Becoming a Better Photographer – Gary Cole
With Jarmo’s encouragement, I started writing this blog on the general subject of “The Business of Photography” a few months ago. And I will certainly keep plugging away in the weeks and months ahead on the nuts and bolts of being a competent professional photographer who is savvy to all aspects of the business side of his craft.
I think the most important part of the “business” of photography is not how you handle your marketing or use an appropriate release, etc. but simply becoming a better photographer.However, I think the most important part of the “business” of photography is not how you handle your marketing or use an appropriate release, etc. but simply becoming a better photographer. When the quality of your work is high enough to separate you from the multitude of people calling themselves photographers, when the impact of your images speak for themselves, then the rest of the business part becomes so much easier and more meaningful.
Other than attending STC seminars, there are no short cuts to becoming a better photographer. The writer Thomas Mann made the observation “a writer is a man for whom writing is more difficult than it is for others.” Substitute the word photographer for writer and you will get the point. You must be the most demanding critic, the most observant viewer of your work. You must demand excellence from yourself and not be satisfied with mediocrity.
You must not shy away from criticism and rejection but learn from it.”
And you can’t allow yourself to be discouraged. There is always another day, another shooting, another pretty girl who wants to in front of the camera, who wants you to create the best photos of her that have ever been taken.
I’ve said this before. Do your homework. How many tear sheets have you collected of work you really like, of work you’d like to emulate? Have you ever looked at the Taschen book of the “History of Photography.” Have you spent some time studying the nudes of Harry Callahan and Edward Weston, the celebrity portraits of George Hurrell, the Playmate centerfolds of Mario Casilli, Richard Fegley and Pompeo Posar? If you haven’t, you’re working in the dark.
About Gary Cole
Have you spent some time studying the nudes of Harry Callahan and Edward Weston, the celebrity portraits of George Hurrell, the Playmate centerfolds of Mario Casilli, Richard Fegley and Pompeo Posar? If you haven’t, you’re working in the dark.Allow me one sports analogy. Peyton Manning is arguably one of the best quarterbacks who has ever played the game. He has terrific football skills, grew up in a football family, has a Dad who was an outstanding college and professional quarterback. You’d think that would be enough. However, I can tell you that no one in professional football works harder at his craft than Peyton. Watch him when he goes to the sideline whether it is after a touchdown, an interception, a three and out. He immediately begins studying the play charts, he talks to his coaches and receivers. He is immersed in what he’s doing in an effort to improve his performance. It’s no different with photography. Immerse yourself in your craft and whether your innate talent is large or less than large, you will improve.
~ Gary Cole
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