now for me to go and change the monthly topic.
A very good subject and one I've pondered on...
I like the RMNP forum because I see more honest critic here, and really like it when others see and comment on things in the photo I miss. I think some of the other forums have a lot of fanfare and back patting for good/popular photogs, but on the flip side, some photos receiving maybe 1 or 2 comments. I admire the gifted photographers who's photos grace this site and gain insight on what makes them look pleasing to the eye. I also greatly value the critic both on my and others work.
Great topic, Chris....From my perspective it is fine to seek both constructive critisism AND seek a pat on the back. After all there is nothing wrong with social reinforcement. It drives us forward sometimes. I agree that we do need to get our work out there..do a show...enter a judging....display your work to the general public. Do not wait until you think your'e good enough..I'll bet you'll get enough positive feedback to pump you up for a month. Just have a little fun...dont get too serious about yourself. Your work is not a reflection of your worth as a human being, for c-sake.
Another good question Chis intimated is....do you find yourself photographing for other photographers? Forums are wonderful places to learn and be inspired (especially this one), but sometime photographers when they are only around other photographers, get too narrow a focus concerning their disipline and would benefit from feedback from the outside world .. For example, just because you have come to view a location as overdone and trite does not mean those outside of landscape photography do. On a flight to Denver my wife pointed to a photograph of the Wave and said "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen. She is a teacher and despite my long time photography background was completely unaware that a place like this existed . You will have the same experience at shows. Go for it.
Like everything else in life, there are always people who will be better than you at whatever you do. This is frankly a reality of life, and the only way you will improve in my opinion is by practice and by seeking feedback from others. I not only welcome critique on my images, but would go out of my way to get it. On some sites like Flickr where I post my images, I would not get much realistic critique. There is a lot of back patting going on there, which is fine and all, but as I have told John in a conversation before, I don't put a whole lot of credit into what goes on there. This is one of the few forums where I have found critique to be of true value. The people on here are willing to give you that critique, especially when you ask for it. As well a lot of folks have an incredible eye for things. I for one truly value any critique on my images.
To Joe's point though, you should not seek critique from only other photographers. It is sometimes good to get thoughts from the general public, so I always try to gather information from photographers and none photographers alike to make a decision on the quality of an image if you will.
I should say that yes, we are a close-knit group, that enjoys seeing each others' work on this forum. I apologize if I'm implying that this is a bad thing, because its not at all! The encouragement that Joe speaks of is soooo important. I'm just wondering if you are looking to 'go forward' and take your photography further (to share, pay back your gear, etc.). That is the biggest, baddest part of this - when do you want to make that leap from 'hobbyist' to 'advanced amateur', and then maybe even a 'pro' someday. Thanks for the feedback guys. Keep it moving!
I look forward to the critiques when I post; it's interesting to see what others actually see in your photo. When processing, I always try to direct the viewer's eye to what I think is important - much to my chagrin many times other people don't quite look at it the same way. It has really helped me to step back and be more objective though, and that is good. The "good job" comments really mean more too, as they feel earned.
The "good job" comments really mean more too, as they feel earned.
As much as I want to agree, I have a difficult time with this. Chances are, you could be getting an 'atta boy' comment from someone who doesn't want to insult you. You don't get a solid evaluation this way. If that's what you're going for, fine, but for the more in-depth reviews, it just doesn't cut it.
I once heard John Shaw say that he really didn't care if anyone liked his photograph; he liked it. And that's really the bar to shoot for isn't it? Of course we need affirmation and constructive criticism, but any success depends on developing our own critical eye, not photographing someone else's vision. Critiques and failure are essential for growth, but so is finding our unique path and believing in our work. Then the path leads where we were meant to go all along.
IMO, the question teeters between an emotional rant and a motivational speech. I prefer the motivational speech side of the question. It seems like the gist of the question works just as effectively without "Do you think you're TOO good for this forum?" and "What makes you awesome?" and all the cap locking going on with words like TOO, REALLY? Hmmm.
And, what's the difference between attaining advice from other photographers and Chris's suggestion of gaining insight from other photographers?
If I get this right; I seek advice, insight, critique, and a pat on the back from others from this forum. Some of us don't have the time and resources to set up a booth somewhere yet; so in the mean time I just try to get better. And the Lord knows it's taking too much time. Plus, if I need to get a lot better, and make that jump, I better figure out Color Managment. BTW, if anyone out there has this color managment thing down, email me, I'll pay you for some tutoring!!! Right now in my photography journey, better understanding color managment seems the better place for my limited resources than setting up a booth.
