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Advancing Photography
by William B. Miller
Sharing What We Know About
Photography
With
the increased interest in photography during in recent years, the number of
amateurs, hobbyists and photographers that see themselves as artists has sky
rocketed. Regardless of the
subjects or kinds of camera and equipment used, all types of photography have
large followings and with the easy communication found on the Internet, people
are talking with others who share their specific interests in photography –
but sometimes, we are bringing out the worst in each other and short-changing
those less dominant.
I recently met a middle aged woman who
was seriously educating herself about photography at her local college – but
the more experienced and technical adept students had formed their own little
clique and shared nothing of themselves with anyone else.
This woman was frustrated, being “left out” of the learning cycle in
her Intermediate Photography class. Her
learning had hit a snag and she had to look outside of the class (which she had
paid for) to get the type of information the class should have provided her.
The more advanced students’ elitism had a serious, negative effect on
her. She ended up taking a workshop
from me.
Communication
is essential in learning, and if you have a group, community or even just a few
friends that you learn with – civility is important.
Too often, the dark side of people’s egos shows up in camera clubs,
college classes or the staff of camera stores.
And sometimes, better photographers, or the people with the most, newest
or most expensive camera equipment, become the dominant voices of learning
groups. This often has the effect of silencing or intimidating others into not
sharing their knowledge. The exchange of personal knowledge is one of the most
effective ways of sharing or learning photography.
Having the most equipment is nothing
to be ashamed of, but it does not mean one is the best photographer. Too often having a bunch of gear is misconstrued as being
“the best”. If you know
how to use all that gear, teach others how to use theirs.
Many aspiring photographers copy the
photos they have seen in books or magazines, and that kind of
“student work” may have been ground breaking when first made, but not
when it has already been done. If
you think you are an elite photographer, share what you know with someone less
skilled. If you are still a
“student photographer” look for a peer group or a mentor, and stop copying
the photos you see in books.
Whether you are an experienced
photographer or a beginning student, there is one way to guarantee you’ll have
a memorable impact on photography: While
you work on your skills and build your knowledge, share what you know with
others. Be a photography mentor or
a resource to others less knowledgeable than you.
Every “photographer” knows someone less skilled – share your
knowledge with him or her.
It is hard enough for photography students to find good resources for learning without frustrating them with egos. If you are as good as you think – share what you know with others. Remember, all photographers got some help when they were beginners from someone more skilled. It is now your turn to return the favor and bring someone else along. You’ll feel better for it.
Copyright © Bill
Miller.
Bill Miller is a photographer, teacher and writer. He is the founder of PhotoTreks and conducts workshops in the Oregon area. You can learn more about Bill and his workshops by going to www.empnet.com/imageworks/PTREKS/
Travel the Blue Highways of Central and Eastern Oregon as you learn photography and develop your own personal creative vision. Learn photography in locations that will inspire your creativity and excite your senses. To see what we have for you, visit: http://www.empnet.com/imageworks/PTREKS/ For stock photography of Central and Eastern Oregon visit Central Oregon Photos at; http://www.empnet.com/imageworks/COSTOCK/ Contact us at: imageworks@empnet.com
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