I just attended the Michael Smith/Paula Chamlee Workshop (5-26 thru 5-28) at the photographers' home in Eastern Pennsylvania. Michael Smith was the Sultan of Simplicity when it came to photography. Paula Chamlee taught about "seeing what is there." I may have been missing this. When asked what made a good photograph, Michael Smith said, "If it looks good to me." He doesn't own a densitometer. His cameras and lenses are no more interesting to him than a hammer and nails.
Without directly challenging my own notions of what makes a good photograph the couple truly challenged me. I really liked their own work, but realized the issue is to develop my own personal vision. I had long been stuck on trying to make pretty, visually interesting photographs. I see more clearly now why I have been frustrated. I was encouraged to continue in my present, personal vein, but to think a little larger.
That may seem a little vague, but then I am trying to get words around notions that
may defy description. After all, I know what I mean. Better to keep making photographs and to become, as Michael said, the best photographer I can be.
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