Lately, I have seen these contrasting positions via social media where some photographers seem to think that photographers are supposed to choose between studying photography or going out with their camera. What I am trying to figure out is why are these diametrically opposed and not a team of things to do to improve one's photography?
Though one of the undercurrents of American culture is hyperbolic emotional responses and juxtapositions, such frame of thought is dangerous in photography and leads photographers to confusion that need not exist in the first place.
I study photography. I learned more about photojournalism and cultural documentary by simply studying Henri Cartier-Bresson than randomly shooting flowers with my camera. At the same time, randomly shooting flowers with my camera many years ago when I was first learning photography (which started as an adolescent) helped me begin to understand the relationships between aperture, shutter and ISO. Studying and shooting are not enemies. In fact, photographers who do both seem to have much stronger work than those who do either/or only.
The photographer who doesn't have the attention span to read photography books, view the Master's work or learn about the history of photography is missing out on the dynamic cultural and technological fabric that makes photography what it is. Conversely, the photographer who only studies and never shoots or never shares absolutely any of the work (not saying you have to "entertain" people in social media and share every image...you are an artist, not a performer) is missing out on a great deal of fun (I love the actual process of photographing) and growth opportunity.
Often times I think people compare things that don't need to be compared to create contention or attention. (Canon vs. Nikon ring a bell?) As a photographer, you have to duck and dodge the nonsense and focus on developing your abilities, and most of all enjoying the journey. Study. Shoot. Love it. I do.
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4 Comments:
Well said!
Um...I might borrow some excerpts from this because we have the exact same debate over in the world of martial arts, and it's ridiculous how polarizing it is.
"Often times I think people compare things that don't need to be compared to create contention or attention."
Yep...that's it.
Very well said. Studying but not shooting never gives you the chance to apply what you've learned. Shooting without studying gives you no frame of reference to hone your skills. I'm surprised anyone would argue for just one or the other.
Thanks for the feedback you all. Appreciated. :)
Megan...that amazes me that someone would think this in martial arts. Photography makes people think it is "easy" simply because of the accessibility of the tools, ignoring what it takes to be good at the craft. Martial arts requires your body so I would assume that this argument wouldn't exist over there. Funny.
Chris, you'd be surprised at the juxtapositions I see in photography that ARE NOT needed and VERY common and can misguide many newbies. Glad that there are photographers keeping things straight out there!
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