My View on Photography
I've been feeling like less of a photographer becase I concentrate on flora and fauna rather than people. Truth is, I don't really like taking pictures of people. I'm very self-concious about it. I always think that they turn out like crap. There are a few here and there that I think are good, but mostly I just don't like taking posed pictures of people. When it comes to people, I prefer the school of Social Documentation. The definition of this is, "Taking of photographs to provide a record of social and political situations with the aim of conveying information."
For a while now, it has made me feel like I wasn't doing everything I should to be successful photographer. I mean the main way people make money in this profession is taking pictures of peope - weddings, parties, portraits, etc. Even some stock photo companies only want pictures of people.
Last week I read an article that pointed out that all the great photographers have specializations. Their examples:
Then I think of other photographers that inspire me and realize that they all have their niche! I no longer feel bad about having a specialization. Now I just need to figure out how to make that pay for me.
Don't get me wrong, I want to learn more skills and get better at all the other stuff. Challenge is good. I'm just not going to stress if I never become as good Annie Leibovitz at taking pictures of people.
For a while now, it has made me feel like I wasn't doing everything I should to be successful photographer. I mean the main way people make money in this profession is taking pictures of peope - weddings, parties, portraits, etc. Even some stock photo companies only want pictures of people.
Last week I read an article that pointed out that all the great photographers have specializations. Their examples:
- Ansel Adams specialised in black and white landscapes of Yosemite National Park with dramatic skies.
- James Nachtwey specialises in activist and interpretive shots of war scenes.
- Steve McCurry specialises in colour portraits within the travel photography niche.
Then I think of other photographers that inspire me and realize that they all have their niche! I no longer feel bad about having a specialization. Now I just need to figure out how to make that pay for me.
Don't get me wrong, I want to learn more skills and get better at all the other stuff. Challenge is good. I'm just not going to stress if I never become as good Annie Leibovitz at taking pictures of people.