Why do I care...

[Sherlock]

First camera club meeting of the year, and through the ringer once again... First photo competition and no ribbons, admittedly there were lots of great photos, what drives me nuts is that I get lots of club folks who tell me they love my photos (predominantly urban, when most shoot landscapes around here), but when it comes time to judging they don't walk the talk... I don't do landscape related photography very well, and the club seems to punish urban related photography...

<span style="font-style: italic">So why do I care?</span> I don't know, ultimately I only need to take photos for myself, since I'm not classified as a pro photographer yet (ie. make my living from it), I guess I'm looking for a tangible (measurable) reward which I never seem to get anywhere, and I have tried...

<span style="font-style: italic">How do you know how good you really are unless you win something?</span> Perhaps a misguided question but one I struggle with, talking to a painter on the weekend, she feels that artwork should never be judged, and of course there is always a subjective aspect to any judging of artwork, no matter what the judges say... And (the painter) who I talked does sell her paintings, in which case the customer is the ultimate judge...

Mixed up constantly...

 

[Mickey Richaud]

James -

You care because you care. That's a good thing.

You've mentioned the subjective aspect of judging art. That's a huge issue whenever there are no "standards". But then, having standards isn't always the answer, either. Concours judging is based on standards, but there's always difference of opinion there as well.

In my world of sermon preparation and delivery, I have to remind myself that what I do is extremely open-ended. I usually have NO idea of the fruits of my labor and passion. And often when I do get feedback, I wonder where in the world they heard what they said they heard! The counseling aspect of my vocation is pretty similar.

As a result, I have turned to playing with little British cars. I can take a collection of dirty, rusty, broken bits; clean 'em up, paint 'em, put 'em back together; then stand back and say, "I did that!" It's all about balance.

And to put the two together, I can sit here and spread pearls of wisdom. :wink:

Hang in there. I'm sure you're on the right road.


Mickey

 

[DrEntropy]

hmm... judging by whom? Peer group? Professional image makers? IMHO it really hasn't much to do with winning some prize or award, rather whether or not someone is willing to get off their wallet and pay for the work. My best "prize" was always the check at the completion of the job. Any display for awards was just another way to advertize and get the name out there. If a print got a ribbon, that was "gravy". Keep displaying, start putting work in places where lots of folks can see it, with your info, a title (as trite as "titling" is, IMO), the © and a price on it.

I always considered myself "professional", as the work was always accompanied with an invoice. In high school, worked as a local rag "stringer" and in a local camera shop. College the same and also did "kidnapping" (school photos, head and class shots) for a local outfit, using their equipment. Was the photo editor of the college yearbook as well. It's all about attitude and confidence, James. Your effort has quality, your images are good. Most image makers can't record well composed or interesting "people pictures" because they're timid or not confident, so they revert to inanimate subjects. You have an ability to communicate with folks, your images are interesting and good. FIND a market for the effort and keep going. Exhibit for the, umm, "exposure" it provides.

<span style="font-style: italic">EDIT: You DO get model releases signed, yes?</span>


This from just another Panderer in Reflected Light Images. :wink:

 

[judow]

Winning an award is really meaningless. What does have meaning is how you feel about a photo. If you should get an award you can do with it what I do, just add it to the steamer trunk in the back of the closet. Initially when I showed Agatha I always wanted a trophy/ribbon and I wanted first place. Now that I've grown up I don't even want to show - will only do 'show and shine' or shows that I consider to be one for the public's enjoyment. I have a sign that says "Please don't judge me, just enjoy me." That kind of says it all.

So, you, and the award is the enjoyment you derive from it.

Taking my soapbox away now...

 

[Basil]

We all love your work. What more do you need? Seriously, you are (in my humble opinion) a terrific photographer. You really have an eye for capturing unique and always interesting photographs. I love photography, but I suck at it. I still want to get a really decent camera some day (got my eye on a either a Canon D60 or a 7D (Because I have a bunch of Canon Lenses that would still work), then take some classes in digital photography. But all the classes in the world wouldn't ensure I'd take really great photographs - having a real eye for it is a gift.

 

[JodyFKerr]

No one really appreciated Van Gogh until after he was dead. Now he's considered one of the greatest painters of all time.

I wouldn't worry about it. I do what I do for me, if someone else likes it, that's cool. Awards are nice recognition, but I much prefer the random compliments from someone I don't know who appreciates my work.

 

[PC]

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[Guest]

I no longer enter shows as I do not require nor desire others to tell me whether I'm good or not. Doc is correct, however; I have had different experiences with titles. I've seen clever titles help take ribbons and sell pieces. IMO the title is almost half of the piece.

