Photographers Notebook, Page 1

[John Kasaian]

Let me add my thanks as well. The SENSE test is great! When I look at my own landscapes I get so wrapped up in trivial self criticism that I often overlook the obvious sensual qualities that are either "there" or aren't. I can see how being aware of the smells, sounds and textures that abound while photographing can bring something 'extra' to the party, imparting an essence that would make one photograph stand out among others.

Did any of your students ever try to cheat by spritzing a little pine sol on forest shots? ;-)

[Scott Fleming]

Excellent beginning and can't wait for more. Very thought provoking.





Scott Fleming

Dedicated Amateur

[John Berry ( Roadkill )]

Mr. Boulware,
Thank you. This is what I was hoping to see. I've enjoyed photography as an obsession for over 35 years. On purpose, I never went pro as I only wanted to have it as my stress reducer. (sometimes that didn't work) It's only in the last few years that I have been working with the foreground, with purpose. I hope to learn a lot from reading about your ventures. As for detractors, I just assume they haven't figured out why you are given two eyes, two ears, but only one mouth.

[Antonio Corcuera]

I think amateur is a fantastic word. it is very inspiring to constantly remember its origin - "lover" in French. It's all about passion and doing things with love, whether you are a pro or a hobbyist. Thing is, most pros usually don't have the same level of love for their work that a hobbyist can have.

[Jay DeFehr]

Richard,

thank you very much. Your experience is about as far removed from my own as I can imagine, and seeing our medium from a distant perspective can be inspirational. From my perspective, the connotations of the terms "pro" and "amateur" are exactly the opposite of the ones you describe. In my admittedly limited and local experience, I tend to relate the term, "Pros" to primarily mercinary photographers, lacking any real creativity or passion for the medium, and "amateurs" as artists of varying degrees. I realize what a broad generalization that is, but that is my point. To further generalize, it sometimes seems that amateurs discuss equipment, materials and techniques, while Pros discuss marketing, promotion and sales. The work itself gets little time from either camp. I consider myself an amateur, and don't exclude or excuse myself from the generalizations I've made. Thanks again for posting, and I look forward to future installments.

Jay

[Kirk Gittings]

Thanks Richard for that keep it coming.

Jay, those are some of the most ridiculous generalizations I've read in awhile.

[William Mortensen]

"Professional photographer" unfortunately encompasses everyone from W. Eugene Smith to the pervert with a cell-phone camera and a photo studio in the back of his van who hangs out on street corners saying "hey, little girl, wanna be a star on my internet site?" And the latter probably will achieve greater financial success.

[Jay DeFehr]

Kirk,

ridicule at will.

Jay

[Henry Ambrose]

Jay --

Think again please, and as you do so, substitute the word "hack" where you used "pro" -- that'll read a lot better to some folks. Otherwise you just insulted everyone here who earns a living with a camera. At which point Kirk's critique would be spot on (and maybe too polite!). Just a friendly suggestion that your slip is showing.

Richard --

Good start, keep it up. I see no reason to bother with new terms for amateur and professional, lets just agree to drop the negative thoughts about both. I can think of a dozen stereotypes for each category that we should eliminate for the purpose of this discussion.

Mark --

Your second example would be called a "pornographer" not necessarily a "photographer" the spellings are close but very have different meanings.

[Bill_1856]

Cartier-Bresson once said, "I am an amateur but no longer a dilettante."