Creative Hurdles
The ubiquity of the Internet and advent of digital photography brought the ability to make excellent images within reach of almost anyone. With countless skilled photographers and an abundance of beautiful photographic work readily accessible, the challenge of distinguishing one’s work and standing out from the crowd is no longer one of technical expertise but rather of creativity and originality. While this may seem self evident, many photographers still get caught in the cycle of trying to imitate and keep up with others rather than pursue unique and original work of their own.
The temptation and ease of making images that are merely aesthetically pleasing but without being distinguishable from countless similar ones is a powerful one and often defeats the effort and motivation needed to venture outside the boundaries of the known, acceptable, and common. The result is a plethora of repetitive (even if in many cases beautiful) work that does not distinguish the photographer from countless others with similar portfolios.
Those seeking to set themselves apart will do well to heed these barriers to self expression through their photographic work:
- The icon checklist: why limit your creativity by featuring images of Delicate Arch, Inspiration Point, Horseshoe Bend, and any number of other iconic places, captured from the same vantage point and using the same composition as many thousands have before? Any one of these places is surrounded by expanses of wild and beautiful scenery with the potential for unique and personal interpretations.
- Gimmickography: let’s be honest here; gadgets, special effect filters, and software do not create art. They can make images that are very compelling and interesting at first glance but their impact quickly diminishes as they gain popularity and are easy to replicate. If all someone needs in order to make images similar to yours is to spend a few dollars on a software package or device, is it really original?
- Fear of critique: feedback from critics can be invaluable in your development and in helping you see things about your work from other perspectives. Still, be very selective and judicious about how you incorporate such feedback into your work. The history of any art form will provide countless examples of great artists who were not appreciated in their time, whether due to prejudice or misunderstanding from those considered “knowledgeable” in their day. When it comes to your own art, you are the ultimate judge. Do not shy away from breaking new ground just because it may not satisfy an art critic, be accepted by members of a given forum, or fit with some random convention at this particular time.
- Marketability: for anyone hoping to generate income from photography, the sales potential of a given image is an important consideration. It can, however, also become self-defeating. As many stock photographers are finding out, even though demand remains high, the abundance of usable images at low prices is changing the game. As long as good images were relatively scarce they could command relatively high prices but that is no longer the case. High prices go hand in hand with limited supply, and the best way to limit supply is to produce unique work that nobody else has.
Keeper
Category: Featured, Thoughts and Musings
I certainly do not sell my images at hot cake prices but when someone wants something iconic and my image doesn’t differ much from what is already mass marketed it doesn’t hurt to give it away at the hot cake price because it’s as common as an Egg McMuffin.
As digital photographers we create so many more images then our film predecessors. I don’t think it would hurt to offer an edition of 1 single print at one size?
Those area all very thought provoking points. I see soo many people on this mission to be unique but never seems to create something new. It’s a big challenge and I think those that can pull it off will be the successful ones.
Good points Guy, and many of the same issues I bring up with students who are trying to develop their photography. Yet technology and the attitude belief that processing can create any desired outcome is as pervasive as ever, so many take the safe route as you mention.
Developing your own vision takes time, and this commitment is what I think many want to bypass in this day and age of instant gratification. Original images require personal vision, and that takes patience, perseverance, and a willingness to fail often.
I enjoyed reading this post and like the list you offer. I think you are right in that making distinguishable images is what sets us apart from others. There are images where I can recognize the photographer from my first look. And, these may not be appealing images for me but it is their style. So, onward I go in search of a style that sets my work apart. Thanks, for this post!
Good stuff, Guy. These are points that all photographers need to take a long, hard look at. That’s an interesting question you ask in the gimmickography item.
Very interesting post. What I see is more and more the “following photographers” – somebody does something new, 1000′s will copy within a few days. The same for locations. I strongly believe that everyone has to find it’s own style of photography – that will make a portfolio unique again. One can copy a bit – but never a style! My believe anyway!
Want to create unique imagery? Try photographing in a place with a flat landscape, such as Illinois. Will it be difficult? Absolutely, but your creative eye will be much stronger as a result, and your images will certainly be unique.
Guy,
Couldn’t agree with you more!
I’m going to be in Torrey Oct. 22-25 with a couple of friends. I am planning to stop by your gallery. Will you be around?
Regards,
Nikhil
Fantastic points, and I appreciate you sharing them, Guy. They’re all things that have been on my mind for some time.
I could agree more Guy. Thanks for this post. Hope you are well.
Jay
Very well said Guy and something every nature photographer should think about.