October 9, 2015
My Thoughts On; What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Last week I asked: “What’s Wrong With This Picture?”
Many of you guessed that I was up to something because I never list specifications and I never ask others about my work (it’s a Vision thing).
So what was the real point of the post? It was that the listing of technical specifications detracts from an image. They’re not just superfluous, but they actually detract from the viewing experience.
Listing specifications draws attention away from the only thing that matters (the image) and it furthers the folly that with the right equipment and processes…anyone could create this image.
- If only I had a full-frame camera…
- If only I had those “white” lenses professionals use…
- If only I had a tablet with 2048 levels of sensitivity…
- If only I had an 8-core processor…
- If only…
- If only..
- If only…
I loved what Stephen said in his comment: “An artist doesn’t praise or blame their tools, what only matters is their final work.”
There were other comments that brought up some important points that I’d like to reinforce:
1. Equipment and processes do not an image make. If I had to choose between the best equipment in the world but without my Vision…or a Kodak Brownie with my Vision…I’ll take the Brownie.
2. Never learn the rules of photography. But if you already know them, try to forget them and vow to never consider them when creating an image. Rules are an inadequate substitute for Vision.
3. Create for yourself. When you create an image you should only care what you think of it and not be concerned what others think. The best success is when you create an image that you truly love.
4. There is no right/wrong or good/bad when it comes to art. There is only what you like and don’t like. Please don’t be fooled into thinking that if more people like an image, that it’s a better image. The only thing it means is that more people like the image.
5. Never ask others about your images. Don’t you know what you want? Haven’t you discovered your own Vision? If not, then listening to another’s opinion will not help you find it, but will actually harm the process.
6. Don’t give other people advice about their images, even if they ask. Why not? Because it’s their image and what you think or would do with it is unimportant! (sorry to be so blunt)
When people ask me what I would do with their image, I say: It doesn’t matter what I would do, what is your Vision for it? If I kept telling you what I would do and you kept following my advice, it wouldn’t take long before your images would start to look like mine! (which is not a good thing)
7. The creator gets the final word. When I showed this image to my wife, the first thing she said was: “I like it but you should get rid of some of that rock wall.”
My response was: “No, this is how I see it.”
And unlike most things in marriage, I get the final word when it comes to my images!
While the original point I wanted to make with this blog post was that the listing of specifications is not a good idea, I think the more interesting discussion has been centered around Vision. And as you might have noticed, I am fixated on Vision.
Why? Because finding your Vision changes everything. It gives you the confidence to create what you want without the need for validation or the fear of criticism.
Vision changes the image and it changes the image maker.
Cole
Superb observations – you’re always a step ahead!
I so love reading your thoughts on photography and how to cultivate one’s own work. The latest images you emailed were just stunning. Thank you for sharing.
I got it right!
I should have recalled the old joke:
A person is at an exhibition of photographs, and just over the moon about the quality and beauty of the images. Finally gets the courage to find to photographer what kind of camera, lens, etc. he uses for his photographs. At the end, the photographer is invited for dinner.
Of course the dinner is out of this world – like a Michelin 5 star dining experience. Everything is done to perfection, the wines selected for each course are superb, the conversation is stimulating beyond belief as the dinner guests are carefully selected and seating arrangement fussed over endlessly until just the right combination is settled on.
After a long evening,the photographer can barely find the energy to make to the door. In leaving, he compliments the host by asking “Where did you buy that wonderful stove to make this exquisite meal!”
… and, having just finished reading The Fountainhead (as mentioned elsewhere by you Cole – ‘Howard’!) this post, and the points you make, round that out nicely. thanks.
Great comments. I stumbled into photography and the more I experience shooting photographs the more I am tempted to read articles on gear and settings etc. I started incorporating some broad rules such as rule of thirds etc. for a while, but I found that my photos just looked like everyone else’s and not my own. This is a good reminder to stick to what you see and what you want to shoot at that instant. It is after all, the art of seeing. This of course does not preclude getting some creative inspiration from others work, but is a good reality check.
No ‘second handers’, Mr Roark.
