Photographers shoot lots of stuff for other people and I think we get confused about the difference between what we create for an intended audience and what we should create for our more immediate audience: ourselves. If I were a psychology major I'm sure I could explain why the emotional need to satisfy others sometimes dominates, even in contradiction to our own best interests, our need to truly express our personal vision. Even if the result doesn't make people stand up and cheer it should cheer our own sense of discovery and playfulness.
I'm sure I attach far too much value to the criticism of others. It might be nice to work in seclusion for a spell. Anyway, I shot the above portrait of my dear friend, Renae, a few years back and I printed this because it seemed to me to be a part of Renae that spoke to her insouciance. It symbolized the part of our relationship that made her raise an eyebrow occasionally when I spoke about things I really didn't know much about. It took a commitment to shoot for yourself in the days of film. There was a financial cost to every frame. And though I wish I could go back in time and have all the money back that I spent on coffee and alcohol and pastries I don't regret any of the money I spent on film, processing and printing.
I just finished a few big projects and now I think I'll spend a week shooting just for myself.
6 comments:
"There was a financial cost to every frame. And though I wish I could go back in time and have all the money back that I spent on coffee and alcohol and pastries I don't regret any of the money I spent on film, processing and printing."
Thanks for saying that Kirk, especially today! I just did a shoot on the beach for a contortionist. It was medium format film only because she wanted real black and white. Maybe I'll be liberal with the prints.
NIcely put, and a beautiful portrait indeed. Thank you
I think there is a lot untold about a photographer until you see them shoot for themselves, I hope you post the results to flickr. Great article Kirk,. Thanks.
Really nice portrait. I'll be doing much the same (shooting for myself) very soon.
-Bruce
Good thoughts Kirk.
The financial cost of digital is all up front, kind of like working off a loan.
There's a certain ethic to film. I just ordered $300 of Large Format film early this week, just for me.
I have a hard time taking photos for others; I lose interest quickly, and the result is usually mediocre or bad photography, at least in my opinion. I guess it's just as well I don't base my living on photography.
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