I think every photographer has pretty much the same story, when asked, how did you get into photography? All the answers are the same “I have always had a camera in hand, finally decided to make a go at doing it professional because I love it”
I know when I first picked up my camera at the age of nine, I loved it, had it with me all the time. It wasnt until many many years later til a friend finally convinced me to make that HUGE step in allowing anyone and everyone to see what I have shot and go “pro”.
I always took the kind words of friends with alittle grain of salt when they would compliment my shots. I knew deep down I didnt quite have it right. I didnt “feel” I had done all I could do. I also felt they were being “nice”, and didnt want to hurt my feelings. So I basically shrugged it off for many years.
Thanks to the internet, I had the capability to finally allow more then just friends to see my world through my eye in photograhy. So I finally took that step.
It was a huge step for me, at times I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach when I added a new shot, or even bring out a old one for all to see. Will it be a hit? Is it good enough? Will the public like it and want to buy it? Hell I still feel that way!
So many questions go thru one’s head when they put themselves out there with a passion they truely believe in.
I wont ever forget the very first time someone actually bought something of mine. WOW the rush I got! It just didnt seem Real. I went back a few times, checking out my account status and sure enough, I had finally Sold my work. I never really thought MY work would be good enough that someone I didnt know would want to buy it.
I thought about my friends who had said I should take it more seriously from years past, and occassionally I do feel the regret I didnt get into it professionally then. Especially now when everyone has a digital camera and has become instant photographers. I’m here in a world of massive photographers from all over the country, trying to make a living off of it! Which means to me, I need to Learn and produce some of the best shots I possibily can.
The thing tho, it is in my blood, shooting, recording history with this little piece of equipment called a camera. Working on something that is artistic or different.
I used to be intimidated by those photographers who had all that expensive gear, and fancy set-ups. At times I would hold my little film camera in hand and think to myself. Hell I can accomplish the same thing with this, as they can with that. But I would still find myself shying away from them, going off into my own little world.
I think thru the few years I have openly put my work out in the public. One of the main things I will always remember and that is where I came from, where I started. I still get shy when I am around someone who wants to buy my work. I get sweaty when I am trying to get them a print of the shot they want, making sure it is as perfect as it can possibily be. So many times I feel the words “thank you” isnt enough as they happily go off with MY work!! To this day I still cant find more words to show my gratitude and honor.
I have met quite a few photogs, from all different levels, newbies, mid-ways, and the so called pros. Some have made an impression on me, some I dont ever care to see again. The ones that made the biggest impression on me, where the ones that were just like me, still humbled someone finds their work good enough to buy and show off in their home. The one’s who have snubbed their noses at me due to them having better equipment, or maybe had a few shows, or they are known in their town or known well thru the internet didnt impress me at all. Actually they made me realize exactly what I do NOT want to be as I progess in this field I have chosen.
It doesnt matter if you have a throw away camera, or the multi dollar equipment on if you can produce an outstanding shot or not. I think one’s attitude has a lot to do with how successful they are, not what type of equipment they can buy. We all know better equipment does help, but it shouldnt ever change the attitude we all had when we first got started.
The humbleness and gratitude should be the same whether we are just starting or have been in it for 20 or more years.
You dont have to go to school, have a lot of money for high dollar equipment to produce some outstanding work. It’s all in the “eye”, it is how you see things, how you react when someone critiques or compliments. Its all about learning to use the equipment you have and making it work.
No one in this profession should ever lose that humble feeling just because they have improved. There will always be newbies behind you. One should always remember at one time, THEY were newbies. That is something I wont ever forget, the fact I too was once a newbie. Many have helped me, given me tips, they still do. I am like a sponge absorbing all information and tips. I use the input and incorportate it for what works for me and my situation at hand.
When I see some people ranting and raving about quality, it really tears me up. It actually pisses me off. No one ever started with the perfectly focused shot, or the perfect exposure. We all started out not knowing a thing. It takes practice, it takes someone helping you along, it takes some honest good feedback, and of course a pat on the back does help build confidence. But we must all learn to listen to what we got Wrong, how else can we improve?
In my case, and others who have progressed, Id like to see more helping out the newbies. Instead of ranting and raving about one’s quality of work, help that person. It could be a simple fix, something that person was clueless about and very grateful for the advice.
I had made a pledge to myself years ago when I started on my first public website with so much competition. I wouldnt ever be one of the ones who complained about another’s work. Hell if anything I would rant and rave about how a program used to help a shot is abused with oversaturation on colors or contrast. That is where a rant should be, the abuse of photography…not the learning.
The reason I wrote this journal is because of a few forum threads I read. I immediately flashed back to a site I was very happy to get off of because of things just like this. There were more people that had improved and now felt it was their duty to point out flaws instead of helping fix them.
