The photography you do and the photography you want to do

[Jamie123]

The curious thing about the kind of photography I mostly do is this: I don't really care for it.
A lot of the pictures I take could be described as "still life" or "abstract". Mostly colors, texture and light. Don't get me wrong, they're ok, they're pretty but...they're boring. It's not what I'm interested in. What I am interested in is portraits, people and their expressions, something that makes you stare at the photo instead of just having a quick look at it.
I'm not trying to say that I want my photos to be significant or have any kind of value other than an aesthetical one. I'm not after capturing a part of reality when I release the shutter. I just want to produce good photos (In fact, if I could I'd do everything, especially street photography, with actors and controlled lighting). However, although there's no shortage of people around me (family&friends), most of them are either not thrilled about having their picture taken or if they do let me take a photo, it's only for a quick snap.
Ultimately there's not very much I can do about this and I'm not looking for advice or anything.

My question now is this: Is the type of photography you do the type of photography you want to do? Is your "favourites" folder filled with links to websites of photographers who do the same "genre" as you do. Or is it the opposite way? Are you a travel photographer with no money to travel? Do you like industrial landscapes but live in the desert? A street photographer not doing street photography because of your fear of getting mugged?

Let's hear it.

 

[35mmdelux]

besides street shooting, celebrities would be fun....just don't have the time to chase down Paris or Paul McCartney.

 

[FrankS]

Shortage of nude models.

 

[Bryce]

Its funny you should mention industrial landscapes, that's my bag...
I think the important things are to learn to do something you care for as well as you can within your means, and to find ways to make it recognizably yours.
Often what you end up doing well isn't quite what you set out to do, and what you end up loving you may have had a strong distaste for when you started...
Keep doing it!

 

[Ash]

I'm with Frank 😀


No but seriously. I take a lot of portraits. I don't really bother going out and taking photo's unless it's of people. Large Format not included - my only opportunity to practice is on landscapes, but once I have my cash for the Razzle then I'll be able to take portraits on 4x5 too.


I'm not that great a photographer, but I take pictures of what I want to. After a couple years I got bored of urban landscape, animals, colour. I've wanted to take photo's of people forever. My favourites folder is full of amazing portrait photographers and pretty models (clothed or no).



I wanna continue as I currently am, but better, more frequently, and with a profit margin 😀

I'm fortunate to have Rich as a guinee-pig, so if I want to practice portraits I go see him.

Oh, and anyone who wants to help me afford the Razzle can click the For Sale link in my sig 😀

 

[pellothed1]

Paid or unpaid?

I do a little of everything for my business (unforunately this diversity is a must in my small midwestern city), but I truly love street photography. I'm sure that I'm in the same boat as alot of people, but being able to make a living doing street photography would really be my dream job, I suppose it has been since I was very small looking through the pages of NG at photos of eastern European cities and daydreaming. Do I go out and do street photography, sure, but not like I would if I was getting paid, sad enough as that sounds. On the other hand, I don't do the kind of portraiture I'd like to do. People consistantly request some sort of creative portrait, yet they consistantly buy the cheesy-peesy photos, very frustrating and it makes it hard to dedicate time and resources coming up with ideas that don't earn anything.

 

[gns]

If you look at a lot of pictures, you quickly realize that it's possible to make a good photograph of just about anything. Whether visiting the great pyramids or sitting around your own backyard, there is material everywhere.

Look at the work of Lee Friedlander. There is a man who has tackled just about every subject or genre you can think of. Street scenes, landscape, portraits, nudes, still life, you name it. And always with his unique personal stamp. That is a huge lesson right there.

I find it a satisfying challenge just to take pictures wherever I am.

Cheers,
Gary

 

[photophorous]

I can't seem to decide what I like most. I don't know if my lack of focus is why I'm not taking great photos, or if my inability to take great photos is why I can't focus. Either way, I feel like my biggest interests are the least practical for my geographic location and lifestyle. I want to shoot landscapes of mountains and nice scenery, but you have to drive at least 500 miles from here to find mountains. I also like street photography, but the best locations in Austin are extremely inconvenient for my schedule. So, I shoot whatever I can. It ends up mostly being travel photography because that's when I have the most time to shoot. Maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket tonight.

Paul

 

[lilin menyala]

jamie - great thread. i'm only starting to pursue photography as a more serious hobby again after a long absence. i have two favourite subjects of photography that i love to look at: portraits and urban landscapes with a melancholy bend. right now, i keep being terribly disappointed with my own results... 🙁 hopefully it's only because i'm somewhat rusty and need to take lots and lots and lots of photos to train my eye again.

