With the advent of modern photographic equipment anyone can produce perfectly exposed images. The importance of being ‘An Original’ in the world of photography has never been more essential if your goal is to recognized as a great photographer. In its simplest form, photography is the process of creating a tangible form of art. Unlike other forms of art, for instance painting, a photographer can instantly and accurately create a quality finished product with the push of a button.
Why type of photographer are you? There are many reasons people photograph. I have defined 3 main groups people fall into when it comes to photography. Some people progress through each of these stages, while others are destined to stay in only one.
- Image recorder – These are individuals who like to record life as it is presented to them. There is no pre-planning involved or special techniques used. If an ‘image recorder’ sees something interesting, they push the button. The type of photography equipment used is not a factor here. This is about the process for creating their work. Don’t get me wrong, there are many ‘image recorders’ whose work I really enjoy. For the ‘image recorder’, there is no end game, only to accurately record what they see.
- Copy cat – A copy cat is one who plays by the rules passed down from the photography gods. A ‘copy cat’ can be a complete amateur or degree holding professional. A ‘copy cat’ always subscribes to photographic theory, i.e., rule of thirds, Zone system, Histogram hysteria, etc, as the law of the land when it comes to creating images and evaluating other photographic works. In addition, works by the masters (Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Arnold Newman, and so on) are the benchmark from which a ‘copy cat’ bases what is or is not acceptable photography. The reasoning goes something like, ‘if their work is considered great and my work looks just like theirs, then my work is great’.
- An Original -There are no prerequisites to be a member here, only to possess truly creative vision. It would always kill me when I read about xyz photographer, with no formal training, no understanding about the intricacies of exposure and film curves, used a toy camera and produced these outstanding works of art. What could they possibly know about photography? I would scan through their bio, just looking for a reason to discount these great images. I would break out my ‘copy cat’ rule book and declare, “Aha, the horizon is crooked and the subject in square in the middle of the frame..what were they thinking?” But it never worked. These color balance deficient, blurry images were perfect. They had emotional. They told a story. They…were alive.
Everyone has the ability to become ‘An Original’, however, for some it may take some serious work. Letting go of conventional wisdom and forging your own path is easier said than done. If you are a ‘joiner’, you may have to develop some serious thick skin. The ‘copy cats’ will seek to derail your progress. When it comes to photography, ‘An Original’ plays by no rules. Rather, they are guided by their own internal compass as to what best tells their story through photography. Push through the barriers and create the photographic works for you, and not for peer approval. Breaking rules is your first step in becoming a true ‘Original’.