So photographers, even tho you have advanced and you’re more popluar due to your good work. Dont ever forget where you started from. Just because you might be able to buy all the top of line gear, your attitude and humbleness shouldnt ever change. Remember how YOU got started, and where YOU came from. Things YOU had to learn to improve.
But the thing you need to learn the most..is to stay humble, pass on what you have learnt, help someone out instead of spending time complaining, in time your own work will lack that flair. Helping someone in turn helps YOU, helps you remember where you came from, helps you stay sharp on techniques to use…remember….Pass It On.
I am hoping that all that read this journal, will remember where and how and what they got started with. If it pissed you off, well to a degree I am sorry, but then to a degree I am not sorry. I hope this journal will make you think of how you might be treating someone who is willing to learn. I dont think there will be one person that does read this, can say..they didnt start out the same way as myself and so many others.
As I tell anyone who is beginning or mid-way, or even pros….
practice, practice, Practice..and just when you think you have it ALL down…..... Practice some more!
nikki75, 2 months ago
here here… thank you for writing this. what you have written is so very true and doesn’t just apply to photography. thank you thank you thank you.
whisperingruth, 2 months ago
Oh Christopher! That’s the best advise I read on the Bubble to date!! I am always so delighted that ANYONE would look and comment on my pics….......I’ve met the nicest folks on this site and you are my Number One Bubble Friend…......you were there for me right from the start and I learnt techniques from you…........so kind and warm hearted…....hope you will never change…......you’re a lovely young man! Thank you so much for sharing your feelings with us all….........xx
christiane, 2 months ago
I couldn’t agree with you more – there is always something new to learn and more to share.
Sharon Perrett, 2 months ago
Well said christopher, I agree with everything you have said, especially the practice,practice,practice so very true. thank you for the reminder
lianne, 2 months ago
Christopher – thank you for this – more than I can say. It’s difficult sometimes to know how to offer constructive help, what forum, and I for one – a newbie – would welcome each and every suggestion that comes from someone who desires that I enjoy this craft which in your case has become an art. What a sensitive, honest expression you’ve shared with us here – and with a gratifying and completely honest humilty. You are among the very best here Christopher – and as fine and warm and giving human being as I’ve seen. Thank you!
Scott Ruhs, 2 months ago
Right on, Chris! I totally agree. I’ve been contacted by a number of people asking for advice, and I always try to answer their questions as best as I can. I still have a lot to learn myself, and also try to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Dana DiPasquale
,
2 months ago
well said
loramae, 2 months ago
:O) I admire you for posting this Chris…and your humble helpful spirit will take you far…Very encouraging journal! Bless you!
barnsis, 2 months ago
In my opinion there has never been a more true statement that what you said when you stated, “It’s all in the “eye”, it is how you see things, how you react when someone critiques or compliments.” I have looked at a lot of different folks pictures since I have been doing this, I started with a 2mp digital that I bought at an auction for $20, and to be honest there is a ton of “art” here at redbubble that doesn’t appeal to me but that doesn’t mean it is not great work, it just is not in my interest area. The things I have found most valuable are the ideas I have gotten from some of you that have led me to try new things. Thank you for the genuine words and feelings you have expresses and I agree with you 100%. I will never be a professional but I am having the time of my life.
Cynthia Adams, 2 months ago
Wise words Chris..you have covered this subject perfectly..I couldn’t agree more..well done.
Christopher E..., 2 months ago
thanks everyone, i should know better to stay out of forums..but when i did a peek in there and saw more of the..hmm…bitching…it inspired me to hopefully remind them and any others..where they got started from…so thanks ,and you all know..ill help where i can :)
dinghysailor1, 2 months ago
SO well said buddy!! This really moved me and you certainly put it all into practise every day – I can’t thank you enough for all your wonderful support and encouragement and for being for being the best of the best on this great site where sharing, learning and respect is what it’s all about!
Well done for your thoughtful personal writing!
3 cheers for U
maggie (aka ding)
:)
Anthony Pierce, 2 months ago
You’re right…. Stay out of the Forums
joak, 2 months ago
yup cant agree more even the odd wee snippet is appreciated chris thanks
elfevans, 2 months ago
Very well said!
