Newbie ramblings - understanding photography.

Hello.
I've recently started getting into photography, and I'm finding the art-form jump a little difficult. Well, I'm a newbie and a slightly ditzy school-girl, so this'll probably seem a little - obvious? basic? - but here's how photography's hitting me:

I love it. But I don't understand it at all - or the role of photographer... It seems to be largely about ownership - about reinventing the world as manageable - as following a set of man-made rules of aesthetics... (Well, duh, isn't that what art is?) ...I guess I'm trying to say that while photography strikes a deep chordin me, it seems pretty anthropocentric. Everything's made smaller and neater and just generally more controllable than is reality. (I'm seeing parallels here between much modern photography, and pre-Impressionistic art. 0.o) To say it another way:
"My job as a photographer is to bring order to chaos. ...our world is full of visual chaos. ... Out of an infinite number of elements, I ... have to select and arrange a certain number of them into some visual harmony." - Boyd Norton.

these are not the "ramblings" of a "slightly ditzy school-girl". As Jack Handy once said...Deep thoughts. I think you undestand a lot more then you give yourself credit. Photography, from my point of view, is whatever you want it to be. For some it is all about the snap shot, just capturing "that"moment. For others it is all about the "Art" of it. For most it is somewhere in the middle. The most important thing is to enjoy your camera and love your images!.
Welcome to the forum...
Ed

I'd say you're off to a good start. If photography does indeed strike a deep chord within you, you'll define the role of photographer for yourself. I think you'll find photography a deeply satisfying hobby or vocation. Welcome to the forum and enjoy yourself!

Mark

I think you hit it on the head. For me it was about finally having an artistic outlet..... for some it's about the technically perfect photo, for some it's about profit, but for most it's about capturing and creating something. capturing a moment in time that you can't regain, and creating an image that you think has merit. be it because of emotion, or content or whatever it is that draws you to it.but, your off to a good start. the rest will take time. Good luck, welcome to the POTN, hope to see some posts from you soon. Sari.

Couldn't draw, couldn't paint, but I do know how to push a button!

For me photography is all about the reaction. I strive to take pictures that people will stop and look over a second time. It is a creative outlet, and an art form. So relax, shoot, and enjoy it...this is a great forum with some very talented folks that can guide you to the right answer in how to acomplish a task with your camera...the eye...is all you.

Welcome aboard!

I remember trying to convince a friend who is a Leica fanatic that taking a snapshot at a party with a point & shoot was still photography...
As Ed said above, in the end photography is what you want it to be. Like any other forms of art, it is so subjective!
You just have to learn the basics of technique to be able to get what you have in mind when you're looking at something. Eventually, technique is just a mean to lead you to your artistic nirvana
Go buy a camera and start shooting! Have fun

You will meet people from time to time who try to cram their own definition of the term down your throat. They hang out at local photography clubs and other internet forums.

The refreshing thing about this forum is that I've never seen that attitude here. So it's a great place to share and discuss your art and your passion, whatever that may be.

Take pictures. Have fun!

PhotosGuy wrote:
Couldn't draw, couldn't paint, but I do know how to push a button!

lol

this is a great thread. morien- to a certain extent i think you are right, that a lot of photography is about control. For me it's about putting my own personal perspective on things. When I see something I think is worth photographing, it's not just because its a 'pretty' landscape or interesting creature, my reaction is more along the lines of "I think that's something beautiful, and someone else who looks at this might not see or appreciate its beauty at first glance." so we photographers (or at least I do) take photos of things to record what we see and to show others what they might be missing in a drive-thru, rushed, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants to get there on time, world.

i love the fact that for the most part this forum isn't pretentious as so many photographers (and other creative types) often are. Then there are also the 'phonies' people who have little interest in art but pursue it or at least pretend to because there's something 'cool' about calling yourself a photographer or artist.

Morien- i think you're on the right track. If photography strikes a 'deep chord' in you, take it as a sign and go for it. And when you get stuck (on technical issues and such) that's what great communities like this are for.

Absolutely, i dont feel afraid to ask dumb questions here for fear of being roasted by the other members.

PhotosGuy wrote:
Couldn't draw, couldn't paint, but I do know how to push a button!

exactly.

spencer87 wrote:
lol

this is a great thread. morien- to a certain extent i think you are right, that a lot of photography is about control. For me it's about putting my own personal perspective on things. When I see something I think is worth photographing, it's not just because its a 'pretty' landscape or interesting creature, my reaction is more along the lines of "I think that's something beautiful, and someone else who looks at this might not see or appreciate its beauty at first glance." so we photographers (or at least I do) take photos of things to record what we see and to show others what they might be missing in a drive-thru, rushed, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants to get there on time, world.

i love the fact that for the most part this forum isn't pretentious as so many photographers (and other creative types) often are. Then there are also the 'phonies' people who have little interest in art but pursue it or at least pretend to because there's something 'cool' about calling yourself a photographer or artist.

Morien- i think you're on the right track. If photography strikes a 'deep chord' in you, take it as a sign and go for it. And when you get stuck (on technical issues and such) that's what great communities like this are for.

I know the type I work with one. We both shoot Canon and have the same bodies and similiar accessories. You'd think we'd be buddies, share tips, opinions and info. But, because I don't put a dollar sign on everything I do he finds me completely invalid as a photographer. Has gone so far to call my camera, 'a cute diversion for a cute girl'. I suppose thats why I spend so much time here... there aren't those attitudes and judgements... Sari.

I like this discussion of general motives and aspirations. Deep stuff. What are we working toward? What is the camera turning on inside us? Is the result a totally imaginitive/creative thing? Is it a document to prove a just cause and/or decadent humanity? Is it to capture the triumphant millisecond when a skill/athleticism/spor​tsmanship reached a high? Is it to present a "Oh so awesome" insight into nature and landscape?

As always a picture is worth a thousand words. Keep looking.

Here are some pictures by photographers. They appeal to me. If I asked a shrink whats the appeal he'd probably say its escapism...

Here's a simple photo -then a happysnap, now a document of an era.

Some great galleries:

Portraits and the old ways.

Landscape and Nostagia.

Candid portraiture.

Magnificent Landscapes.

Monochrome portraits.

Forests.

I know the type I work with one. We both shoot Canon and have the same bodies and similiar accessories. You'd think we'd be buddies, share tips, opinions and info. But, because I don't put a dollar sign on everything I do he finds me completely invalid as a photographer. Has gone so far to call my camera, 'a cute diversion for a cute girl'. I suppose thats why I spend so much time here... there aren't those attitudes and judgements... Sari.
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thats quite sad, and highly pretentious. Sounds like you need a new job with people who like what you do and who you are, and are willing to help you grow and learn as a photographer. I've worked with quite a few photographers over the years, the ones with the attitudes that you speak of have always got a slick tongue from me. Little do they know that they could actually learn from you, oh well their loss. keep learning and growing and creating your own style of images. and do what you wish with them.