Wed Dec 28, 2011
I have referred to Photographer Kirk Tuck's blog several times Please take time to read
Lonely Hunter, Better Hunt He is describing what it takes to become a better photographer. But realizing most of you will not do this, here are the summary paragraphs. In the second paragraph, substitute the words accomplishment or achievement for photography, and you have what it takes to succeed as a student- of anything. And yes I left his final comment as is. Group work is popular in academic circles these days. I recently posted a story on the MBA at Yale and that is about all it was. I agree with Kirk, you want to mast the topic, you have to do the work.
But in 1992 it was up to me, continuously. These were the days before the internet so there was no need to "check in." No compulsive e-mail checking. No silly/obnoxious tweets. And no cellphone either. I could go days without speaking to anyone I knew and that was cool because it concentrated my attention onto taking photographs or getting myself into position to take photographs. I came to know the feel of the EOS-1 in a way that I can barely fathom now. It was an amazing camera. (But this is certainly not a camera review!!!)
Here's what I learned: If you want to do photography at a level that really satisfies your soul and your ego you'll need to do it alone. Forget having the spouse or girlfriend or best friend or camera buddy tagging along. Forget the whole sorry concept of the "photo walk" which does nothing but engender homogenization and "group think." Leave all electronics in your hotel room. Cut off all communications, during the day, from or to the "real world" and immerse yourself in the hunt for images. Learn what makes your brain salivate and why. Learn to operate that camera by braille. And make your decisions based on what your inner curator wants you to say.
Everything else is just play time bullshit.
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