Lest not we forget
30 years ago I discovered photography. While as a child I had always been absorbed in the creative process but during the summer of my 14th year, photography grabbed hold of me and has yet to let go. At the age of 24 I got my first job in a professional studio, Paul Schultz Catalog. It was a different time then. We shot everything to layout, had to understand bellows factor, reciprocity failure, lighting ratios, E-6, C41, black & white. We had to understand how focal length played a role in perspective. How to load 4x5 film holders and polaroid. We hand processed all of our B/W film and had to understand when to push or pull our E-6.
I know I sound like the old guy reminiscing about walking to school, everyday, in the snow, up hill, both ways. That's not my intention. What my point is... I haven't forgotten where I came from. While I may have years of experience under my belt and I made a choice to take a break from the "professional" world of photography, I still have that passion for it. I love making images!!!
As one of the "veterans," I'd like to give this advice to the ones coming up... learn everything you can about the art. To a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Look at the world around you, notice how light works. Learn the technical side of lighting and how the camera brings that to your vision. Once you learn the rules, then you can break them. Take criticism and expand on it. When someone says they like your work, be humble... and when they don't, don't take it personally. Most importantly, don't be afraid to fuck up.
I love photography. I hope that is obvious, when people look at my work. I love seeing new photographers get excited about it and the work they create with it. Some of you will become professionals at it and some will always be hobbyist. That doesn't matter. Some of my favorite images have been created by hobbyist and some of my least favorite, by professionals.
All in all, never forget where you came from and the passion that got it all started.
While going through some old files I found an image that was shot by our own Robby Hoke. It was shot during the first week I worked with Rob at what was then known as Paul Schultz Catalogs. The fire is as strong now as it was back then. I hope everyone enjoys the journey as much as I have.
Hope to see you on the path!
I know I sound like the old guy reminiscing about walking to school, everyday, in the snow, up hill, both ways. That's not my intention. What my point is... I haven't forgotten where I came from. While I may have years of experience under my belt and I made a choice to take a break from the "professional" world of photography, I still have that passion for it. I love making images!!!
As one of the "veterans," I'd like to give this advice to the ones coming up... learn everything you can about the art. To a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Look at the world around you, notice how light works. Learn the technical side of lighting and how the camera brings that to your vision. Once you learn the rules, then you can break them. Take criticism and expand on it. When someone says they like your work, be humble... and when they don't, don't take it personally. Most importantly, don't be afraid to fuck up.
I love photography. I hope that is obvious, when people look at my work. I love seeing new photographers get excited about it and the work they create with it. Some of you will become professionals at it and some will always be hobbyist. That doesn't matter. Some of my favorite images have been created by hobbyist and some of my least favorite, by professionals.
All in all, never forget where you came from and the passion that got it all started.
While going through some old files I found an image that was shot by our own Robby Hoke. It was shot during the first week I worked with Rob at what was then known as Paul Schultz Catalogs. The fire is as strong now as it was back then. I hope everyone enjoys the journey as much as I have.
Hope to see you on the path!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on -
HAHA, nice mug Scott!
I think the problem is that a lot of the "Pros" just do not enjoy taking pictures any more!
It's just another job that they do not like or are burned out on.
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Permalink Reply by John Adkins on -
Words of wisdom Scott. I don't know if I will ever be considered a pro or not, but I just hope my passion for photography never dies, and I never stop learning.
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Permalink Reply by Christina Gnadinger on -
Scott .. very inspiration thread. I appreciate you posting it!
Ryan, I think you hit the nail on the head. I love photography soo much that I almost feel sorry for people who've let money, stress, or whatever it may be ruin the passion for it. I hope they one day find it again.
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Permalink Reply by Charles on -
Thanks for your input Scott. Your pic looks a whole lot like I did, 20 years ago.....when I had hair. :}
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Permalink Reply by Scott Slusher on -
Burnout is a 4 letter word. I hope to never again let the stability of a paycheck influence the passion I have for my art.
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Permalink Reply by Jenn Lee on -
Very nicely put Scott...
I forever will remain a photographer for fun. I take pictures because I love to capture what I see/invision, because as I age, I cannot rely on my brain to burn those images permanently to memory lol.
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Permalink Reply by Shane E. on -
OMG, Scott. It's PHOTOGRAPHY! The whole time I've been a member of this site, I thought it was PHONOGRAPHY, like maybe phonographs. I love my music from a can!
But nice words about photography, just the same.
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on -
Well said. I enjoyed this line:
"Once you learn the rules, then you can break them."
Scott, you got burned out on commercial and moved into art. I got burned out on not paying my rent and went commercial.
Ryan, its not that I don't enjoy taking pictures any more, its just that if I do it for fun, clients will use that as an excuse not to pay me.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on
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That is why I lay the ground rules out before the shoot. I do shoot some folks for free.
If I am shooting for free, it is because I want to shoot it.
Jacob Zimmer said:Well said. I enjoyed this line: "Once you learn the rules, then you can break them."
Scott, you got burned out on commercial and moved into art. I got burned out on not paying my rent and went commercial.
Ryan, its not that I don't enjoy taking pictures any more, its just that if I do it for fun, clients will use that as an excuse not to pay me.
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Permalink Reply by Alice Thompson on -
Great post, Scott. You made great points and your encouragement is appreciated. For me, photography has taught me so many things - patience, determination, creativity. . .the list goes on. I love learning from my mistakes and I always appreciate constructive criticism from others. That's what helps me grow. I continue to have fun with photography and I feel like there is never an end to the things I can learn. May we all continue to have fun doing what we do: newbie, pro or anywhere in-between.
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Permalink Reply by Mikki Adkins on -
Spoken from a true Artist and someone who I admire their work and look up to. Thanks Scott
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Permalink Reply by Scott Slusher on
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I'm positive you shot this! :-D
Robby Hoke said:Well, I have to say the first paragraph made my eye start to twitch.
But now, well, aw shucks, I'm all all tearing up. I love you man!
(you sure I shot this?)
© 2012 Created by Ryan Armbrust.