I also questioned what the intention of this topic is. Perhaps I'm reading it wrong but it seems very confrontational IMO. I guess if one has dreams of making a living off of photography someday they should leave this forum? As noted by some above, I don't see why these different aspects need to be painted as mutually exclusive. I see nothing wrong with wanted a good critique and feedback from fellow photographers, and also seeking "a pat on the back". It feels good to know that some of the very talented people on this forum like your picture. I would think that anyone dreaming of "going pro" would value the feedback from the people here, helping improve one's photography to "the next level". Again, maybe I have just read the question wrong, but it seems very pointed. I can't decipher what you are looking for here Chris.
You know what's so great about this thread? It's actually getting people to think and interact, and question the details. For you guys that were a little offest by this post, good job on deciphering my confrontational demeanor. I'll tell you right now that I am so over photography in SO MANY WAYS that I myself am pissed about it. I have no idea why my interest is gone, and I mean GONE. I am seriously considering selling all of my gear, because I don't use it anymore.
Here's the deal: just roll with the posts, answer the questions, discuss your ideas, and don't get wrapped up personally. If someone likes your picture, awesome! If they don't, please let me know! (I'm beginning to hear myself talking like Lewis Black).
Please don't let me leave the forum either. One more post where people think I'm after personal attacks when its definitely not implicit is grounds for me to abandon it altogether.
So, I had to re-read my last reply, and I think that I have reached the endpoint of my RMNP forum campaign as a valuable member. I don't contribute any creativity in terms of photographic submissions. I think that this forum has evolved into more of a proving ground instead of a discussion area, which is fine, that's how things happen. Back when I was being creative behind the lens, I enjoyed posting my images and getting evaluated, its good to hear good things.
So, with that, I won't be contributing to the RMNP forum anymore (I think I've gone off the deep end anyway), because I don't feel that discussions are relevant, and I am someone who enjoys long talks on the subject, but also I'm not sure how to interpret nature photography anymore. Call it a 'numbness' to it - I seriously get no excitement from seeing nature photography anymore - a really strange thing coming from me, who loved doing it for many years.
Thanks to all that have come and gone on here - you guys are great, and all I can say is keep going - if you want it, go for it. I hope that I was able to help some of you out, and made you laugh (or cry, or shake head) at least a few times.
Well I get where you are coming from now. I feel your frustration. I did 2-3 art shows a year for two seasons while I was still in Omaha and honestly didn't do well. I think my best show sales wise was maybe $600. When the entry fee was almost $200 and you figure in print and framing cost, time, gas, etc, I wasn't making crap, and that was the best one! I had one show I sold something like $140 and didn't even make the entry fee back. So I know the feeling of wondering "WTF am I doing?" I haven't done a show in over 2 years now, and have just been focused on getting better as a photographer and then think about the marketing thing later.
As far as your interest level, I don't know what to tell you there. I'm a self described landscape photography junkie and can't get enough of it. I'm constantly thinking of my next trip, where I'm going, what time is the best shot, etc. I'm flying to Portland on the 1st for 9 days of Oregon and Washington and I'm STOKED. Maybe try to go somewhere new and take your camera with. Don't think about sales and go back to just wanting to get THE SHOT. Think of what got you into photography in the first place and try to get back to that.
I think you are right in assuming most of us would like to "go pro" and do this for a living. I'm not gonna BS ya, hell yes I do. If I can make a living traveling and shooting, sign me up. But at the same time, I realize how difficult that is. After those art shows, I was getting burnt out too, but by putting all that on the backburner for a couple years, I'm more excited than ever about chasing landscapes. I shoot pictures for me, and if I sell some then great. Get back to just having fun with it.
I don't know if any of that helps, but there ya go. I hope photography becomes fun for you once again. I don't know what I'd do without it.
Hey, i certainly dont shy from the controversey, Chris--i like your topic
Ill just give you my take. Ive been a 'photographer' for about 8 years now (a couple more decades if you count my p@s years). When i started i ate up all the critique and was always looking for ways to improve. Im not where i want to be, im at a plateau right now where im trying to break through to a higher level (and im not sure how to get there). But whereas i used to take every critique as a definite signal to change something, now i just look at critique as a way to either affirm or deny my own doubts about an image. My main problem is free time is limited, and im spending most of it trying to get done my latest music project; which will be the best music ive ever produced. I'm sorry to here your interest has waned, you should definitely self examine what photography meant for you int the first place. For me, like my music, its a very spiritual connection and i think it would be hard to kill all together--but life does get in the way sometimes...
