The title of this post reminds me of when I was a kid and we had a whapping 2 tv channels to chose from. When one would go out for some unknown reason on the stations end the dreaded “Technical Difficulties” screen would come up, do I dare say, the good old days?
The prospect of technical difficulties is much more apparent these days, everything we do, have, consume has some sort of technology attached to it. We aren’t immediately notified of difficulties in such the case as 1960’s television but we deal with it just the same. If your like me you love the technology, the gizmos, gadgets ease of changing the channels, reading the news, sharing your life with folks from around the world if you so desire. In most cases the difficulties it brings are ones of inconvenience when something doesn’t work. What I would like to touch on is the difficulties technology brings to the photographer or more accurately the growing, learning photographer.
There are boat loads of books, articles, videos on “how to take good pictures” or “how to become a better photographer”. I admit they capture my attention and many times drag me in for a few moments just to see what path someone is going to take in order to help others become a better photographer. More times than not the techniques are the path in which others go down, sharing the technical aspects of knowing your camera typically aperture, shutter, composition etc. or more accurately “knowing your camera” as opposed to “how to become a better photographer”.
So what does one need to know in order to become a better photographer? To me the answer is simple. Stop worrying about your camera and start understanding what compels you to take a photograph in the first place. How does one develop the knack of taking good pictures, simply being observant doesn’t seem to be enough. Furthermore your camera has nothing to do with it, technique is simply a burden to get out of the way so you can free yourself to make images that are compelling. Many people mistakenly think mastering simple techniques such as shutter, aperture, depth of field and the like is to know about photography. It has as little to do with photography as someone who knows how to type being able to write a great novel. Ansel Adams is quoted in his biography as saying, “I am not a scientist, I consider myself an artist who employs certain techniques to free my vision”.
Free yourself from the technical aspect of taking a picture and allow yourself to have a curious vision of the world around you, your camera won’t be able to help you with that and truth be known some people simply are not able to do that. At least to the level necessary to create good photography. I’m not a psychologist so don’t ask me why this is I simply am aware of those who try but seem to fall short. In passing I will mention photography is subjective and just because one person finds an image to be lacking by no means should it be considered bad. But do you want to take photographs that some may find lacking, or make images that brings out humble emotions to those who view them.
Don’t put your camera down take pictures, lots and lots of pictures, and keep the book handy in case you need it, but don’t rely on your camera to make good images, only to capture them once they have been discovered.
© Brad Mangas
I agree with what you say, Brad, but only to a point. Unlike other arts, photography is based on science and the tools that make it possible. By themselves, without the photographer, they can do nothing as you say. But the best photographers know their tools and how to use them. A musician must know how to play his instrument before he can make music, otherwise it’s just noise. The relationship between a musician and his instrument is ongoing, it never ends. In photography, the instrument is the camera and all the equipment necessary to make photographs in order for the vision can be expressed effectively.
Thank You Ken for your comment and taking the time to expand on this.
I can agree that the “technique” of photography is a science, but the creative aspect must come into play in order to make good works. It is a good comparison to the musician who must not only know but master their instruments in order to make music otherwise it is just noise. As for the photographer they must not only know their tools/instruments but become writer, composer and editor of their final score. I see this in this way. The best photographers do need to know their tools and how to use them, again the burden one must get through but that in itself does not make for good photography that is where the science stops and the creative aspect begins. My hope would be that others simply “get through” the technical or scientific part and not think it to be the means to the end so they may then move forward into the heart of the craft, creativity.
Well written, Brad, which I seem to say a lot here. By saying “don’t put your camera down” I think you are telling us to practice. :-) When we better understand how our tools work, it then sets up the opportunity to create better images. I think we agree our vision, the photographers eye, are also a tool we need to understand better and practice with.
Thank You Monte, you are very right, if one wants to learn to become a better photographer put the books down and keep the camera in your hand, not only will it force one to learn the technique they want but will constantly be allowing you to “see” as a photographer.
Good thoughts here Brad. I like the quote from Adams. Bottom line is to not let technology get in the way. If we can wield it to our advantage, all the better.
Thank You Mark, many folks get all caught up with the “how to’s” and never give any attention to the “why’s”.