Become An Expert Of Something Outside Photography
When asked by a younger crowd, usually students, what is the best way to become a photographer, I give them an unexpected answer.
I attempt to get them to understand that the photographs they will be making are the result of the experiences they will have while trying to understand the things that are most important to them.
The best way to become a photographer is to become the expert on something. Something that you love. Something that can consume you. Something that you know requires understanding so much that you know you’ll never fully understand it. You’ll know its successes and failures. It will bring you excitement, joy, and anger.
Once you’ve become that person, the person who is best at knowing your subject, begin to make photos of it. Your depth of knowledge about the subject will give you the insights necessary to be the authority on telling its story. Even when you photograph something about it that isn’t flattering your viewers will understand your purpose is to tell the complete story even if it’s not pretty.
Your exposition will bring excitement to the viewers. Excitement about your subject and praise to you for having understood it well enough to make evocative photos.
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