I agree. I tend to think of it as a shift from photographing what you see (in print, on line, essentially what gets attention) to what you feel. Work becomes quieter, as you say, often reflects a deepening connection to place, the rewards intrinsic. From opportunities we come to realise that constraints teach us to be more creative.
There's a lot of truth, there, Matthew. However, I also believe that we usually climb several different ladders, often simultaneously. Some ladders we get to the top of and some we don't. As a kid, I wanted to record the places and hikes I'd been on. Essentially, landscape photography and a bit of travel photography. I loved it and I still do. Then I joined a camera club which had its own darkroom and studio flash set up. Some members were heavily into portraits. I gave it a go and enjoyed it. It taught me a fair bit and definitely helped me when relatives and friends asked me to shoot their weddings and at work when I was asked to do head-shots for websites and to photograph annual professional institute dinner functions. I was lucky enough to go on some interesting holidays and try my hand at wildlife photography and even underwater photography. I enjoyed all of them but I'll readily admit that my underwater photography is basic at best. That was a ladder I barely got beyond the bottom rung. I'm a bit further up some of the other ladders. In reality, to get to anything near approaching the top of any of those ladders takes serious effort and a lot of innate skill / vision. Most of us a Jacks / Jills of all trades.......
I think you’re right, I’ve tried my hand at portraits and weddings, neither which I’ve enjoyed but I get asked to do them from time to time. My last wedding was this year but it has to be someone I know so I feel a bit more comfortable.
I’ve done a lot of gig photography which I absolutely loved and it’s taken me to see some of the best bands in the best venues in the country. I had a crisis of confidence and that all went by the wayside. Doubt I’ll ever be doing that again.
Landscape is without doubt my favourite, it really changed me and I’ more than happy to be out there alone. I feel like I’m at my best.
I do, however, think I’ve reached my ceiling. My most expensive camera was a Canon 5d about 15 years ago and I’ve never been able to afford anything full frame. At the moment I shoot with a 80D and 90% on my Iphone. I do think that restricts me in terms of quality.
I also think my ADHD stops me from being completely immersed in a subject. I was told a very long time ago by a Doctor that I probably wouldn’t be a master of anything but I’d be pretty good at many things. I think he was probably right.
I agree. I tend to think of it as a shift from photographing what you see (in print, on line, essentially what gets attention) to what you feel. Work becomes quieter, as you say, often reflects a deepening connection to place, the rewards intrinsic. From opportunities we come to realise that constraints teach us to be more creative.
Great reply Michela. Totally agree.
There's a lot of truth, there, Matthew. However, I also believe that we usually climb several different ladders, often simultaneously. Some ladders we get to the top of and some we don't. As a kid, I wanted to record the places and hikes I'd been on. Essentially, landscape photography and a bit of travel photography. I loved it and I still do. Then I joined a camera club which had its own darkroom and studio flash set up. Some members were heavily into portraits. I gave it a go and enjoyed it. It taught me a fair bit and definitely helped me when relatives and friends asked me to shoot their weddings and at work when I was asked to do head-shots for websites and to photograph annual professional institute dinner functions. I was lucky enough to go on some interesting holidays and try my hand at wildlife photography and even underwater photography. I enjoyed all of them but I'll readily admit that my underwater photography is basic at best. That was a ladder I barely got beyond the bottom rung. I'm a bit further up some of the other ladders. In reality, to get to anything near approaching the top of any of those ladders takes serious effort and a lot of innate skill / vision. Most of us a Jacks / Jills of all trades.......
I think you’re right, I’ve tried my hand at portraits and weddings, neither which I’ve enjoyed but I get asked to do them from time to time. My last wedding was this year but it has to be someone I know so I feel a bit more comfortable.
I’ve done a lot of gig photography which I absolutely loved and it’s taken me to see some of the best bands in the best venues in the country. I had a crisis of confidence and that all went by the wayside. Doubt I’ll ever be doing that again.
Landscape is without doubt my favourite, it really changed me and I’ more than happy to be out there alone. I feel like I’m at my best.
I do, however, think I’ve reached my ceiling. My most expensive camera was a Canon 5d about 15 years ago and I’ve never been able to afford anything full frame. At the moment I shoot with a 80D and 90% on my Iphone. I do think that restricts me in terms of quality.
I also think my ADHD stops me from being completely immersed in a subject. I was told a very long time ago by a Doctor that I probably wouldn’t be a master of anything but I’d be pretty good at many things. I think he was probably right.
After (too) many years of chasing perfection with gear, it's not the gear - trust me. Ansel Adams used a light-tight wooden box and a decent lens.
Have a great festive season......
Merry Christmas Paul
An excellent post with very true observations.
Thanks Mark 🙏
Thanks for this; some great thoughts.
No probs, glad you’re getting something out of it. 🙏
Excellent.