Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Who Are You Shooting For?

“You will never make a photograph that everyone likes, so make sure that you like every one of your photographs.”      ~Oliver Gagliani


A few months ago, I posted some images I'd made of some abandoned train cars in Bartlett, NH. Soon after that, I received a note from a fellow photographer that said in part,  "...You're going to have to sell me on those train shots."  My response? It was immediate and direct:  "No, I don't."  I love the images, they are a departure from what I usually shoot and were a fun challenge. I enjoyed the process and am proud of my results. I have no expectations that everyone will love everything I shoot.  I shoot for myself, for the joy that it brings to my life. If other enjoy my work, that's even better! If not, that's okay too, we all see the world in different ways.

In that spirit, here are a few more fun images from that shoot:








So, who are you shooting for?  ;)  Let me know your thoughts.

Kathleen

13 comments:

  1. oh i am in love with that last one!
    when i started shooting seriously i was trying so hard to please other people - anticipate what people would like. and i was unhappy in the process. over the years i started caring less and less what others thought and started shooting what i like and in the manner i like. funny how - at least in my eyes - my photography improved about 1000%.
    i concur. :)

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  2. Thanks Kathleen, this is great I think sometimes we all want to get rave reviews and it took many years for me to say what you have said. I like what I put up and I do not need to justify it cause I like (or maybe even love) it.

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  3. Hi Kathleen, You are 100% correct!! I have friends that will not shoot stuff like this because they do not see an outlet for it. I say follow your passion wherever it takes you!!

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  4. Me! Of course it's nice if someone else likes my work but ultimately I photograph because it feeds my soul

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  5. Well written Kathleen. Not everyone feels or see's something the same. What does matter is what you are feeling when you press that shutter.

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  6. If your intent, is that you simply "love" them than that works, for my part, I am more familiar with your work that delivers a view that is constructed to convey a similar reaction to the image that I consider was intentional. These, while certainly a departure and respectfully a challenge, The thread of intent that you normally convey was not apparent in these images.
    With that said, I too love the last one:-)
    dale

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  7. I guess I’m just simplistic by nature. For me, all art (including photography) has only one criterion: “Do I like it or do I not ?”. When I create a photographic image it’s as simple for me as, “Is the resulting subject, composition, light, color, tone, contrast, etc pleasing to my eye and my sensibilities or not ?”. For those that I occasionally share my images with I’m pleased if they enjoy them but their reactions are not necessary for my own sense of fulfillment.

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  8. Hi Rog,

    Well said, my friend, I completely agree! The viewer brings their own experience to the image, and that is beyond your control. You can't please everyone, remember your gorgeous flower with the bug ornament? ;)

    Kathleen

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  9. Kathleen,
    Well said! Continue to photograph not only that which catches your eye, but that which captures your heart. There is no basis for comparing originals. In my opinion, your photos are a testament to the amazing creativity that the Creator has blessed you with. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us and for reminding us of why we click the shutter...Here's to JOY!

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  10. I'm a photographer in Copenhagen that is planning to do a creative project at a train museum 2 hours away by train! I'm thinking of getting a fisheye lens for the project and here I find inspiration. Great Work"

    Regards

    Brentliris

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  11. Thank you, Brentliris, the Lensbaby Fisheye is spectacular!

    Kathleen

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  12. I have just discovered your blogs and am thoroughly enjoying them! THANK YOU, thank you, thank your for this post about liking your own work and everyone doesn't have to like it. This has helped me tremendously. Pearl Barfield

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