This was a very interesting and instructive exercise. I had an opinion about how the light fell on the image. I came to this opinion after being presented with the question “what is wrong with this image” and I stand by my observation. However, it doesn’t matter, the image is pleasing as it is. This exercise is useful to me because I find myself sometimes asking the question “does the way that I am presenting this image make sense?” Well yes of course up to a point but then the artistic vision takes precedence. So I find that this exercise lends me more freedom in expression and I’m not obsessing over things like where angles of light are spilling out over the canvas but rather the light’s asthetic contribution to the work.
The equipment component was only a diversion.
Your work is absolutely beautiful and so inspiring.
I haven’t read the commentary and your question Cole, did surprised me, knowing you and coming from you. However I felt like giving you my quick first impression.
The large rock on the right is too dominant and textured. It distract from the beauty of the rest of the water and rock to its left.
Vered
Now I read your commentary Mr. professor!!!! While I agree with your approach of course, you did ask a question and I was tempted to be polite and answers your question!!!!!!! Ha a Ha!!!!!!!!
awesome discussion……my thoughts – just take the shot before it becomes a lost opportunity. My vision become reality in the digital darkroom. thanks for the discussion Cole!
“Now I see” said the blind man.
Cole,
While I see where you are coming from I don’t agree that we should turn our backs on those who seek input. Perhaps they are asking because they’re not happy with their own results and are trying to gain insight to help reach their vision. I don’t remember who it was that said it but I remember reading and interview where the photographer said that the first thing he does when someone asks for his input on an image is to ask what they were trying to accomplish. If feedback is handled in this way I think it can be very helpful to others who are wishing to grow. Just my 2 cents.
Couldn’t agree more, Cole and really enjoyed this post. I cancelled all my photo magazine subscriptions several years ago because of all the advertisements and specs and now only subscribe to LensWork magazine. Just photos. No ads or specs. Another observation is that more men than women want to know what camera I used and what f/stop etc. which I find interesting.
I’m sorry Cole, but I have to disagree with you on this one. Anyone who believes their wife doesn’t get the last word on everything is clearly delusional ;).
I partly disagree with the advice to not learn the rules of composition and never ask someone’s opinion. I think it depends on where someone is on the photography learning curve. The newcomer can find the natural landscape chaotic and hard to resolve down to a clean photo. Learn a few rules and get a few opinions, then as you become more clear on what you like and don’t like you can gradually go off in an independent direction. I bet Cole has assimilated quite a bit of compostional knowledge and now he can operate on a more intuitive level, but because of the learning process he went through.
Speaking only for myself, I think there is a value to viewing the images of others and developing critiques of them. But the value is not in sharing the critique, it’s in going through the exercise of developing it. The images of others are mirrors that reflect back to me my own tastes and values, and so better help me to understand what I want for myself out of my own photography. So the criticism is for my own benefit, and I don’t generally feel the need to share it.
Perhaps a better word than assimilated, above, would be internalized.
Whats wrong with image is you ask the viewer “whats wrong with the image” It gets in the way of appreciating a beautiful photograph.
Safe travels my friend.
Cole, What a great outline to follow. Both for the newbies and the more experienced. We all need inspiration of this kind that does not pretend to tell us how to do it. You leave our vision for us to figure out and refine. Thanks.
Patrick
So inspiring….
Ha! We all knew this would be the answer!
Interesting to see your points written out in list form! Good reference for future inspiration!
I would be truly sad if others wouldn’t give me advice on my images when I asked. How am I going to grow and see the world in different ways if I’m not exposed to those different perspectives? Sure, some of the things that others say won’t resonate with me, but others may lead me to viewing the world differently. Heck, even just trying to change my post-processing to make an image more like someone else likes better might teach me a new technique that does fit my vision. Many people find it easy to get into a pattern — or rut — and use many ways to break out of that. Hearing from others could be very useful in pointing out directions to take (or to avoid).
At the very least, it can open up communication between two people, and that’s useful in and of itself.
“Vision changes the image and it changes the image maker….”
Your words, wonderful… I would add my own thoughts.
My thoughts… are… they that they shape each other . A joyful process, of learning and love.
I would think that whether specs and other information is proper depend on the views and the intention of the presentation. In a gallery or similar setting where the viewer should be primarily interested in the work as art the information is indeed distracting. But, in a learning environment the opposite is true, as it may also be for some art collectors (note: I did say some) I know that you encourage people to find their own vision, but some either because they are and will always be sheep and others because of the lack of confidence etc, feel the need for technical input.