Look fellas, I don't pretend to be an expert here, and like Stan, I've been going at this seriously for the past eight years after more than forty years of just p*ss*ng around.
I enjoy the forum and I post to it because this is a community of like minded ("Kindred Spirit") photographers who, like me, are trying to shoot truly inspirational landscape images. I value your critiques because you inherently understand what I'm trying to do, and I value your "atta boy's" far more than if they came from ordinary fun shooters whose own goals aren't nearly as lofty.
At the same time (and I say this without any experience at it myself), I suspect that some of what passes for excellent among ourselves might not turn that many heads commercially. Let's face it; any public that can make it profitable to produce artwork painted on black velvet has definitely got questionable taste. I like the John Shaw quote, but the truth is, not all of us can use our own "likes" as an acceptable barometer for what will sell.
So, my response to the question of whether to do a show is, "Fine, Yes, if what you desire is affirmation from a public less qualified to assess your expertise, and especially if you're prepared to lower your bar if it will sell prints."
Chris...I will echo Stan's last post. Sounds like you may be suffering from a serious case of burn out where landscape work is concerned...since I dont know you, I am only guessing, though. In my 30+ years as a studio owner I have flamed out more times than a cheap Romainian fighter jet. Creative people get bored very quickly and unless they keep things fresh in whatever their creative pursuits is, boredom sets in. Half way through my career I remember coming to work one morning before anyone else got there and just sitting down and my camera room and letting loose with the biggest sobs you ever saw. When I got myself together, I stood up and said, "this sh*t aint happening again" I changed my whole apporach to portrait work, stopped doing formula stuff and made myself interject a new creativity all my work.( I hold myself to this even today) I got myself a hobby and stopped obsessing about photography. I notice Stan has his music....sounds like a smart choice. Preston Birdwell plays guitar. I am learning landscape photography with the help of all on this forum....I dont have a need to make money with it, I just enjoy doing it. Such is the way life should be. A gift to be enjoyed.
Joe Rogers
My philosophy is basically I do nature and landscape photography because it is my creative passion and a way I connect to the natural world. I am ultimately doing it for myself first and for others second. Sure it is nice that some people like my work enough to buy it but that is not the driving force behind my passion. Like Dave said, if I like the image and am satisfied with it then that is what is important to me. You have to realize that viewing art and the reaction to it is personal and subjective. I have been doing this long enough to be secure in what I do. Feedback from other photographers is nice but they obviously can not get into my mind or know my vision. Be true to yourself and above all have fun doing it.:Or why bother???
A. I have many leather-bound books, and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.
Q. Do you think you're TOO good for this forum? Meaning, are you seeking a critique from your peers for advice, or just a pat on the back?
A. I always posted images in forums like this for the simple joy of sharing work with a group of friends that I've come to know over the years. I enjoyed seeing what others were shooting, and I felt like I should add something from time to time to remain a worthwhile participant. But early on, I started posting images to gain the advice and guidance of other forum photographers … under the guise of "critique" settings. The more I did this, the more formulaic my work became ... in my own estimation. And it's simply because communities like this reflect a more common approach to nature photography - an ideal perpetuated by popular magazines, educators and famous names. It works for some. And not for others. For me, it was an easy path to "success". But not rewarding at all.
Chris, there's nothing wrong with your loss of interest. Evolution is a good thing. You're just finding out who you really are … or you're just changing course. Don't be pissed. I think you're right where I am. Sunrises bore me to tears now. I love looking at them. But I could care less about photographing them. In fact, I have little interest in "landscape" photography these days. But I still love shooting tiny details and lesser seen concepts in nature - and I also have other interests. I care nothing about balanced compositions, sharp details, shadow details and so forth. I love being able to shoot what comes naturally, with techniques that inspire me and are appropriate for my art - and would likely get bashed in "critiques". I think you just need to find what captivates your passions … whether it's nature photography or underwater basket weaving.
Take it from the expert on dumping gear. Don't sell it all until you figure out where you're headed next. That said, buying/selling gear is easy … and you rarely lose value with camera equipment. Experimenting with gear can sometimes help push you out of the rut. Rent gear. Buy a Holga. Step outside of the old, boring comfort zone and just play around. If you get down the road, and find that photography just doesn't do it for you - life goes on!
