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!
© 2012 Created by Ryan Armbrust.
