Advice for Photographers, and other Creative minds.

[PhotoJourno]

I really like these words (Architect Frank Ghery), because I feel they apply to so many of the threads that we see daily on this forum, and debate over and over.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhx6ZVfPvWE) (1:42 mins long) It is worth it.

Just wanted to share it.

[gjl711]

Interesting words, but he has a major flaw in this thinking and even says so.
“Over time if it’s any good it may find its way”. So, if it’s great and you persist long enough, you may one day become successful and achieve what you are looking for.

And if it’s not good, then what? Chances are that it’s more like a bowling or golf, tens of thousands try, but only a select few win. If you’re the one winner you get to make statements like this. But if your not, listening to others early on can give you invaluable insight and guidance setting you on a path to success and keep you from blindly stumbling around hoping to find the right answer.

Me personally, I would rather get feedback early and often from those I believe are farther along the path than me. I learn this way and improve quicker. Listening to what others have to say is a great feedback mechanism allowing one to fine tune their actions quickening the pace to success.

[PhotoJourno]

...Me personally, I would rather get feedback early and often from those I believe are farther along the path than me. I learn this way and improve quicker. Listening to what others have to say is a great feedback mechanism allowing one to fine tune their actions quickening the pace to success.

I definitely see your point. What those words from Ghery said to me, where "Follow your own creative path [emphasis on creative, not just any path like professionalism, or integrity, or technical and theoretical skills]".

I also liked how he said not to look over your shoulders to see what others are doing, but rather to keep an eye and ear open to your own abilities. The reason why I brought it up here in the forum, was because we (meaning many forum members) often compare ourselves -our abilities and our creativity- to that of others, and thus become discouraged, or belittled by our own thoughts.

Critique, and any way of learning -in my opinion and in complete agreement with your comment- is definitely a needed part of the process. It aids the technical and learning process greatly.

But for as the creative process, I do think that the words “Over time if it’s any good it may find its way” are accurate. Photography is not only about the technical quality of the image, but also the vision, the internal interpretation of the artist at the moment of actuating the shutter. I like specially his example of Van Gogh. He died crazy and poor, while today his 'pictures/paintings" sell for a little more than chunk change.

Anyhow, just an added comment, please don't take it as a rebuttal, or anything like that :)...