Forums will never change. There will always be pats on the back. There will always be the most popular photographers posting the epic images. There will always be wide eyed beginners. There will always be lurkers. There will always be trolls. There will always be fights and heated discussions about the same issues - over and over and over. You can't get frustrated by it all. If you do, just detach and focus more on enjoying your art. Pretty simple.
Here's my advice for forum participation anywhere … don't let places like this influence who you are as a photographer/artist. Rather, bring who you ARE into a place like this. Or use places like this to help refine that sense of self. But THAT'S hard to do, honestly. Take the herd mentality with a grain of salt, and ignore critiques most of the time. Because online communities generally do NOT know how to critique in a way that develops the inner motivations/voices of artists and creatively-motivated photographers. I'll save that for another rant … another day … it's the finding of who your are that is the hard part. But once you do, all frustrations with forums, methods, etc. just disappear. It's obvious that a lot of people aren't "there". We all can't be awesome … but we're all trying to get there. And doing so with a lot of individual motivations - whether it's art photography, wildlife photography, mountain photography or whatever labels you want to use.
And finally, there's a lot of different ways to "make it". Follow the herd if you want to be the next John Fielder … the next ______________. Good for you. You probably make some good money. You might even be famous. Or, just do your own thing, if you want to fill your life with many years of highly rewarding creative expression. Figure out who you are, what your art is, and THEN get it out there … if you care about what the world thinks and will pay for. And if you don't care about getting it out there, then just find something you enjoy shooting. Then, you've "made it".
Also, on a similar note Mike Gordon wrote something truly amazing today (and most other days too, but this one kind of apropos here) http://networkedblogs.com/iUerP. I really liked the reference to the "photog's rat race of one-upmanship".
Thanks Jesse, I needed something like that. I am getting frustrated by it all. I started my own consulting business last year, and I've been consumed by that. I'd say its time for me to invent myself all over again...
Again, I just don't have it in me anymore. I think I'll take up underwater basketweaving
If anyone needs GIS or mapping done, I'm really good at that! (Terrible plug, I know; the life of an entrepreneur)
Not much I can add to what Jesse said, so I'll try to be brief. I get bored and burned out of taking traditional landscape photos fairly easily. But I haven't yet gotten burned out of traveling to new places. And photography is an added bonus of traveling, especially since it allows me to make a living. If I ever get bored of my job, I just try to imagine myself working at a bank, like I once did.
If photography weren't my job, I'd probably be doing more crazy experimental stuff that is harder to sell. That's not to say I'm not passionate about nature photography. I try to mix it up and keep it challenging...I've gone from focusing mostly on B&W landscapes to color landscapes to macros to night photos and now I've dabbled a little in wildlife. I haven't yet gotten burned out on night photography and don't expect to anytime soon, as I feel it's still challenging and I have a lot to learn. So it's just about finding what you're passionate about.
I post images here mostly just to share shots from my travels (and to keep Morris off my back ). If I just want a pat on the back, I'll post on Facebook, as people are easily impressed over there . (okay, technically, I also post over there for marketing purposes). If I want a critique, I'll post it over on the critique forums, as everyone there has an opinion, even if I ignore most of them . I don't always post my best stuff over there, just the occasional photo I'm not sure about. I usually ignore comments about cropping differently, but sometimes I've gotten some good technical advice on processing the image better and that is something that can be very helpful, without compromising your own vision.
Chris - (if you're still here) - FWIW, I enjoy your weekly discussions, even if I haven't had time to participate thoughtfully. Sorry to hear that your burned out on photography - perhaps next week's discussion could be about that!
Posted by Phillip Noll on June 9, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Excellent post, Jesse!!
it's the finding of who your are that is the hard part
Isn't that the truth!! It's a difficult quest but the only one that really matters. To quote The Who
Can you see the real me? Can ya?
Take a break from photography if you need one, Chris. Nothing wrong with that. Explore other interests. Find your path. Photography will always be here should you decide to pick up the camera again.
I do enjoy viewing everyone's work (I confess I'm quite the lurker these days--but I'm in a 12-step Lurker's Anonymous course and hope to be better soon! ). In the beginning I was really looking for technical and creative advice and found critiques really useful. These days I shoot for me. Its my creative outlet. It keeps me sane. It's a spiritual activity that strengthens my connection to all things. If I sell a print here and there then that's great! I'm not looking to conform to the masses or become a famous photographer. I just like to create something that moves me and share it with others. Critiques are fine and sometimes I'll make a change based on a suggestion but I'm not here* for critiques really. Like Howard said, I'm just looking to share with kindred spirits.