AlexMac
,
2 months ago
Christopher, this is a very inspiring journal entry, unfortunatley i was not one of those photographers who grew up with a camera in hand, I started when I moved interstate and bought a camera just for the road trip, then the bug bit me HARD i am forever practising and I always take 3 different cameras with me when ever i go out, i wouldnt call myself a good photographer i just capture what I see as looking good and i take it from there…i sometimes get a bit peeved when people pick on my work( not on this site ),( sort of where, they are pro’s and expect me to produce the same quality and standard of work ) like if i can see a way of improving something i will try to help but when the comments are oh this is wrong and that is wrong, it kinda kills the learning for me, if it was mentioned that i can do something with a different setting etc then i will go out and practice that setting etc as i learn more with constructive advice instead of destructive criticism….but thats just me lol….anyways i have rambled on enough, and i wanted to thank you for writing this, you have sure hit on many truths especially…..we were all newbies once!!!! have a brilliant day
Alex
Melissa Hintz, 2 months ago
Thank you Christopher for saying what many of us often think but never say. I truly believe that a good photographer can outgrow their equipment and get better but a poor photographer can have high dollar equipment and still produce poor shots!
Carol Lirette, 2 months ago
Thank-you Christopher!
You have reafirmed me to keep on believing in my craft as I am quite new at this, and have never had any training at it. I am a creative person but never found my art until now.
I for one have been practising & I have noticed my pictures getting better. Thanks for the advice! It is also good to know that others feel the same. Keep up the good work Christopher and I welcome any comments you may have on my work.
Best wishes!
Carol
Joyce Dickens,..., 2 months ago
Very well said Chris…..You have been an inspiration to a lot of people and what you said is so very true….....one never stops learning…I have totaly stayed away from the forums for the same reasons you have mentioned and we both shared work on that other site, so I know first hand of what you speak….....we all have had humble beginnings and if you can help anyone even in slightest, then why not; AMEN! and thanks for writing this much needed journal…. :-)
Michael Kloepping, 2 months ago
Thank you! I think I really needed this bit of inspiration. i continue to struggle to achieve the quality I feel I am capable of. This is why I love coming to RB to see what others are doing and for ideas. Nowi just need to set my goals higher and do it…
Lisa Putman, 2 months ago
I am naturally drawn to humble, kind, helpful people and repelled by arrogant, selfish, people who are stuck on themselves. I want to be the kind of person I would like to be around. I appreciate you putting this out there. Photography for me is a hobby, although I am becoming much more serious about it. I frame pictures for a living. I am constantly reminding everyday that beauty if in the eye of the beholder. I frame a great deal of art in which I think to myself, this is hidious, why on earth would they want to frame this and hang it in there home? Then they tell me how much they paid for it and I nearly hit the floor. It has much more to do with producing something that touches a cord in a person than anything else. I want to produce photography that is technically perfect, but the truth is, I have had several family members that were drawn to my panda picture which I think is one of my least interesting works on redbubble. But, they love panda’s and they think she is so cute. So, go figure. I am much more pleased with my orangutan shot, but if a person doesn’t care for this animal, they may buy the mediocre panda over the well photographed orangutan.
Momlee Bhattac..., 2 months ago
Very well said Chris. Couldn’t agree more. Attitude is all that matters. What also matters is having people like you to learn so much from. Thanks for sharing!
Darlene, 2 months ago
“Stands up and cheers” Very nicely said Chris! The one thing that bothers me most about this site is people being shot down because of their work not being “good enough”. I admit to screaming at my laptop “who in the hell do you think you are!!!”..... just so you know, my laptop never answers though! LOL
Everyone is right Chris, you are one of the good guys and I’m proud to call you a friend!!!
Wendella Reeves, 2 months ago
Well Chris you have inspired me in many ways. My sister had asked me if was I going to join the Smokies trip and I replied ” are you joking me with my point and shoot up there with all those talented people you have got to be kidding!” And I didn’t make plans to be off that week. Now after reading this I think why didn’t I have the guts to go and learn from you very talented photogs. So I might just join the fall trip if there is one.
And as for the complaining I just recently took a extremely talented person off my watchlist because they just wouldn’t stop complaining how everyone was just giving complements left and right to trash. yes trash they said trash. After about the fourth time I thought I can’t take anymore of the arrogant rants. I like what I like and sometimes I don’t know why, maybe it just catches my “eye”.
Chris thanks for speaking out for us little guys still learning, and all help is appreciated.
