I’m one guy. That’s it, so take this advice for what it’s worth. I see and hear a lot—nearly thirty years in the field, combined with fourteen years, nine months for Blurb. Perhaps I’ve seen too much, but this reality might benefit you. Photography means different things to each of us. This advice might be poignant for some and not for others, but I do believe there is validity to what I’m saying. Regardless of whether you aspire to be a full-time professional or a prosumer looking to improve, take a look and a listen.
The reason I was able to work as a photographer for as long as I did was in great part due to the advice of others.
In short, more seasoned professionals looking out for me. This advice covered how to do my taxes, how to find jobs, create a portfolio, find my voice, and improve my editing skills. I assisted for years, something that others looked down upon, as if it wasn’t a worthy way to learn my way into the field. But I wondered how else I was going to learn how to talk to an art director on the set of a major advertising shoot, or how I was going to convince a stranger to sign a model release. Photography has certainly evolved over the years, and much of how our society is structured is designed to prevent us from achieving things like self-awareness or a moderate pace in our work. I hope my observations and experience are useful.
Comments 13
Good video.
Famous Dans- Dan Winters- “The Road to Seeing”- a fabulous book.
Author
One of the best.
dude! you nailed it. I needed hear this. So much of what you are saying is really resonating with me. Thanks for the reset.
Author
Welcome! Glad it helped.
OK, I came back. Smart words. Often (and especially lately) I have found myself to be inspiring to be amongst those I thought I admired….and when I got closer it turned out I didn’t. There’s all sorts of cliche’s about this and I generally pick more carefully, now, but I’ve made the mistake of getting closer to people to see what would rub off. The work is the work. I suck or I don’t. The industry is everchanging. There are wise people around, BUT I find myself more drawn to people for their sageness than for their approval. Does that make sense?
In this particular moment.. not tomorrow or next year, but NOW, I feel like I have wisdom to impart myself. But I can’t speak for the future. At all. And if I’m smart I’ll go out and shoot my ass off so that these shots may have something to say about now, and me now. I have my doubts about six months from now except if I have slipped my mortal coil. I’m not depressed. But photograhy is about now even if the shots are timeless.
I do miss having big prints in galleries though.
M
PS I have fashioned a tick remover that is unnoticeable on the keyring. All the while I was thinking…ohhh won’t dan be happy.
Author
Anything anti-tick makes me happy.
I’m in the middle of Sally Mann’s new book on the creative life (as read by the author). She hasn’t mentioned Denzel or Ethan, but you two definitely preach from the same pulpit. Would be curious to hear your thoughts about the book, should you ever pick it up.
Author
I’ll get there eventually.
Hi Dan
Go shoot more!
You are Welcome.
Good one, have a safe trip.
You know what’s funny, that “photography” in your video could be replaced with anything. Drawing, writing, music…etc.
I’ve been teaching drawing for the last, maybe, 20 years (I’m only two summers behind you), and the drop in people’s willingness to work towards their goals is terrifying. The moment they realise drawing isn’t like a boiled egg, when there’s no clear ‘end’ to the process, they walk away.
People refuse to accept the fact that we learn through repetition, by being intentional, by dedicating long hours to what we love, by making ‘this thing’ a habit—just to develop the synapses.
And this stupid gear-phobia isn’t limited to photography. You’d be surprised how many believe a better ink, pencil, or paper is the secret behind improvement. People don’t want to draw—they want to draw a dog, or a face in a specific style. I keep telling them it’s like trying to write a book in a language you don’t speak.
My mum’s a musician. She teaches piano. Same thing there. People just want to learn to play Thunderstruck or whatever tune they heard on Netflix.
But what do I know.
And if I remember correctly, you already stressed it, at least three times in your older videos, NOT to share your projects/work on social cesspits. But I guess the message still didn’t get across.
Author
In the words of Homer Simpson upon receiving his first microwave oven. “What do you mean I have to wait thirty seconds, I want it NOW.”
I can see you filling up Wembley Stadium and just ranting about AI, Instagram, and Meta.
If you haven’t already, read this: https://www.honest-broker.com/p/our-shared-reality-will-self-destruct
I can see more and more people leaving the digital world for analogue again if we become unable to authenticate anything due to AI.
Author
Ranting is fun. AI has already taken over, at least the dimwits in the creative world using it for everything while complaining about the demise of their job.