*My lack of participation lately is mainly due to (ridiculous) time constraints plus I've focussed on getting my website up to the exclusion of all else but now that its live, I plan to be more active.
Chris, sorry I am late to the party. First off, not a chance I'm too good for this forum. Are you kidding me? Holy cow, the talent here is too much for any to get arrogant about. And the bar gets raised every year.
I couldn't add anything more to Jesse's perfect post. I have been struggling with finding time and resources to do much with photograpy this Spring, and frankly had lost most of my motivation.
I enjoy your cerebral explorations every week, but understand if this forum isn't filling the well for you for where you might be headed right now. That happens. Your muse may be changing and you might end up doing something entirely different in photography or even find a new medium to express yourself. I do hope you still check in here once in awhile.
I will say there is a place for encouragement, which I prefer to call the pat on the back comments, as well as the insightful critique that will help us all to grow as artitists. There is a time and place for everything. Now I sound like The Birds.
Discussion
28 repliesSo here goes: Do you think you're TOO good for this forum? Meaning, are you seeking a critique from your peers for advice, or just a pat on the back?
You decide...
In my opinion, for those who REALLY want to make it, stop getting advice from other photographers and gain insight from others. I can tell you this is a good way to learn. If you can't, or think you can't do this, you're wrong. Get your work out there and start listening. Stop saying you're going to do a show or an art fair and go get it.
That is all.
I certainly don't think I'm too good for this forum...if anything, seeing the work of others here gives me an inferiority complex! While a pat on the back is nice, I do want (and appreciate) any and all criticism for the few photos I post on here.
As for shows or fairs: good point. Maybe I need to get off my butt, and see what otherwise disinterested 3rd parties think of my work.
I do sometimes seek advice on my images from other photographers, however, I have learned that they are an impossible crowd. Never have I meet such a great group of kind hearted people that will find every little flaw you never saw. More importantly, flaws that people who actually purchase images never see.
Looking at my current work that I am in the process of printing and mounting I don't see a lot of it that I have posted on forums. I think my "best" work I am confident in how it makes me happy. Hopefully it will make other people happy too.
Thanks for the weekly topic! Now for me to go and change the monthly topic.
I like the RMNP forum because I see more honest critic here, and really like it when others see and comment on things in the photo I miss. I think some of the other forums have a lot of fanfare and back patting for good/popular photogs, but on the flip side, some photos receiving maybe 1 or 2 comments. I admire the gifted photographers who's photos grace this site and gain insight on what makes them look pleasing to the eye. I also greatly value the critic both on my and others work.
Another good question Chis intimated is....do you find yourself photographing for other photographers? Forums are wonderful places to learn and be inspired (especially this one), but sometime photographers when they are only around other photographers, get too narrow a focus concerning their disipline and would benefit from feedback from the outside world .. For example, just because you have come to view a location as overdone and trite does not mean those outside of landscape photography do. On a flight to Denver my wife pointed to a photograph of the Wave and said "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen. She is a teacher and despite my long time photography background was completely unaware that a place like this existed . You will have the same experience at shows. Go for it.
Joe Rogers
To Joe's point though, you should not seek critique from only other photographers. It is sometimes good to get thoughts from the general public, so I always try to gather information from photographers and none photographers alike to make a decision on the quality of an image if you will.
As much as I want to agree, I have a difficult time with this. Chances are, you could be getting an 'atta boy' comment from someone who doesn't want to insult you. You don't get a solid evaluation this way. If that's what you're going for, fine, but for the more in-depth reviews, it just doesn't cut it.
And, what's the difference between attaining advice from other photographers and Chris's suggestion of gaining insight from other photographers?
If I get this right; I seek advice, insight, critique, and a pat on the back from others from this forum. Some of us don't have the time and resources to set up a booth somewhere yet; so in the mean time I just try to get better. And the Lord knows it's taking too much time. Plus, if I need to get a lot better, and make that jump, I better figure out Color Managment. BTW, if anyone out there has this color managment thing down, email me, I'll pay you for some tutoring!!! Right now in my photography journey, better understanding color managment seems the better place for my limited resources than setting up a booth.
