Join The Club

Humans learn by observing their environment. What that means is we learn from watching and listening to others such as parents, family and friends. Since we were little, we have learned by emulation, although I think some folks just go where the wind blows:) 

Photographers learn by watching and listening as well. I've written about finding your personal vision and not trying to copy anyone else. But if you need other skills along the path to your vision, it's much easier to watch, listen and learn from someone more knowledgeable.

There's no way to know everything technically. Photoshop, for example, is a lot to learn if you're objective is not just photography. What works best for me is to visualize in my mind's eye what I want and then learn just what I need to meet my objective to print.

Clubs and organizations have seen a decline in younger aged members I think due to the internet. You can get almost any answer to any technical question you may have on the internet. As a modern day photographer the internet is an extremely valuable tool for learning.

So what's good about belonging to an organization? Along with being another family to observe, the biggest thing is learning about business. If you are serious about being a professional there isn't anything I can think of more valuable than organizations teaching and offering resources regarding the business aspects of photography.

I can find most anything on the Internet when it comes to technical. But what I have difficulties doing is being able to establish networking to a niche market and selling my art. If you're in the same boat, "Join The Club."

http://www.crusadeforart.org/
http://apanational.org/
http://www.ppa.com/
http://www.ppofnc.com
http://www.cnpa.org/

David is an NC based photographer. Please subscribe.
 

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Simply Put

Today we have so many things to keep us busy, confused, in a hurry and anxious. Corporations attempt to recruit the best talent by pitching work life balance. It's a known fact that stress kills but I feel we're not far from reaching a critical mass of awareness that will eventually change the culture of this nation.

Photographers are no different. We need to find our peace of mind too. I've found that a lot Fine Art Photographers revel in the presence of nature and beautiful landscapes. Almost all the Landscape Fine Art Photographers have a need to be outdoors with nature.

The American Indians teach us about the Great Spirit, a non-theistic belief in an active, personal, non-anthropomorphic Deity intertwined with the fabric of the Universe. They would practice getting in a rhythm with the spirit. In modern terms, we could call this getting in the zone.

The more the Landscape Photographer works their craft, the more they find a deep appreciation and love for the natural world. Some photographers have a whole heart commitment; their art contributes to the sustaining of our National Forest.

I love the natural outdoors, but most of all, I love the peace and quiet it has to offer. I would suggest to anyone, grab your camera take a short hike to get far enough off the road to be quiet, find a beautiful place and get "Simply Put."

David is an NC based photographer. Please subscribe.

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Way of Life

Driving through the country, I often think of the days growing up on a farm in Missouri. Now that I"m older I've come to realize the values gained from that experience. There's something gained when it's over a mile to your nearest neighbor. You live a few miles on a dirt road from the pavement that is several miles from the nearest town; that might have a store.

Images reflect our moment in time, environment and attitudes. Some photographers are so committed to the environment that's what drives them to photograph. Other photographers love the joy they bring their client with family photos. As for me I simply attempt to capture the essence of nature and things to bring awareness to our hearts.

Fine Art Photography is a vehicle for the photographer to express themselves in their special way. Their photographic abilities offer a unique ways of expression. This nonverbal means of communication can become an obsession.

The obsessed photographer wakes in the morning thinking about photography. They will watch TV checking out the lighting used in the movies. They'll drive the car taking in all the forms shapes and textures  viewed from the road. They read, watch videos, attend workshops, practice and then practice some more. Then after serious study and contemplation the process repeats. Hopefully, at a different level.

I love photography; it's who I am, down to the very core of my being.
Yes, it's a preoccupation to the point of complete obsession, and there's nothing wrong with that, for me its the "Way of Life."

David is an NC based photographer. Please subscribe.

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Stand Tall

Bold and majestic, respecting nature and it's course, giving warning of any impending danger while keeping a watchful eye. The skippers guide to safety offered by a beaming white light, oh the lighthouse.

Is it safe to be a Fine Art Photographer, I don't think so, I've busted my butt more than one occasion. Other than that, the scariest thing I've done is call myself an artist.

I've visited exhibitions and art shows, and I'm seeing that Fine Art Photographers are not reveling in the fact they are artist. The work does speak for its self, but the photographer has to create it and that takes artistic talents and a lot of efforts and hard work.

There are a couple of ways you can tell if someone thinks of themselves as an artist. The words used to describe their work and their selling prices.

I'm not getting into pricing here, but I feel a lot of artists are simply not asking for their fair share.  I'm feeling they forget about the biggest element in the artwork that should be the most expensive, and that is the element of themselves.

Artist create art, not the cameras, paint brushes, tools, or whatever. If it wasn't for the photographer thinking, learning, planning, sweating, investing, loving and giving all of themselves we wouldn't have the art.

Take an inventory of all the time and money invested into creating the art. Call your sales an "Investment," your customers "Collectors" and factor what would be pricing of a great piece of "Art" and "Stand Tall."

David is a NC based photographer. Please subscribe.

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