Leave it to me to attend a “DFWOpenShoot”:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dfwopenshoots/ with 20+ models, a make-up-artist and several photographers and not take a single photograph. I really enjoy being able to be picky about the kind of photographs I make and who I make them with. I can remember a time when I would photograph any person that was willing to walk in front of my camera because I sorely needed the practice and experience. Of course, if I ever stop needing practice and experience, I’ll have done something terribly wrong. But, having so many offers that I couldn’t possible accommodate everyone and being able to pick and choose which projects I want to take really feels good.
I would have photographed at the OpenShoot, but I was having more fun (and gaining more useful knowledge and connections) talking with other photographers, watching how they worked, and discussing the future. I met a lot of interesting people, several of whom I’d love to just sit around and talk with over a glass or two of wine. Quite a few of the models were fantastic as well and I’d love to work with them. However, my work stands for itself, so I can afford to arrange to meet them privately in a more controlled environment and get even better results than I would have at the OpenShoot.
Another concept that was driven into my head at the OpenShoot was this obvious bit: good equipment does not a photographer make. With the proliferation of digital photography, everyone and their brother is a “photographer” these days. For under $5000 you can have top of the line equipment that would strike deep envy into the hearts of many a fine art, freelancing, or amatuer photographer. There were quite a few of these “photographers” at the OpenShoot and, now that it’s over, I’ve seen the results of their work. I’m not naming names, because that’s just not nice, but, quite honestly, their images are terrible. I’m not saying that as a snooty elitist, or because my ego has some how been set to overflow. They were quite simply terrible.
I also saw a handmade jewelry maker recently advertising a jewelry show she was hosting. Knowing a little bit about handmade jewelry, I could tell that her work was quite beautiful. However, since anyone can be a “photographer” these days, she decided to photograph her works of art herself for use in various advertising pieces. Imagine if all of the cars on the showroom floor of your favorite local dealership were covered in dust and dirt and reeked of sweaty gym socks. That’s the best way I can describe what her work looked like in her photographs. If you’re willing to look past the dirt and dust and awful smell, you can tell that the car underneath is quite beautiful. But, most people aren’t able or willing to look that deep when there are plenty of shiny, clean cars at the dealership around the corner. It’s important to always put your best foot forward. I don’t understand why other people don’t seem to get that.
All of this thought and realization has left me wanting to dive back into it. I want to make art. Period. Wanna help?