Here's the deal: just roll with the posts, answer the questions, discuss your ideas, and don't get wrapped up personally. If someone likes your picture, awesome! If they don't, please let me know! (I'm beginning to hear myself talking like Lewis Black).
Please don't let me leave the forum either. One more post where people think I'm after personal attacks when its definitely not implicit is grounds for me to abandon it altogether.
So, with that, I won't be contributing to the RMNP forum anymore (I think I've gone off the deep end anyway), because I don't feel that discussions are relevant, and I am someone who enjoys long talks on the subject, but also I'm not sure how to interpret nature photography anymore. Call it a 'numbness' to it - I seriously get no excitement from seeing nature photography anymore - a really strange thing coming from me, who loved doing it for many years.
Thanks to all that have come and gone on here - you guys are great, and all I can say is keep going - if you want it, go for it. I hope that I was able to help some of you out, and made you laugh (or cry, or shake head) at least a few times.
Signing off for the last time,
Chris
As far as your interest level, I don't know what to tell you there. I'm a self described landscape photography junkie and can't get enough of it. I'm constantly thinking of my next trip, where I'm going, what time is the best shot, etc. I'm flying to Portland on the 1st for 9 days of Oregon and Washington and I'm STOKED. Maybe try to go somewhere new and take your camera with. Don't think about sales and go back to just wanting to get THE SHOT. Think of what got you into photography in the first place and try to get back to that.
I think you are right in assuming most of us would like to "go pro" and do this for a living. I'm not gonna BS ya, hell yes I do. If I can make a living traveling and shooting, sign me up. But at the same time, I realize how difficult that is. After those art shows, I was getting burnt out too, but by putting all that on the backburner for a couple years, I'm more excited than ever about chasing landscapes. I shoot pictures for me, and if I sell some then great. Get back to just having fun with it.
I don't know if any of that helps, but there ya go. I hope photography becomes fun for you once again. I don't know what I'd do without it.
Ill just give you my take. Ive been a 'photographer' for about 8 years now (a couple more decades if you count my p@s years). When i started i ate up all the critique and was always looking for ways to improve. Im not where i want to be, im at a plateau right now where im trying to break through to a higher level (and im not sure how to get there). But whereas i used to take every critique as a definite signal to change something, now i just look at critique as a way to either affirm or deny my own doubts about an image. My main problem is free time is limited, and im spending most of it trying to get done my latest music project; which will be the best music ive ever produced. I'm sorry to here your interest has waned, you should definitely self examine what photography meant for you int the first place. For me, like my music, its a very spiritual connection and i think it would be hard to kill all together--but life does get in the way sometimes...
I enjoy the forum and I post to it because this is a community of like minded ("Kindred Spirit") photographers who, like me, are trying to shoot truly inspirational landscape images. I value your critiques because you inherently understand what I'm trying to do, and I value your "atta boy's" far more than if they came from ordinary fun shooters whose own goals aren't nearly as lofty.
At the same time (and I say this without any experience at it myself), I suspect that some of what passes for excellent among ourselves might not turn that many heads commercially. Let's face it; any public that can make it profitable to produce artwork painted on black velvet has definitely got questionable taste. I like the John Shaw quote, but the truth is, not all of us can use our own "likes" as an acceptable barometer for what will sell.
So, my response to the question of whether to do a show is, "Fine, Yes, if what you desire is affirmation from a public less qualified to assess your expertise, and especially if you're prepared to lower your bar if it will sell prints."
Anyway, what th' h*ll do I know?
Joe Rogers
A. I have many leather-bound books, and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.
Q. Do you think you're TOO good for this forum? Meaning, are you seeking a critique from your peers for advice, or just a pat on the back?
A. I always posted images in forums like this for the simple joy of sharing work with a group of friends that I've come to know over the years. I enjoyed seeing what others were shooting, and I felt like I should add something from time to time to remain a worthwhile participant. But early on, I started posting images to gain the advice and guidance of other forum photographers … under the guise of "critique" settings. The more I did this, the more formulaic my work became ... in my own estimation. And it's simply because communities like this reflect a more common approach to nature photography - an ideal perpetuated by popular magazines, educators and famous names. It works for some. And not for others. For me, it was an easy path to "success". But not rewarding at all.