 

[vrgard]

The curious thing about the kind of photography I mostly do is this: I don't really care for it.
A lot of the pictures I take could be described as "still life" or "abstract". Mostly colors, texture and light. Don't get me wrong, they're ok, they're pretty but...they're boring. It's not what I'm interested in. What I am interested in is portraits, people and their expressions, something that makes you stare at the photo instead of just having a quick look at it.
I'm not trying to say that I want my photos to be significant or have any kind of value other than an aesthetical one. I'm not after capturing a part of reality when I release the shutter. I just want to produce good photos (In fact, if I could I'd do everything, especially street photography, with actors and controlled lighting). However, although there's no shortage of people around me (family&friends), most of them are either not thrilled about having their picture taken or if they do let me take a photo, it's only for a quick snap.
Ultimately there's not very much I can do about this and I'm not looking for advice or anything.

My question now is this: Is the type of photography you do the type of photography you want to do? Is your "favourites" folder filled with links to websites of photographers who do the same "genre" as you do. Or is it the opposite way? Are you a travel photographer with no money to travel? Do you like industrial landscapes but live in the desert? A street photographer not doing street photography because of your fear of getting mugged?

Let's hear it.

Jamie123, your description sounds exactly like my recent lamenting. My natural inclination is to photograph geometrics, with a focus on lines and shadows, etc. However, just like your description, what really interests me is candid portraits. I've been working at it but find it to be much more difficult than expected. But I'm determined to keep trying rather than just go with what is easier for me. In the meantime, I have a few friends who are probably getting annoyed with me for always showing up with a camera in hand and occasionally pointing it at them!

-Randy

 

[Morca007]

Unfortunately, they do differ somewhat.
I do a mix of (impromptu) portraits, Street shots (in a small town), and (a few) landscapes.
However, what I'd really love to do are: Studio light portraits, Street shooting in a large city, and Large format Landscapes (Especially with GND filters for long exposure).

If I look at my favorites folder, I see landscapes, street shots, and a surprising amount of wild animal photos.

 

[Bobfrance]

Jamie123, your description sounds exactly like my recent lamenting. My natural inclination is to photograph geometrics, with a focus on lines and shadows, etc. However, just like your description, what really interests me is candid portraits. I've been working at it but find it to be much more difficult than expected. But I'm determined to keep trying rather than just go with what is easier for me. In the meantime, I have a few friends who are probably getting annoyed with me for always showing up with a camera in hand and occasionally pointing it at them!

-Randy

Good thread.

This also mirrors my thoughts somewhat. I've only returned to photography over the last year or so.

I've always felt drawn to street work but have often ended up taking lots of other stuff. Partly I guess due to lack of opportunity for street stuff and partly due to lack of nerve.
I like doing urban decay or anything falling apart and the sudden appearance of some really great light exites me like nothing else. But for me street is the real challenge.

I was looking at some work done by a camera club only the other week and it featured a lot of architectural abstracts. I don't wish to offend anybody, but to me, they're okay but they seemd like the photographical equivalent of the learner slopes and as a subject rather obvious.

I agree with GNS - good shots are everywhere. I'm still developing the ability to see them.

I rarely pick on friends for shots as most feel uncomfortable in fron of the camera (unless taken by suprise) and not being models don't really take direction. However only the other night I decided that from now on I would ask them not to smile and "deadpan" it for me. This would either result in some interesting straight-faced portraits, or pictures of genuine emotion after they get the giggles from trying to keep a straight face. All good either way.


Bob.

 

[Rhoyle]

Like many here there are areas I'd love to explore. I do mosty landscapey-travel-type things. But would love to get into street (no excuse not to) and studio/non-studio portraiture (don't have the equipment, money, or place to set up. It would be nice to take some shots that don't look like postcards....

 

[35mmdelux]

Look at the work of Lee Friedlander. There is a man who has tackled just about every subject or genre you can think of. Street scenes, landscape, portraits, nudes, still life, you name it. And always with his unique personal stamp. That is a huge lesson right there.

I find it a satisfying challenge just to take pictures wherever I am.

Cheers,
Gary

absolutely true IMHO and therein lies the challenge. Scenic places and gorgeous models make it easier, but the real test is to see what you can do without these external influences. Ck out Jan Groover 8x10 fotos of kitchen items as another example.

