A while ago, I read an awesome post about vulnerability and for the life of me, I can't find it because I would love to link back to it! Anyhow, after reading it, I started making a list about my faults, weaknesses and overall inexperience as a photographer. Without realizing it, I had created quite a long list of inadequacies and really things that I need to approach to learn more about my craft. Though, from this experience, I learned that a) I have MUCH to learn, grow and experiment with photography, b) I will be a life-long student of photography and c) photography is a funny thing: there are so many ways to find satisfaction within your passion; regardless of gear, experience or technical know-how.
A special thanks goes out to the awesome photographers in the Shop Talk Facebook group for not only supporting my vulnerabilities but also helping me feel comfortable enough to share them! You all are the best!
Are you on Facebook? Of course you are! Check out the La Brisa Photography Fan Page to view the latest teasers, helpful articles and more!
A special thanks goes out to the awesome photographers in the Shop Talk Facebook group for not only supporting my vulnerabilities but also helping me feel comfortable enough to share them! You all are the best!
- I have never used photoshop nor do I have any idea of how to use it
- I have never used a reflector
- I have never used a pocketwizard, radiopopper, cybersync or any other radio triggering device
- I have never used studio lights
- I have never learned the various applications of ETTL and TTL
- I have never used custom white balance
- I have never used the custom settings on my camera (C1, C2, C3)
- I have never manually cleaned my camera sensor
- I have never studied the history of photography (shame on me)
- I have not mastered metering by any means
- I have accepted the fact that my camera and flash are way smarter than me
- I have dropped my camera equipment more often than I care to admit
- I rarely clean my camera lenses
- I do not use a camera specific bag on shoots...it does not have any padding whatsoever and I love it
- I hate using a tripod. I feel that it severely constricts my style.
- I did not shoot RAW until a year after I started my business (and I am grateful for that)
- I do not know any lighting techniques except for fill light
- I often take my best shots by accident
- I look at other photographers' work and often feel inadequate
- I am still getting comfortable with autofocusing without pressing the shutter halfway down
- I am terrible at the business side of photography
- I am still figuring out my photography style after taking 200,000+ pictures
What makes YOU vulnerable?
After I had just purchased my first DSLR in June of 2007, I took this photograph and realized how much I LOVED photography...
Are you on Facebook? Of course you are! Check out the La Brisa Photography Fan Page to view the latest teasers, helpful articles and more!
La Brisa Photography
Wow I feel like our lists are a lot alike. I love your work and I think if you offer a different perspective and look at the world differently great images fall into place. I seriously love your blog and feel like I could learn a lot from YOU! :)
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ on the 2nd to last bullet. :) And, like everything, photography is a learning experience! It's a sign of a great artist to admit their vulnerabilities. Your work is awesome! Keep learning Chris!
ReplyDeleteI'm horrible about being vulnerable. I tend to get shy around a large group of people when I shoot and I'm still learning about fill light and off camera flash!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh... I was kinda hoping you'd do a little with photoshop with my photos! LOL! =D
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the feedback and special thanks to Anna for sharing a few of your vulnerabilities! As long as you continue to be passionate about what you do, then what more can you ask for?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty. I take the same approach to this as you do. Be real, be passionate.
ReplyDelete