A. It helps relate the message or intent of the piece.

B. It's a chance to say something deeper about the piece others may not pick up on at first. Not everyone can see what you do nor may they be as sharp, sometimes you gotta guide them.

C. It's a chance to show cleverness verbaly as well as artistcally (sic? I never know).


Example: Foxie, one of our dogs; sits on the stair case all night long fixated on Kelly like the RCA record lable dog. She focuses on Kelly as if my wife is made of some sort of doggie treat. This goes on for HOURS. We joked about taking her picture and titling it "Stares" or "Step Child". It's an inside joke and we are the only ones who would understand, however; a title like that helps others "get the picture". ( runs and hides for bad pun).


I can see where with some pics (like war time photos) where a title may not be desirable or easiest thing to do. Some images speak for themselves, no title needed.

 

[Sherlock]

Thanks for your thoughts, don't know why I struggle so much with this, need all the help I can get... :crazy: And I really do suck at one thing, a good photo title, can't think of one to save my life...

 

[14dna]

I grew up with a professional photographer and your stuff is of that quality!
First off, a title is from how you feel, not to catch attention.
Secondly, you are doing this as a pleasure endeavor ,not to win acclaim.
Are you happy with the results?
Put your photos out for sale and see what happens. You WILL be surprised and in a good way.
Don't expect people to swoon over your work, expect to have to build your reputation. You are, artistically, already there.

BELIEVE!!!!!

Dave

 

[Steve]

James, we have known each other for a few years and you know how much I admire your work. You have an eye for a good shot and you are as skilled as any professional. You're an artist my friend, your brush is a camera.

 

[AN5Sprite]

Sherlock,
I'm in the same boat with violin making. Might even be a leakier one since my stuff has to look AND sound beyond good...I empathize with you. I had a mentor who was offended by the idea of artistic competition. He made a strong intellectual argument against them but....I always felt like he was just taking the weakling's way out. (BooHoo- don't judge me, I might feel bad...) If there's a situation where winners chosen you should enter - just in case you do win. Every couple of years I enter a violin making competition and I have yet to win anything... And I'm not alone, thats what happens to most of us. Why do you-or I- care? It's called EGO. The bummer is that ego is the enemy of creativity. And yet, with no ego, you're not likely to succeed. Think on that. I'm not saying you should compromise your art, but I am saying you COULD adjust your perspective if you decide your ego needs validation from your peers. It's a choice. I've been in the situation you describe; people loving your stuff and yet no award. It's....whatever. I've chosen to separate my self-worth from outside validation and I look at competition with a cold, calculating eye on financial need. If I win, my demand increases. If not, I've lost money and time. Couldn't care less what people think. Especially judges.*

*If/when I do win I will completely reverse my opinion on judges and their wisdom.* :crazy:

 

[Sherlock]

I'm just reminded about a recent article I read about why to enter photo contests, even when you know you probably won't win (as long as you watch contest rules, re: rights grabs), there were valid reasons, I don't think the article is online for general public perusal...

 

[Banjo]

Most image makers can't record well composed or interesting "people pictures" because they're timid or not confident, so they revert to inanimate subjects.

I think Doc's on to something. If I were a judge in a club, and it's a group that leans away from stuff like that because it's out of their comfort zone, I would not be very inclined to reward that type of thing because it may start a trend that I'm not comfortable with.......
Just saying.
I agree with all here. Your images are stunning. The composition is always facinating, and I find myself absorbed in each picture as I discover each new detail in the scene. Each one tells a delightfully unique story.

 

[swift6]

The local camera club around here is made up primarily of nature photographers and by that I mean primarily wildlife photography. If that is not your genre, you won't get much attention. It is nothing more than the make-up of that particular club and the leadership that rotates through it. I've tried to steer conversations and intrests into other forms occasionally but am continually met with resistance. Not because they don't like or appreciate the different forms, but rather they don't know how to critique or articulate their thoughts on the subject matter. It is a foreign subject and they just feel more comfortable sticking with what they know. It may simply be time to find a new set of folks to share your work with or through. You may have to jump to a national or international level to get your work into the proper shows for it.

BTW, There are no tests, certifications, licenses etc... required to be a professional photographer. In my opinion you don't have to make your living by photography to call yourself a professional. If you charge for your work and actually get paid, then you are a professional. If you get published, especially in your chosen genre, it is in a way better than any blue ribbon because more people will see your work through the publication than what attended the show the ribbon was given in.

I've worked in several genre's of photogrpahy over the years(like Doc, I've been handling cameras since long before I could legally drive). A good eye for composition transcends genre specifics.

There is nothing wrong with entering as many shows as you can, you never know who might see it and either hire you or suggest a new venue to try and exhibit in. Nothing wrong with pestering gallery owners either. Get them looking for venues for you as well.