Christopher E... in reply to Wendella Reeves’s comment, 2 months ago
Aww Wendella, this saddens me to hear. Talent doesnt come in equipment, it comes from within, the “eye” as we call it here in the photography world. I hate that you felt you werent good enough to join our little group. We are all still learning, it doesnt matter how many years you have done this, you always can learn something new. You would have been more then welcome to have joined us w/ a throw away camera. The whole point of the get together is to be with friends who have the same passion. Not show off, but to coach, help out, have a few laughs and just enjoy each other’s time. Gosh I wish I had known you felt that way, I would have talked you into coming. You still can..just call out with AGD (anal glucoma disease, you dont see your ass coming in) heh
Christopher E..., 2 months ago
Thanks to everyone for reading this, and a huge thanks to those who have commented. I just wanted to get people to remember, it’s not our gear, its not our learning level. It’s our passion and how we express our gratitude to those who have helped us, and how we should remember to pass it on as a thanks to all of our mentors, because one day, we all become one in someone else’s eye
Neophytos, 2 months ago
Thanks for all your advice and help Chris ,I’m sure a lot of people here own you a lot of gratitude ,including me.Your article is one of the nicest reading i have read for a long time ..thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!
mlgkats, 2 months ago
well said and good advice
Jacqueline Baker, 2 months ago
What you say is so true….i have felt inferior sometimes on here as i know my work could vastly improve under someone’s watchful eye…..how about setting up a Mentoring system where someone more experienced takes on a novice for say 1, 2 or 3 months and in that time period just advises them how to improve or how to use photoshop effectively etc. I really suggest a time limit as i know most people just don’t want to commit long term but may be willing to help for short period’s of time. We could have a well-pool of good photographers who can say how much time they are willing to commit too and a well-pool of novices who say how much time they can commit to and match the two up…whadda ya think? I know the number of novices would probably out-weigh the profesionals but i’m sure we little people don’t mind waiting a little while..helps with our tendancy to be impatient lol!
jadegreenimage, 2 months ago
Christopher, a great post. Yes it doesn’t matter about equipment, passion, energy, practice and the eye are all that counts.
The photgrapher takes the picture, the camera just records it.
What you say about, never feeling really happy about a shot, rings true for many of us. We always see our own weaknesses. But more often than not, others do not notice them.
But that rush when you can say – “that pic I took/created really is great!”, is hard to beat.
TrEaSuReDiMaGeS, 2 months ago
Very Well said Chris!!!! :-)))
Spiritinme, 2 months ago
Truer words never spoken and are in my heart. Thanks so much.
Jamie Lee, 2 months ago
You have said everything I feel and you have said it absolutely perfectly! So many times I felt the same way as you. The internet has truly opened the door to have photographers and photo lovers respond and help each other grow and gain confidence. I love the fact that online they see my work and not me… That means my work speaks for itself. Thank you for taking the time to write this…it’s great!
photoeyes, 2 months ago
This is a good honest down to earth post Chris, I have always tried to help my fellow photographers and always will. Thanks for posting, we have been on sites that thrive off of putting their fellow photographers down and we both know what can happen.
Wendella, I wish you had decided to meet with us on Old Smokey and always remember, it isn’t the camera, it is the person that pushed the buttons that take the photo.
Marianne
Helen Bascom KMA, 2 months ago
It doesn’t matter if you have a throw away camera, or the multi dollar equipment on if you can produce an outstanding shot or not. I think one’s attitude has a lot to do with how successful they are, not what type of equipment they can buy.
I agree 100%.
Some folks think they were born perfect and expect every one to just accept that they are perfect. Well guess what you egomaniacs? Sometimes you post crap just like the rest of us. Ha Ha. Of course, if you leave that comment on the crap that they just posted, you get reported for being offensive. LOL
Oh Christopher! I think attitude is the biggest part of success. One can take technically flawless photographs OR one can produce photographs with an artistic vision that may be less than perfect technically, but hold great emotional and aesthetic value.
I’ve seen some of the most amazing images taken with a point and shoot 4 mega pixel and I’ve seen the same old tiresome macros shot with a 24 mega pixel I would have to mortgage my soul to buy.
Guess what? I bought the amazing 4 mega pixel shot. You can’t buy vision. You can’t put a brand name on talent. And you can’t complain away the competition who possess both talent and vision.
I really feel sorry for people who have the need to demean other people in order to build themselves up. I especially find those who complain about the so called crap on this site drawing potential buyers away from their own fabulous work in great need of a reality check.
I disagree with RedBubble’s philosophy in one respect – not everyone is an artist.
A true artist creates for the sake of the art, not for compliments and comments.
A true artist creates to share his/her vision with others, not for worshipers and groupies.
A true artist remains humble and appreciates the 1000th sale as deeply as they did their 1st sale.
A true artist cares about how they impact others with their words as well as their work.
You, dear Christopher are among the few true artists.
funkyfacestudio, 2 months ago
I agree Christopher, I only have a 5 mega pixel and am somewhat limited in my choices of what I can capture, I just try my best.
I always make friends with some newbies, help them out and comment their work, It’s nice to see them improve. I’m still improving myself, there is lots to learn.
I don’t really care for the people that dump 50 photos in one sitting and are not involved in the community though but that’s just me.