Perceived Visualization from the Masters of Photography
By James Breedlove
Each Photograph is a representative of how we perceived our subject and relay it to the public in a fashion which is tangible and memorable. If we do not leave the viewer with an impression of photographic art we are doing ourselves a disservice and those who view our work, as well.
In today's hustle of sifting through the massive collections of photo on the Internet, our work by itself is challenged. Yes, there are several great photographers out there who we may compete against but they are slim in numbers. It is the average everyday snapshot that is whipped out, mostly by the phone camera, we must contind with as competition for viewing and review. Even if we are attempting to sell our work we are challenged to a greater extent in today's marketplace. There is little we can do to change the trend of technology, putting cameras at the fingertips of everyone who might own a cell phone. Even so, there is no shortage in actual dedicated cameras for those who want to venture with a regular camera. Cameras have become cheap and feature pact to draw in more customers to buy there products. The manufacturers of cameras have lucked upon the greater market of individuals who are awakening to the prospects of shooting a selfie or photos of the friends and family without the need of a actual professional photographer. They incorporate fun scene settings and encourage the camera owners to download or purchase there editing software which give them a wide range of results. Can we blame the camera manufacturers for capitalizing on the less expensive camera market? I would say not, because they themselves are being pushed by the ever growing field of the smartphone camera who makes better and better functionality occur on their newest version of phone. New functions that make the manufactures like Canon, Nikon, Fuji and others to take note. We have to begin to wonder, what will happen when the phone camera is good enough to actually do all aspects of photography, including initiate external flash and is able to capture the most toughest situations in photography, like weddings. Will it mean the end of the camera as we know it today.
Separating ourselves from the average joe, who takes multiple snapshots and shares them on social media, with friends, family and even publish some of them; can we visualize being creative enough to meet the challenge. As a photographer we are tasked to understand the concepts of framing up a good photo and capturing the perspective of those who view our photographs. We understand some of the limitations that the average person will be faced with to achieve good work, in order to be competitive. It isn't our job to make it easier for the average person to move in on our market. Nor should we suggest to people to use their mom's or pop's photo talents to capture their events. The market of photography is a business and not treating it as a competitive business we will be soon on an unemployment line.
Creative visualization doesn't end at the point of being able to see the outcome of our work before we take the shot, to visualize the concept in our head and making it happen using our tools of the trade. Visualization also has to include understanding who we are different and then being able to capitalize on that. Having a great camera body and lens will only carry us so far, applying the visualization concept to creating a masterpiece is just another part of the puzzle. To research our market and gain a following in those markets and establish your work as being creative, different and compelling is yet another piece of the pie. To capitalize on the short comings or the limitations of other's camera gear (camera phone, point-n-shoots or DSLR's) is a piece of the pie. When we add them all up we are on stage to move ahead. We will only stay ahead if we continue to keep up with trends, to keep up with technologies. The old school photographer who does not keep up with the essentials will lose out. All it takes is the one person who establishes business down the road from us, who keeps up with trends, is able to and willing to get in front of the audience and is willing to do it cheaper than we do, and bam..you're out of business. No customers equals no money, which pays the bills.
How do we combat the average person with the camera phone, or point-n-shoot? Sometimes, we must capitalize on what we know about photography and working with people. Generally, people who seek a photographer are those who want the best, want specific photos and want to have them in print, maybe on a CD. We must stress to people that photo's will not exist forever unless we make them. Though we have a phone camera, how often do we swap phones. Photos can be lost, even when we save them to computers they can be lost. It is in the interest of those who wish to have photos which will last to have them in media that is long lasting or protected by professional methods of archival storage. We must brand our product and have quality which equals or branding. We can't be the average joe who puts out the standard style of photo, we must go beyond and think of new ways of presenting our work. We must learn to use our talents; in some cases that only means understanding photography lighting. But this must be demonstrable to our customer, by using our finished work match against others who are non-professional photographers or professional photographers who choose to not concentrate on the details. Doing great work isn't limited to the studio set-up but studio set-up or at least having a set-up will be a step forward from those who do not. Be competitive in the markets. Though, you and I know that being a pro-photographer should set us apart from the guy or gal who just happen to have a pocket camera and wants to make a little money with it, though we cant under-sale ourselves. Over-pricing is murder in the areas where photography studios are saturated. Step out of the box, and go public after all you're the pro. Don't be afraid to get out there where the people are to capture the moment. Leave you calling card.
When people know you they will come, it is nice to do some stuff for family or friends at cost or little to no cost, but you must insist they become your word of mouth person, to spread your talents that are not free. When there is a event and your not busy be there camera in hand. Where there is a function be there and be willing to post a photo to social media or other media outlet, with credit to your work.
Visualization from the conception of the idea to the photo you take, to the market place and customer and understanding the threats you face with today's advancing technologies will inspire you to continue ahead and become better at what you do. Those who cannot keep up with the business prospects will fall to the way side. It is a growing trend, a shop will go up here and there but in a few months can't afford their rent and are gone. Being consistent, uptop of your game and having your brand out there that people may think of you first are keys to success. But only you can gather the great photos you do, and your talent to shoot clear, clean images must be on mark. Don't slouch on the job by not knowing your camera and shooting environment. You will know how to shoot manual, and you will shoot RAW, you will use light modifiers when necessary and enlist a assistant when practical, because you know the bottom line is, to have a work of art and go beyond what the customer ask of you. If you're a photo enthusiast, and don't work as a pro-photographer perhaps you can learn from this as well. It's your dedication that drives you forward, and you're knowledge of what you can do that sets you apart.
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