It's Not in the Middle!

I was recently asked whether I had a blog that might inspire a new photographer. My response was that I indeed write about photography, but that I would be hesitant to recommend my blog to new photographers. My posts tend to be the random thoughts and observations of someone struggling to do high-end photography for about 40 years, and some of it may be unsuitable for younger audiences, as they say.

It is also important to note that I am not considered a good photographer, at least by other photographers. My style is more popular with painters and other artists. I've been told over and over again that my work is too 'artsy'. As an example, a local photographer recently proudly showed me his latest shots of a picturesque mill in Southeast Missouri. I scrolled through my website and showed him my version. He spotted the problems right away: "The mill isn't even in the middle of the shot, where it's supposed to be! And why is your foreground in focus? Weren't you using auto focus?" In his defense, that is the style you'll find in most galleries, hospitals, etc. A mill or barn, shot at noon, right smack dab in the middle of the image. As another of my photographer friends put it, "If you're taking a picture of a barn, then just take a picture of a barn! Why are you worried about all that lighting and composition stuff? People just want a nice picture of a barn!"

I just got back from a small group workshop at the Grand Canyon. It was a good experience, but it quickly became apparent that I was the only photographer that didn't suffer from GAS, or 'gear acquisition syndrome'. Much downtime was spent discussing the latest purchases of cameras, lenses, tripods, computer software, etc. On the far opposite end of the spectrum, I pride myself on almost always having the simplest and oldest stuff. I am still using a scuffed up, out of style, inexpensive Bogen tripod that I bought 30 years ago. I only have a handful of lenses....and just a couple of relatively inexpensive (but good) cameras. And I use an out-of-date CD copy of Lightroom 6, and don't even own Photoshop. My perception is that a lot of photographers are like golfers, always looking to that next purchase to finally improve their game. But my theory has always been that the athlete (or artist) with the oldest, most worn equipment is often the most skilled.

So yes I do write a blog, but it should come with a warning label, at least for new photographers. I don't want to pass along any of my bad habits. Below is my failed attempt at photographing Falling Spring Mill, in Shannon County. Pentax 6x7 (no auto focus!) on Velvia 100 slide film.