i follow so many great International photographers, and after seeing a posting on a blog recently about this topic, made me want to have a chat about it too.............
As a new photographer, following others for inspiration is what we do ........ getting ideas, seeing how they do things, what works what doesnt,....... yet i did, like we all do , go through many times where i would compare my work to theirs, and think....'am i supposed to be more like that ?' but yet when i would try, it would feel so wrong and strained, and i was concentrating WAY too hard !!! lol .....
a few months ago was the first time, that i saw someone write on facebook... " i can spot sam's work anywhere, she has a style thats like no other "....WOW ....biggest compliment EVER !! and since then i have really noticed that for the past 12 months, i feel i have finally found myself ! as cheesey as it sounds !
i used to plan plan plan shoots......... and now i dont ! simple as that ! ( apart from working with the family to plan location etc ) i dont put so much pressure on myself and FINALLY it seems to come naturally now..........
so i wanted to say ....... for any newbies starting out and feeling completely bewildered .......and i am so so humbled and touched that i have been getting emails from people asking me things like this.........as cliche as it sounds, be yourself ! try not to even look at what photographers in your area are doing.........it will drive you batty...... i take inspiration from photographers in other countries........ and then get off my butt and go and take photos! i seem to have a certain way that i view the world, and you will too............. do what you love and how you want to do it !! ( i have said so many times that i would happily do this all for free ! i really do love it..... and making people smile, laugh or cry when they see the images of their kids ...but we all know it wouldnt pay the bills that way..... )dont feel influenced by so many people saying you should or shouldnt offer digital files, do what ever you want............ that side has never been an issue for me...... i really wouldnt want to keep them from anyone, and feel that its a totally arrogant thing to do so............ ( just a sore spot ! haha) and hey, i have probably insulted a large majority of the industry right there.....but thats just how i feel about it.... so i do what i want to do ....... and that is why people keep coming back !
if you like darker shades, vibrant colours, and shadows....then make that work for you ....define your style....make all your coloured shots have similar tones, make them YOU ...so you can see they all come from you ! make sure all your b&w images have the same tones....to define that they are from you !!....its how you want the world to be seen......... i love showing people how i see the world......... i love showing people how i want the world to be seen...through my eyes............ and i finally feel like i have found it ! and consistently seem to manage that ........ there is no WRONG way........ make it how you like it !!! end of story !!
be you !! best advice anyone ever gave me !!!
children and family lifestyle photography auckland
