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This sounds self absorbed but I am more interested in taking my own pictures than looking at pictures taken by others.
This sounds self absorbed but I am more interested in taking my own pictures than looking at pictures taken by others.
Of course - it is about the history and culture of photography - not cameras. And if you don't want to be a racing driver you would only study the history if you were interested. The same applies to photography and studying great photographers. If you aren't interested and don't want to then that's fine.So, back to the OP. Did you read it?
I don't want to be a "racing driver" so why should I be interested in the history.
I also drive a car. Should I study Henry Ford?
I also drive a car. Should I study Henry Ford?
What if, doing the latter could help inspire and improve the former?
Of course - it is about the history and culture of photography - not cameras. And if you don't want to be a racing driver you would only study the history if you were interested. The same applies to photography and studying great photographers. If you aren't interested and don't want to then that's fine.
By looking at your own pictures you can see your own failings, successes and what you like and don't like. I'm not closed to other peoples work - far from it - but ultimately you need to invest in yourself, your time and craft to develop your photography IMHO.
Yes, that's the point I was trying to get across. The OP seems surprised that we aren't all clambering to learn about the history of photography.
I don't believe that the history of photography can teach me anything.
I like to cook. I've studied Delia
These analogies are interesting but the simple fact is that we had to learn (from someone) every single thing we do today. Using the Delia example is one way I convince my students that research is huge in improving. My Yorkshire's are pretty damn good and that's a blend of my Grandmother, mum, Tania Ramsey, Delia and the feedback of family members who've tried them. Of course there are bound to be a bunch of people that hate them, or think they're too crispy. But how many people could make a Yorkshire pudding without any prior knowledge? And once they've made one, how to they make another one that's better? Trial and error on their own? Or learn from someone else and save a whole ton of time? Some people prefer to do the former. Some the latter. That's OK.
Then there are the people who say that their Yorkshire's are the best (Aunt Bessie anyone?) when I think they taste like ... well... bad. And no amount of my feedback is going to change their mind. That's OK too because we're all entitled to be just who we are, and we all have different tastes.
I strive to improve by looking at the work of people who are significantly better than me, and who are trying to achieve something. Be that modern photographers (some of whom are members here!) or artists from the past - and I include non-photographer painters in this too. The 'prettiness' of my work has actually declined because of this, but I'm much much happier with the photographs.
Art is one of the major things that makes us human. Personally, I think it's massively important to keep exploring it. But if you like your pretty Heatons, that's absolutely fine too (and they do have their place).
I can't believe that people using a camera aren't interested in how the AF system works, how the sensor works, how the mechanics behind an SLR works and have an amazing admiration for the engineering involved in that 'small light box' they hold in their hand. I get they are not interested in the slightest and enjoy the hobby for a completely different reason to myself.
By looking at your own pictures you can see your own failings, successes and what you like and don't like. I'm not closed to other peoples work - far from it - but ultimately you need to invest in yourself, your time and craft to develop your photography IMHO.
1. I think I fit in quite well in both the photo clubs I attend.You've missed my point by quite a bit, but also shown that you're not a normal camera club type member - which is fine btw - and no they aren't advocating anything usually, other than taking better photos - better being prettier rather than trying to invent something new
There are very few people with a "truly brilliant and creative mind" in any field of life, and yet the vast majority bumble along nicely
Dave
I don't think you would - it is alright to just be yourself, and perhaps more genuine. Integrity is the important thing. If they're asking for that many words I guess that they have an in-house editor who will review your text? Proof-reading is another thing. And maybe feedback from people that you know before submission.(Whether I’d be better equipped to do this with a formal art education is an interesting it hypothetical question).
Driving is hardly cultural. Don't be daft.I also drive a car. Should I study Henry Ford?
IT IS NOW!I didn't realise it was panto season already.
OH NO IT'S NOT!!IT IS NOW!
Not if you drive a Vauxhall!I also drive a car. Should I study Henry Ford?
True to a degree, but that doesn't necessarily provide a big enough overview. Sometimes we need to step right back.By looking at your own pictures you can see your own failings, successes and what you like and don't like.
It's funny in the context of photography that you don't even seem curious about it.I don't believe that the history of photography can teach me anything.
That's probably just a coincidence.
LOOK BEHIND YOU!OH NO IT'S NOT!!
Steve, this might sound harsh, but I think you can take it. You post quite a lot of your "work" on here, and it sometimes seems to me that you take basically the same photograph over and over again. Even to the extent of visiting the same locations in the same lighting conditions. I understand that this gives a great deal of satisfaction, and you really do love it. But if you studied other photographers work you might be able to expand your interests into other areas of landscape photography..
I don't believe that the history of photography can teach me anything.
This sounds self absorbed but I am more interested in taking my own pictures than looking at pictures taken by others.
Like it or not, I don't think you can start to become a photographer (as opposed to someone who takes photos) until you've looked at some of the work that some of the 'great' photographers have done and you've actually seen and understood what they've captured, and why.
Their mentors/influences were often artists.Really?
What great photographers did the early great photographers study to become "great photographers"?
Really?
What great photographers did the early great photographers study to become "great photographers"?
Their mentors/influences were often artists.
And before anyone says "Who did the artists study?" (Edit: too late!)... if you know your history, art can be traced back to an early Neanderthal by the name of Oroah, who once said to his mate "I really like the look of that mammoth, I think I'll draw its shape on the cave wall". Shortly after, the work was done and Oroah's mate went to see it... "Wouldn't it look better if you drew a tree on it's left hand side?" he said, to which Oroah replied, "No it wouldn't", to which his mate said "Yes it would, loads better!" Apparently, Oroah then sighed heavily and said "Yeah, and I bet you prefer bloody tofu to roast boar too!".Their mentors/influences were often artists.
Which poses the same question. Who did the early artists study to become great artists?
Like I said before, I have nothing against those that want to study such things, but I certainly don't agree that you have to study the history of something to be good at it.
I was talking about learning how to 'see' not how to copy.Can no-one do anything for themselves anymore?
"Standing on the shoulders of giants"Can no-one do anything for themselves anymore?
Can no-one do anything for themselves anymore?
Which poses the same question. Who did the early artists study to become great artists?
Some of the very greatest artists of all time were completely self absorbed, Somerset Maugham's "The moon and the sixpence" was supposedly written about Gauguin. Gauguin and SFT not bad artistic company you are keeping!This sounds self absorbed but I am more interested in taking my own pictures than looking at pictures taken by others.
Answered in (probably) every history of art book. I found Ernst Gombrich's book on that subject enthralling when I read it years ago.