Creativity & Style...pt. 1

This is a little essay I wrote last week after trying to figure out a way to explain some recent thoughts on photography, the industry as a whole, and encouraging advice for anyone.  Some will read this and totally agree as those I sent it to already have let me know.  Others will read this and not understand...that is ok.  And others just won't read this because it is too long...if you really don't want to read, then just check out the bottom portion and you might catch my drift.  Well...here goes.

Ok...so, lately after diving more and more into my right brain for ideas to build a consistent, solid body of work for my editorial/portrait/whatever portfolio I have had these hard thoughts about a photographers' style and how to arrive at something that you can actually call yours.  Now...this post will be laughable to some and confusing to others, but I feel it is a topic that needs to be mentioned. 

With the usability of the internet, digital cameras, photoshop, etc. we have entered a new area/era of this world that has never been seen before.  Everyone has a blog, every consumer portrait/wedding photographer has a workshop, and everybody can share everything within seconds...to the entire world.  This is obviously both good and bad...but mostly good!  The problem is, with this new access we have to view others' work and share our own, I have noticed trends completely take over peoples websites with just no real substance or anything that truly represents these peoples' own personal creativity, and within months...they are gone and onto the next trend.  This is fine and dandy for those who are learning photography, trying to find themselves, but it is when these people feel they are ready to move to the next step, that it becomes a bit shady.

I believe there are several steps in the creative process so I will give them rough states/names below and go with that...  Warning...this is a post that was not pre-thought out in actual text but rather just in my mind so I will do my best to bring it all back to earth somewhat readable! 

The creative steps below are taken from my head, others' ideas, talks with photographers, and general psychology.

First step...knowing you want to experiment with something, say photography.  You get a basic camera, mess around, go to the bookstore and read simple how-to's on photography.  You shoot shoot shoot and make a decision...do you want to continue?  Yes.

Second step...you now have a hobby, we call it photography.  You spend free time shooting your kids, friends, pets, plants, whatever.  You find you enjoy shooting some stuff better than others and you read more about those things back in the bookstore and you search for more cool photos of those same things on flickr or google. 

Next up...you continue your hobby, get better at the things you like...buy more expensive equipment and still learn on your own but begin to look at more and more work, emulating what you see trying all options just to get better, both techincally and creatively.  That was a long sentence.

Fourthly, you think...shoot, I could actually make some money off of this camera that has only stolen my money via b&h photo for the last 2 years.  Then, you start puting flyers up at WalMart that you shoot photos of local bands and such for $25 plus gas...although with gas as it is...that might be too much to ask.  Anyways, you get some gigs, screw some up, but whatever, kids in bands don't even care and you get more experience...but at this point, you are still reading every copy of your favorite music magazine at Borders and copying the latest shoot with MGMT or Lil Wayne.  You mimic the lighting(as best you can), the processing(in less time and most likely sloppier) and of course, the posing.  You are gettin ok!

Next up...#5...you just keep shooting, reading, and HOPEFULLY now, more experimenting on a feel for yourself...whether this be messing with new lighting techniques, composition, or how you work with your subjects to bring them out for the photo.  This is a step that it seems many don't get to...they get discouraged, they stop and go back to copying what they have seen on Dave Hill's website(hey, i was there once!) and wonder...a lot.

SIX...this is the turning point...and a ways in...you are now committed to your photography.  It is your work, your life, your sleep, everything.  You cannot watch a simple movie without overly concentrating on lighting and composition...color use, both on set and in the editing...you are now obsessed.  You drive down the road watching the lines moved as composition changes, you see the daylight like never before and you talk to everyone thinking..."hmmm, the light would be so much better or fitting for you if you just turned 4" to the left."  This is about the point where you have a good enough grasp on the technical side of photography to do all your own thing...for some, this step came early...for others...it took years and years.  This is the step where you start getting TRULY compensated for you work.  After all...you have spent way too much time to shoot for free and give away the files.  Step six is where you finally begin to develop yourself and define who you are as a photographer.

Seven...this is now YOU.  You have refined your vision and know what you are seeing...  People know your work...you just shoot...not worrying about matching the latest shoot that ESPN did of T.O. or buying any gadget you read about in the backend of PDN...just shoot.  This is NOT to say you never change...because a key ingredient to a creative mind is evolution and being progressive.  If you are now an ad photog...you are creating these trends that people in step1-5 are mimicking.  You need to stay one step ahead but you can because you have the vision and self-understanding to be there.  You are now shooting for you...whatever your motive is, it does not matter, but you just shoot now because you must. 

Eight...the journey continues. Keep shooting and let your vision refine and instincts take over.  You are no longer thinking when you shoot, but rather just letting things happen.  This is the step that just keeps going.

Well...call me crazy, but that is how I feel and thats a good starter for the rest of this little discussion.  You might wonder..."Dan, where did this just come from?  What are you talking about?"...fair enough. 

Here is where...

For the past year or more, people have been asking me for advice(sorry. I am just not that great) and I try and help them best I can.  They want to know how I do something to my photos...what equipment I use...and anything else photo related.  I love it when people ask me these things because I was that guy asking people that a couple/three years back.  But, at the same time, I reallly want these same people to push themselves over this hump and find themselves.  I would like to think I am generous with my information and answers, and I will always continue to be...I just ask that these same people remember this and do the same to those in the future...and more importantly, they remember that in the end, you need to create yourself and find who you are inside that monster Canon 1Ds mk III....you can do it...we can help...errr...sorry...got off track.  But really...here are the next steps in this process...

