Photography has been my passion for over 55 years. During that time, due to being a somewhat “subjective” art form, I’ve encountered the normal bumps and bruises associated with such an endeavor. On occasion I have run across individuals that claim photography is not even an authentic art form. But, by and large photography is a respected, cherished and sought after art.
Photography has brought me countless hours of joy and satisfaction. Whether you photograph for business or pleasure, much can be gained from the challenge. Upon my retirement I have been able to travel and photograph wildlife that I had never dreamt possible.
I have been lucky enough to travel to some locations like Africa and the Arctic. I have also ventured into the Alaskan wilderness as well as several locations here in the States. These trips have allowed me to experience a level of photographic adventure and they have been “for me”.
When I return from one of these excursions I begin to consider which images to print and how they should be printed… this process, I try to do for those folks that would view the work.
“Photograph for yourself but finish for others”
I might suggest a double-barreled approach to photography – “Photograph for yourself but finish for others”. What I mean is to photograph for the pleasure, excitement, satisfaction, adventure (and even monetary rewards) for just you.
When it comes to the “finishing” of the artwork…do it for others. Compose your finished work as to inspire and excite the viewers. Utilize your compositional skills to demonstrate your unique perspective, guide the viewers eye, create impact, generate emotional reactions and even highlight a cause that’s important to so many.
When I refer to “finishing” your work I’m thinking about the way you frame the subject, burning and dodging, accentuating the highlights, opening shadows, adjusting contrast, adjusting clarity as you desire and the dozens of other opportunities we have as photographers to alter the photograph we’ve taken to have it represent ourselves. Also, your choice about “matting”… color, size, textures, strokes, etc. In other words…”Finishing” that image to have it reflect your vision.
Go ahead and photograph for your own reasons. Enjoy the pleasures, rewards and fulfillment of capturing an image of which you can be proud. But when you
“finish” your work, do it for everyone else. We can’t wait to see your “finished” images.
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