Do that one thing

Tiriel

Have a vision, style, find something that coincides with your personality that you can be really good at and just do that one thing.

I thought this was pretty interesting. I'm a learner, jumping from landscape to portrait and everything in between and haven't found my one thing yet, but then again I'm not aiming to go pro. At the same time my aim is to improve and keep learning while producing something I am happy with along the way.

I don't think I have a style or personality in my work yet as a result.. whilst I love how other photographers have developed a specific recognizable style.

Does that mean they are pigeon holed?

http://petapixel.com/2015/03/12/interview-martin-schoeller-shares-his-journey-and-advice-for-aspiring-photographers/?sf7994674=1

challengemaster

Cork_girl wrote: »

Does that mean they are pigeon holed?

Call it pigeon holed, or call it specialised. Jack of all trades, master of none comes to mind. Unless you do what you're good at within photography, you stand very little chance of actually getting anywhere. Thats why almost all professional photographers are a <wedding/sports/portrait/etc> photographer.

Lyaiera

I think he was bang on with the very first thing he said on style, it needs to be about expression. I find very few photographers are able to express themselves in their photos. They're photos of something, they generally look nice, but there seems to be nothing of the photographer in them.

Tiriel

Lyaiera wrote: »

I think he was bang on with the very first thing he said on style, it needs to be about expression. I find very few photographers are able to express themselves in their photos. They're photos of something, they generally look nice, but there seems to be nothing of the photographer in them.

It's interesting how for some people that's there from day 1, others it takes more time to develop and for some it just doesn't happen. It's not really something you can choose, or is it?!

Lyaiera

Cork_girl wrote: »

It's interesting how for some people that's there from day 1, others it takes more time to develop and for some it just doesn't happen. It's not really something you can choose, or is it?!

I think the vast majority of people will have to work on it. I know I spend a lot of time looking at my photos, seeing what I saw in the scene when I took it, why I decided to keep it and edit it, why I now like it, what it evokes in me, what I was feeling when I was doing all this, etc. I've been trying to get across ideas, emotions, etc. in my photos for a small bit now. There's a lot of failure in it though. Sometimes you just don't have the skill to portray something, how you feel it could be portrayed doesn't work, or the type of image is just all wrong from a technical or artistic perspective. I think you also need to be very conscious of yourself, of what you're thinking and how you're feeling when you're working on something. If you just set out to "take a good photo" you're not going to get anywhere. If you set out with a goal in mind, even if it's just because you happened upon an image that you liked (in your own or others work) and want to develop it you'll do a lot better.

I actually find it really disappointing when I look at some photographers stuff, and it is an amazing photograph technically, everything about it is perfect in every way, scene selection included but the image is just incredibly boring because there's nothing of the photographer in it. It's like a computer was programmed to capture a 100% likeable photo but there's no emotion or idea behind it.

Tiriel

Lyaiera wrote: »

I actually find it really disappointing when I look at some photographers stuff, and it is an amazing photograph technically, everything about it is perfect in every way, scene selection included but the image is just incredibly boring because there's nothing of the photographer in it. It's like a computer was programmed to capture a 100% likeable photo but there's no emotion or idea behind it.

Is this where post processing comes in for many photographers or should "it" be captured in the camera?

Lyaiera

Cork_girl wrote: »

Is this where post processing comes in for many photographers or should "it" be captured in the camera?

I don't really draw a line between the two. Whatever you need to do to get the idea, mood, expression, etc. across in the image is what you should do. Of course with hugely processed images there comes a point where there's a debate about if it's actually photography, but really I think that's secondary to whether you've created something that's worthwhile. You might not be allowed enter it in the IPPA Photo Competition but what does that matter if you've created something beautiful, or enchanting, or moody, or dark?

pixbyjohn

Lyaiera wrote: »

I actually find it really disappointing when I look at some photographers stuff, and it is an amazing photograph technically, everything about it is perfect in every way, scene selection included but the image is just incredibly boring because there's nothing of the photographer in it. It's like a computer was programmed to capture a 100% likeable photo but there's no emotion or idea behind it.

Do you have a link to the type of photo that has something of the photographer in it? A modern shot for instance.

Lyaiera

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Do you have a link to the type of photo that has something of the photographer in it? A modern shot for instance.

I could link to something but I only see that resulting in a debate about a particular photo.

almorris

I think photography is an evolutionary thing. The more you do it your style, tastes, opinion changes. If your open to other artistic disciplines then you my see possibilities to bring that into your own photography. Then there is having the time to explore.

pixbyjohn

Lyaiera wrote: »

I could link to something but I only see that resulting in a debate about a particular photo.

No harm in that.

jaansu

This is one thing I have tried to work out but haven't had much success. I don't know how to put emotion or feelings or personality int a picture.I generally take photos of things I like, sunsets/sunrises, animals or plants.

I've gone down the road of what I think most people will like, and have failed miserably.