I have read (and re-read)
On Being A Photographer by David Hurn and Bill Jay, and have found it truly inspirational (although, it must be said, a little 'opinionated' at times - but I suppose, that's the point). I will take away from it the following 'key messages', which for me will help to define my future photographic output:
- On selecting a subject ask yourself:
- Is it visual?
- Is it practical?
- Do I know enough about it?
- Is it interesting to others?
- I need to put my own visual stamp on my work (although without thought of self - let the subject speak freely and style will develop).
- The subject needs to be continually accessible.
- The subject needs to be as specific as possible.
- Subject matter is everything - don't need visual 'pyrotechnics' with a great subject.
- Decide on position and timing, and analyse contact sheets for the way you work.
- Keep focusing in on the subject with subtle changes.
- Always reach for your goal (the perfect image), even if it is rarely achieved.
- When composing a picture, keep an eye on the main element, and then choose 2 or 3 sub-elements by position and timing.
- KNOW what you are looking for; don't leave it to guesswork.
- Good design is essential when its purpose is the clear projection of the subject matter. Design is secondary; the first priority must be to reveal the subject.
- There is no such thing as a picture being 'too good' - the photographer's aim is to create beautiful pictures, of any and all subject matter.
- The making of a perfect contact sheet is essential. One of the best learning methods is to ruthlessly examine contact sheets and analyse the reasons why shots were taken.
- Photography demands a lot of work before and after shooting.
- Photography is learned by continuous and dedicated (DIRECTED) practice.
- On shooting a picture essay:
- Visit and absorb without a camera (or use purely for reference shots).
- Write down images you need to complete the project (what are your impressions?).
- Go back and attempt to shoot the images (once you have captured the image you want, tick it off and don't continue to waste time photographing it).
- Don't be afraid of tackling difficult subjects.
- Shoot outside the list if things come up, but then return to the list.
- Know when you have finished.
- A 7-picture essay equals (for David Hurn) about 720-1000 shots taken.
- 1 exhibition-quality image will be taken per 3600 shots (100 films).
- It is important to have the right equipment for the purpose at hand and for the personality of the photographer.
- All the technical decisions in photography should be so thoughtless that the act of shooting pictures is solely concentrated on the image in the viewfinder.
- Truth is like a photograph in which thousands of different shades from black to white, and including both extremes, were necessary for full revelation.
- Web displays need to have purpose, ideas, linking themes and cohesion.