 

[x-ray]

My commercial photography is 70% of my income and the x-ray art is rapidly over taking the commercial in $'s. My real love is the x-ray work www.x-rayarts.com and my documentary work. The documentary generated very little income vs how much I spend to do it but it's a real love photographing the vanishing culture of appalachia. I didn't get into the documentary to make money but for ure enjoyment and that's what it's delivered. Look at my gallery and see a few examples. The people I've met and photographed have been truly fascinating and out of it I've made some life long friendships and feel my life has changed seeing hw others really live. I'm much more appreciative of my life and more concerned about others.

 

[vrgard]

I agree with GNS - good shots are everywhere. I'm still developing the ability to see them.


Bob.

Just wanted to say that I agree with the above comment about good shots being everywhere. That's another aspect I'm working on - "seeing" interesting shots in everyday settings or situations. I truly admire those who can do that. Without intending to re-open the "is photography art?" debate, I consider that ability to be strong support for the position that in the right hands photography definitely is an art form. Just wish I had that artistic skill! 😱

-Randy

 

[vrgard]

I rarely pick on friends for shots as most feel uncomfortable in fron of the camera (unless taken by suprise) and not being models don't really take direction. However only the other night I decided that from now on I would ask them not to smile and "deadpan" it for me. This would either result in some interesting straight-faced portraits, or pictures of genuine emotion after they get the giggles from trying to keep a straight face. All good either way.


Bob.

Good for you, Bob. As I stated above, I have been trying to more regularly carry a camera with me and take shots of friends and others I encounter when out and about. Lots of poor shots so far, but I'm still working on it.

One thing I have noticed is that I am still developing my "explanation" as to why I want to take a friend's picture when at a commonplace gathering (e.g., meeting at a restuarant for dinner) rather than at some special event/occasion (e.g., celebratory dinner or party). Explanations of "developing my photographic skills" just sounds so pretentious. And no one wants to hear a 5 minute explanation of why taking pictures of abstracts and buildings and flowers is not doing it for me and how much I like candid portraits. And trying to explain that "pretty pictures" isn't the point and that oftentimes the most interesting shots are where the person does not look the flattering is not very motivating to the person I am trying to photograph! Anybody have any good, succinct explanations that help here?

-Randy

 

[pachuco]

I see no reason to not shoot the photography I want to do. Can I do it everyday? No. Can I plan for my trips and save up money for them? Yes! The project I have been working on for several years now requires me to head south to Mexico from Oregon several times a year. Although I do not go to places that most tourist go to (unless you take some wrong turns) it still costs money and time. I use my vacations and don't go out to eat much and once I get the amount I need I am gone. I know not everyone is not willing to do that, wives hate it, but if it is what you feel a passion for then do it. In the off time, shoot things around you that are related to what you want to do. Driving several hundred miles to a mountain on the weekend is not that bad if it is what you want to photograph. Otherwise, how dedicated can you be? I don't mean that in any sort of cruel way, I just wonder.

 

[Bobfrance]

One thing I have noticed is that I am still developing my "explanation" as to why I want to take a friend's picture when at a commonplace gathering (e.g., meeting at a restuarant for dinner) rather than at some special event/occasion (e.g., celebratory dinner or party). Explanations of "developing my photographic skills" just sounds so pretentious. And no one wants to hear a 5 minute explanation of why taking pictures of abstracts and buildings and flowers is not doing it for me and how much I like candid portraits. And trying to explain that "pretty pictures" isn't the point and that oftentimes the most interesting shots are where the person does not look the flattering is not very motivating to the person I am trying to photograph! Anybody have any good, succinct explanations that help here?

-Randy

I struggle for an explanation too. People may understand I like photography but don't see why I'd want to take a photo of them instead of a nice sunset.

I have developed tricks for taking candid shots (pretending to fiddle with the camera, taking pics in mirros etc.) and am always on the lookout for the perfect stealth camera.

I think you can sometimes feel like a bit of a wierdo/stalker with close friends if you overdo the shots; it cold become a bit intrusive.
I suppose that's the beauty of street. You can run away and your subjects don't know where you live. 😉

 

[einolu]

if someone asks me why i take pictures i tell them that i like to because im so damn good at it, ;-)

but really, it sounds like you dont have an emotional attachment to the pictures you are taking, so they feel boring to you. try to see things with emotion as much as with your eye and you might feel better. easier said than done though, good luck!