What do you like?  In photography...I mean, what attracts you to an image?  I used the instance above of a hard edge image of Terrell Owens in ESPN the magazine...why do you love that?  ....ok...here we go...  now what do you do next...do you just leave it at that and go re-make that image with jimmy smith on the local football team??  OR...do you take it further...do you study that image?  WHY do I truly like this?  Is it the desaturated yet cool toning? is it the high pass, super sharp processing? Is is the harsh side lighting?  is it the wannabe tough, yet comical expression?  Is it that you love the dallas cowboys?  or...what is it? 

Once you have answered that...you can begin to break it down another step.

Ok...I love the lighting.  What was used...was it barebulb with a 30degree grid and that over pushed backlighting to really show the muscle and jaw line?  The very light fill that just made the eyes visible?  Or the cool gel used on the background?  This is how you get somewhere!  Now we are talking.

What does this all mean???

What it means is...you now can see photos you just love for whatever reason, and not only appreciate them as a whole like the common onlooker...but you can also appreciate them for reasons that really affect you...and most importantly...reasons that you can take INDIVIDUAL ideas out from the breakdown, and implement them into YOUR work to find yourself. 

For the non-photo influences...

These are just as important and sooooo diverse and personal for everyone I will not go far...  These are the things that give you that extra personal touch...that thing that makes a photo not only your in the eye of the viewer...but yours in your own eyes...that emotional feeling that came from the concept or thought behind the scenes...in your head when you created/captured this moment on your film or sensor.  For me, these come from a mix of things...my past...country Iowa boy...natural things...  Pop culture.  I see it everyday and love it.  I watch TV and read about the stars and whats hot in NYC and hollywood...and that translates to my work.  Whether it is music, movies, magazines, whatever...it influences me with humor and this non-serious, yet seriousness that we all live in everyday.

I have loves of vintage, old, forgotten places and how they make me feel. Whether it be sitting in my grandparents garage when I was 12...or driving 165 miles back and forth to school seeing the small Iowa towns...they all now have an influence on what comes out of that camera.  I then translate that to my print and it fulfills a need that I had and not only is it now seen as something that is me...but I see it as something that gives me a feeling or emotional tug and hopefully, others get a bit of that pull as well.

All of this is the creation of your refined vision...your better visual sense.

So...to sum this all up, and it was a lot to read...so if you read it all...hopefully you are not asleep or hating me...I just have to say that lately I have felt this strong bit of anxiety towards finding myself and presenting who I am through my photos, while at the same time, wishing others would go through that same process and find themselves because it is fun, exciting, and scary all at the same time.  This has nothing to do with anyone asking me questions, or me commenting on a forum or anything...it just something I wanted to get out there to clear my mind.  Just because the internet is making us and letting us see all the other photos that are out there, does not mean we have to just hurry up and fit in.  Ask the questions you want to ask, but remember, in the end, it is up to you to make your mark with the camera and it will come.  Not a thing you can push for or find overnight, but if you truly love photography and have obsessed the way I and many others have...you will know what it is I mean with all this.

Remember, this is a process...a journey if you will...

In the words of a phtoographer a LOT more skilled than myself..."Take a lot of photos...shoot all the time and develop your visual sense and be lucky.  Anyone can be a photographer.  You just read the instructions on the box.  The rest has to do with intelligence, visual sense, perception, and all the imponderables."

Just let it happen. - DB

Comments

[Amanda Elkins]

That was great DB! My mind wonders in that direction sometimes. I did change all my pricing since last time we spoke and now feel like I am in the right track! :) LOVE what I am doing! :)

[Dustin Steller]

Diggin' the thoughts, man. Just wanted to let you know I read it and hope all up-n-comers do, too. :-)

[Sarah Cantrell]

So I'm not the only one who is anxious... always good to know ;)

It's a good thought, trying to find oneself... I've been thinking the same things lately. But more so, I've been worried about how I was ever going to become "different". How am I ever going to be the one to come up with the stuff that other people mimic?

Let me know if you figure that one out ;)

[PaigeDeGroot]

And this is what makes DB the best!!! Great blog Dan!!!!

[Amy Owens]

I did indeed read the whole thing. I agree that everyone needs to find his/her own style and love it. My style is completely different from yours. There are others that are completely different from both of us. That is what makes us individuals, professionals, artists. Becoming an artist is the challenge.

[Paul Clark]

Great post Dan. I read the WHOLE thing. It made me think about where I came from and where I am going.

[Tawny]

You are too freakin' funny dude, but oh so damn right~! I actually could see where I was at on the photography map of art, crativity, technique, and etc. you described the journey. A very groovy read met with much appreciation. Rock on!

[Jamie Schultz]

Such an interesting read. Having grown up in Sioux City I can absolutely relate to how your Iowa roots influence your photography. You have certainly honed in on you own personal style which brought authenticity to your blog entry. I enjoy your writing almost as much as your photography.

[Hilary]

I'm somewhere between step 6 and 7 and this just totally inspires me! Thank you for sharing your insight.

[Marla]

Awesome read. inspiring. Great words to remember. Sometimes you read certain things that just hit you because it it something you can relate to at the moment...this is one of them for me. Thanks for sharing!

[Sarah Anne]

"You cannot watch a simple movie without overly concentrating on lighting and composition...color use, both on set and in the editing...you are now obsessed. You drive down the road watching the lines moved as composition changes, you see the daylight like never before and you talk to everyone thinking..."hmmm, the light would be so much better or fitting for you if you just turned 4" to the left." "

I just busted out laughing because I do this every freaking day. I start to have this mini conversation inside my head about how I would process the person, what I might liquify, how I would pop their eyes... etc. I thought I was just a freak. Glad to know it's a normal step.

[rustafari]

interesting commentary. i like it. i don't really see the steps the same or have the same mindset, but i appreciate your words and dissecting the creative process. nice blog!

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