Written by: Marc Bessant
I would like to use this blog to talk about something that I see and hear about all the time. Photographers being afraid to be themselves.
These days with so many photographers turning to social media platforms, it seems the amount of likes a person can achieve has started to outweigh the personal effect of what a photo should and can be.
If you look through Instagram or any other social media platforms, I'm sure you will know what I mean. Thousands and thousands of photographs from around the world all of the same locations from the same point of view. It's not that these photos are bad in any way but once you have seen so many, after a while they no longer have the same effect, and you stop seeing and just start scrolling.
I'm sure however, that the photos uploaded will not be the only photos that the photographers would have taken on the day. If you dug down deep in their archives, chances are, they would also have many images of that location which are completely different and unique to them.
For some reason when it comes to choosing what work to upload and show to the world, many individuals will often opt for the image which is the same as everyone else's because it seems like the safe option which received so many likes. Is this really the most important thing in photography and art? This in my opinion is such a shame because we don't get to see the many unique views that these individuals have taken.
There must be so many unique and interesting images which will be left and forgotten about in the depths of the hard drive or floating around in clouds, never to see the light of day. Maybe it's the worry that they will receive criticism for being different, not good enough or that their work will not be considered technically perfect in every way possible. (Yes, I have also received comments like this online too.) Maybe it just wouldn't fit with the current trend?
In my opinion, we should be embracing these differences. After all its what makes us all interesting in our own ways. I feel a photo should be able to reflect something about the individual who created it.
To myself, photography isn't about how sharp an image is or ensuring a composition adheres to the correct rule. It's about portraying feelings and the passion of a particular moment in time. You have the power as a photographer or artist to show off the world in your very own unique way and this doesn't mean that it needs to be life-like, so have fun. Many of my favourite photographers do this and as such it can open your eyes to new ways of seeing...... their way of seeing.
The images are the photographer's way of telling a story and portraying their own world to the viewers and in turn give the images the power to draw you in and inflict emotion into the work that they create.
Some of the most famous photographers from throughout the ages are not loved because their photos are technically correct. In fact, in a lot of cases it's the complete opposite of that. They may be blurry and out of focus, under or over exposed, but this is what helps to portray the photographer's visions, feelings, stories and even mysteries which allow us as viewers to relate to them in our own personal way. A photographer who I feel did this well was Francesca Woodman.
For example, I struggle so much to be in overcrowded spaces, and I think this is reflected in a lot of my work in some way. Most of my photographs will tend to be in quiet, isolated areas. No matter how much I would love too, I would find it very difficult to be in the middle of a crowded city documenting the day-to-day life like so many great street photographers.
I would more likely be the one looking for opportunities early in the mornings or late at night in the deserted streets because that's just who I am and that's nothing to be ashamed of.
Although my photos may not be considered by many to be special, what they are, are mine and my vision. You don't need to be out there trying to take the same photos as your photographic heroes or friends because they managed to get more likes if it's not who you are. We are all individual and unique. Its these qualities in my opinion when allowed to shine through which make the world of photography and art so interesting and exciting.
So don't be afraid to just be yourself and allow yourself to show through in your work even if it's in a subtle way. Show your world in your way and don't worry about being different or what others may think. I have received so much criticism in the past for some of my work not “being correct or good enough” to the point that I nearly put down my camera and stopped doing what I enjoy. When I was first given the opportunity to have some of my work published some people wouldn't even acknowledge the fact.
But when I thought about it, why should I stop being me and expressing myself in my own way through my photography, and why should you? After all, there is no right or wrong when you are trying to show your vision. By all means, take inspiration from others, there is nothing wrong with that, it's how we learn and grow. But always try to use what you learn and apply it in your own unique way.
Take photos for yourself and not to please others and don't be afraid to break the so-called rules of photography. If every photographer in the world only took photos that adhered to the rule of thirds you may agree that photography would become very boring.
That all being said, there are so many amazing and talented photographers who document their worlds online and in books. Inspiration is never far away. Just remember to be your own photographer and have fun.
Thank you for reading,
Marc Bessant.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi I'm Marc Bessant. A photographer from Birmingham, UK and I focus on black-and-white photography. I don't worry too much about the rules of photography and choose to concentrate more on trying to capture the mood of the moment which I hope will result in images that are in some way visually and emotionally compelling.
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Your work never fails to inspire me. With a sprinkle of magic in each shot you've captured the essence of each subject/ piece.
A very powerful and inspiring read.
This is absolutely amazing. No one could put this vision in context as well as you did. Kudos ~ Charmaine
You have crammed so much magic in a camera lens and inspired our hearts with your pen. This is amazing! ~Terdoo