Are you a confused young photographer?
Written by David White“The reason for a young photographer’s confusion is that most teachers, classes, workshops, books, whatever, imply that how the picture is made, what techniques were employed,why it looks different and artistic, is more important than the subject matter. Yet the photographer is, primarily, a subject-selector. Much as it might offend the artistically inclined, the history of photography is primarily the history of the subject matter. So a photographer’s first decision is what to photograph. Your curiosity, fascination and enthusiasm for this subject can be communicated to others through the pictures you take of it.”
Proper advice there from a true master..David Hurn. There is more wisdom in this link than in all of Slough, possibly.
“Life as it unfolds in front of the camera is full of so much complexity, wonder and surprise that I find it unnecessary to create new realities. There is more pleasure, for me, in things as-they-are.” David Hurn.
Discussion (7 Comments)
spooky.
I started reading the very same book two days ago.
Yes and no… True, most people (especially those who were not formally trained to look at the images) look at photographs and see the subject. Nonetheless, even though photography has a close link with the real world (closer than painting for instance), it’s still a medium that transforms the reality, translating it into visual language. Two different images of the same subject can have a very different meaning, thus it’s important to learn how to convey the message you intend to communicate.
Hope this makes sense:)
clearly put .. a valid point!
Bugger. I’m old and didn’t think I was confused. Well not until I read the last post! Thats the problem with words…..maybe a photograph would have conveyed the message you intended to communicate with more sense? 🙂
(sorry ~I couldn’t resist that! I DID understand it honest!)
Subject, light, composition.
Great words.
Like John, I am not young anymore, but always confused, which is, I believe, one of the reasons why I’m still alive and clicking. I had the privilege of being taught by David Hurn at Newport many, many moons ago and I am glad he has kept his quiet, incisive way of communicating things. Yes, I remember that was one of the most important things he shared with us. What is the story? What is that you want to say about this. Who is your subject. The respect for the subject, that is the one thing that permeates throughout his inspiring career. Respect!