Chris, there's nothing wrong with your loss of interest. Evolution is a good thing. You're just finding out who you really are … or you're just changing course. Don't be pissed. I think you're right where I am. Sunrises bore me to tears now. I love looking at them. But I could care less about photographing them. In fact, I have little interest in "landscape" photography these days. But I still love shooting tiny details and lesser seen concepts in nature - and I also have other interests. I care nothing about balanced compositions, sharp details, shadow details and so forth. I love being able to shoot what comes naturally, with techniques that inspire me and are appropriate for my art - and would likely get bashed in "critiques". I think you just need to find what captivates your passions … whether it's nature photography or underwater basket weaving.
Take it from the expert on dumping gear. Don't sell it all until you figure out where you're headed next. That said, buying/selling gear is easy … and you rarely lose value with camera equipment. Experimenting with gear can sometimes help push you out of the rut. Rent gear. Buy a Holga. Step outside of the old, boring comfort zone and just play around. If you get down the road, and find that photography just doesn't do it for you - life goes on!
Forums will never change. There will always be pats on the back. There will always be the most popular photographers posting the epic images. There will always be wide eyed beginners. There will always be lurkers. There will always be trolls. There will always be fights and heated discussions about the same issues - over and over and over. You can't get frustrated by it all. If you do, just detach and focus more on enjoying your art. Pretty simple.
Here's my advice for forum participation anywhere … don't let places like this influence who you are as a photographer/artist. Rather, bring who you ARE into a place like this. Or use places like this to help refine that sense of self. But THAT'S hard to do, honestly. Take the herd mentality with a grain of salt, and ignore critiques most of the time. Because online communities generally do NOT know how to critique in a way that develops the inner motivations/voices of artists and creatively-motivated photographers. I'll save that for another rant … another day … it's the finding of who your are that is the hard part. But once you do, all frustrations with forums, methods, etc. just disappear. It's obvious that a lot of people aren't "there". We all can't be awesome … but we're all trying to get there. And doing so with a lot of individual motivations - whether it's art photography, wildlife photography, mountain photography or whatever labels you want to use.
And finally, there's a lot of different ways to "make it". Follow the herd if you want to be the next John Fielder … the next ______________. Good for you. You probably make some good money. You might even be famous. Or, just do your own thing, if you want to fill your life with many years of highly rewarding creative expression. Figure out who you are, what your art is, and THEN get it out there … if you care about what the world thinks and will pay for. And if you don't care about getting it out there, then just find something you enjoy shooting. Then, you've "made it".
OK, back to my occasional lurking. :)
Also, on a similar note Mike Gordon wrote something truly amazing today (and most other days too, but this one kind of apropos here) http://networkedblogs.com/iUerP. I really liked the reference to the "photog's rat race of one-upmanship".
Again, I just don't have it in me anymore. I think I'll take up underwater basketweaving
If anyone needs GIS or mapping done, I'm really good at that! (Terrible plug, I know; the life of an entrepreneur)
If photography weren't my job, I'd probably be doing more crazy experimental stuff that is harder to sell. That's not to say I'm not passionate about nature photography. I try to mix it up and keep it challenging...I've gone from focusing mostly on B&W landscapes to color landscapes to macros to night photos and now I've dabbled a little in wildlife. I haven't yet gotten burned out on night photography and don't expect to anytime soon, as I feel it's still challenging and I have a lot to learn. So it's just about finding what you're passionate about.
I post images here mostly just to share shots from my travels (and to keep Morris off my back
Chris - (if you're still here) - FWIW, I enjoy your weekly discussions, even if I haven't had time to participate thoughtfully. Sorry to hear that your burned out on photography - perhaps next week's discussion could be about that!
I do enjoy viewing everyone's work (I confess I'm quite the lurker these days--but I'm in a 12-step Lurker's Anonymous course and hope to be better soon!
*My lack of participation lately is mainly due to (ridiculous) time constraints plus I've focussed on getting my website up to the exclusion of all else but now that its live, I plan to be more active.
I couldn't add anything more to Jesse's perfect post. I have been struggling with finding time and resources to do much with photograpy this Spring, and frankly had lost most of my motivation.
I enjoy your cerebral explorations every week, but understand if this forum isn't filling the well for you for where you might be headed right now. That happens. Your muse may be changing and you might end up doing something entirely different in photography or even find a new medium to express yourself. I do hope you still check in here once in awhile.
I will say there is a place for encouragement, which I prefer to call the pat on the back comments, as well as the insightful critique that will help us all to grow as artitists. There is a time and place for everything. Now I sound like The Birds.