Some of us are lucky and know straight away exactly what we are good at. We're naturally gifted and things seem to work out swimmingly. I think we can all think of a friend or two that seems to be good at whatever they touch.
I can only assume this is true for photographers as well. Some are natural landscape photogs while others come more naturally to portraits. This is all well and good and I think we'd all be happy to go along in life being content in our innate abilities and not strike out a bit.
People move me. People are about the only thing in this world that matter. I'm drawn to people, be it in everyday life or in photography. Think of the most moving photo you can think of... I bet you there's a person in that shot. Bottom line, working with people is one of the most rewarding aspects of photography for me.
but... I want to be good at automotive photography.
So Nick and I took off tonight, I'd rented a lens and he was to stay out of the house while the Mrs. studied for finals. We managed to find a few decent spots to shoot his new ride but I wasn't really feeling it. At the end of the day, shooting a car is just that, an inanimate object (never thought I'd say that! ...I love my cars!). So drawing out some life can be a bit challenging. I needed a new approach.
So now for the meat of the post -
I know I'm not an automotive photographer. Its not my gig. I love cars, I love cameras, but I really struggle to take a good shot of a car. I don't know what it is but my shots always seem a little flat and don't move me when I look at them.... 'ok.... a car. so what?'
For me, photography is a bit of a slow burn, when I'm shooting things that dont move. I like to take my time and absorb the situation, the light, and spend some time looking at the details. Standing close, standing far, crossing the street...looking from as many angles as I can... circle around if I can.
With the 911 tonight, I was able to take a few minutes and just stare. See it in a new way. I've seen these cars tons of times, driven and appreciated them. I needed to get to know the car a little bit and understand it in a new way before I squeezed the shutter for if I didn't, I'd just have a flat xerox.
Which brings me to my point.
We all have weaknesses, even in the things that we're generally good at. Don't forget to step back and think about WHY you thought what you saw was a good shot. What is compelling about it? Why does that make the shot interesting? Can you enhance that and add to the drama? ...are you just pushing the button to hear the CLICK? What is this picture about? ...or will you just delete it as soon as you get it on the computer?
Step back, think, absorb, understand; and with your new perspective - CLICK
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Rick...I've got to say you inspire me. You have always been a person that i believe is successful and amazing at everything you attempt. I love that you are mesmerized by photography...I look forward to seeing your work and hearing what you have to say about your mood, your subject, your work, and the end result. It has got to be so exciting to find something that completely challenges you in every way. I enjoy hearing about your take on events that are happening in your life whether you see it through your lens or not. Your perspectives make me think and its always great to have people in your life that do that. All I am trying to get at is that I am proud of you and all that you are doing and learning about yourself. I miss your company and hope that I can see you and catch up before more years past. Keep up the amazing things you do.
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