Prefer to work alone?

[Andy K]

Yes I much prefer working alone.. I'm not really into the whole kissy-kissy huggy-huggy lets-all-go-play-cameras-together thing.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I've found the best success when shooting in a group is when we all have a pre-agreed upon subject or group of subjects in a single location. Then we can all work around the same subject and we tend to feed off each other's creative vibes. What doesn't work is cruising around together looking for something, because invariably the one driving the car has a different interest than the one(s) in the passenger seat, and either the driver gets forced to stop for something they aren't up for, or the passengers get stiffed out of shooting something because the driver won't stop.

 

[Jim Noel]

I almost always go on photographic excursions with another photographer. I do this for two reasons, 1)safety - in case one of us has an accident or we are in a dangerous area, and 2) we feed off each others ideas.
This said, once on location we generally are some distance apart, up to perhaps a mile, so that we are working independently, but once again share ideas when we are back together.
Obviously I am selective as to whom I choose to go with.

 

[bruce terry]

... The guys says, "Aren't you going to include the part on the left?". I look. He was right. Argggg. I couldn't shoot it. It'd no longer be "my" photo, mistake or not. The very fact that he was there had distracted me .. and now he was pointing out the error of that very distraction. Maddening.

Worse-than-worse? When you're out with a photog-bud, scouting for things to shoot ... you see something and compose on it .... then, so does he (or she). Arrrgggh.

Truth be told, I almost wish I could post this anonymously. I feel a bit ashamed to have this attitude. Some might say I'm over-sensitive. But, damn it, creativity is a fragile thing. If a shot is bad, I accept the criticism. However, if it's good, I want full credit! Am I alone in this sentiment?

Not alone Christopher. To me, creativity is Me testing Me and immense aloneness is required. Anyone else gets into the act, the image is not Mine to be ashamed of, or proud of.

 

[Vaughn]

I have done quite a few multi-days photographic trips with other photgraphers. Most of the time it is, "I'll meet you back at the car (or campsite) for lunch (or after dark)." The exception is working around/on sand dunes when it is best to stick together and not chance putting footprints across someone's potential photograph. These trips have been very productive -- as productive as my solo trips. And it is nice to be able to split the gasoline costs!

Photographing with the 8x10 on family vacations is difficult, but not impossible -- one just has to remember that it IS a family vacation -- not a week+ long photo trip...and grap the opportunities as the come and enjoy the light when one can't haul out the camera.

 

[JBrunner]

A bit of both for me. Sometimes I really like watching someone work. I learned more about photography watching Per Volquartz set up, compose and expose a negative, than I had in the entire previous year.

 

[Chuck_P]

I shoot alone..........but I don't drink alone. I would, however, love to tag along with an experienced LFer and just watch.

 

[PHOTOTONE]

I have no problems at all photographing with my "best bud" photographer. He shoots only digital, I shoot only film. We often make suggestions to each other, but we are free to tell the other to go to hell, with no hard feelings. I think it depends on your personality, and my bud and I are big kidders, not afraid to call each other idiots, and we each get very good images. But I too, am not afraid to stomp down some offending weeds to offer a better view of what I am shooting, or have my bud hold back a limb during exposure. I like going out with someone else, as we often have to climb up or down slopes, with equipment, and I am glad there is someone there in case of emergencies. I think it helps that we both like the same subject material (old bridges), so we plan a day of specific locations where bridges are. He is also better at spotting poison ivy than I am, so he is the official poison ivy spotter.

 

[jgjbowen]

I enjoy photographing with other large format photographers. My experiences have been very rewarding. I've had the opportunity to photograph with Richard Ritter on a few occasions. We normally go to a place called Cavendish Gorge. It is a small remote area and quite dangerous. The photographs can be wonderful! When we arrive Richard heads left and I head right or vice versa. We stay out of each other's way and we also have the support if one of us should need help. I'd never attempt to photograph Cavendish Gorge without someone else in attendance.

I've also had the opportunity to take an extended photographic trip with Bruce Barlow. We spent a week in Maine together this past October. We would arrive at a predetermined location at Arcadia National Park and there was enough photographic subject matter, that the only times we saw each other over an entire morning was if we crossed paths while heading back to the truck to get more film holders. Once we tired of that location, we would hop in the truck and tour the many harbors. It was very nice to have the company of another photographer. We and our meals together and shared the gasoline costs. I know we both achieved our photographic goals during this trip.

As others have stated/experienced, YMMV

John

 

[winger]

If I shot with someone like in the OP, I'd definitely want to shoot alone. Maybe I've been pretty lucky, but the people I've shot with have helped me spot good shots (and, I hope, vice versa). The key is finding someone you get along with well in the first place. And someone who doesn't shoot totally different things from you. At least, that's what's worked for me. I might be more productive when I'm by myself, but it's fun to have company sometimes, too.

 

[nick mulder]

We often make suggestions to each other, but we are free to tell the other to go to hell, with no hard feelings. I think it depends on your personality, and my bud and I are big kidders, not afraid to call each other idiots.

Reminds me very much of my 'best bud' photo friend as well... He's trucking off to Portland next year to live - bastard!

Photography for me in almost all aspects is a very social thing.

 

[Steve Bell]

Although I do meet up with other photographers probably around 6 - 8 times a year, I prefer shooting alone. An outing with other photographers is often more of a social gathering rather than serious photography. Alone you have the freedom to spend as long as you like in one location without feeling obligated to move on when the others do. I always come away with more keepers when out by myself.

 

[IloveTLRs]

I prefer to work on my own. When I'm on vacation with my wife she's very understanding when I'm taking pictures. I tend to stop suddenly which probably drives uninitiated people nuts.

The last thing I need is someone yammering around me, interrupting my flow. I've had people say things like "You and your xxxxxx photos ... I don't know ... I don't get it ...." :rolleyes: What's to get? Shut up and let me work

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I like going to locations with someone but ultimately prefer shooting alone. I guess sometimes I feel like I have no right photographing anything out in the open. Having someone else around makes it easier. I think i'm agoraphobic.

 

[colrehogan]

When I am out shooting, I do like to go with another photographer sometimes. My problem is that the equipment draws people who distract me more than another photographer would.

 

[Kilgallb]

Last week a hunter walking alone in Kananaskis Country was killed by a Grizzly bear. My wife freaked as I was out alone shooting the same weekend. So, I probably have no choice but the find a photo buddy. I have tried non-photo hiking companions, but they are usually to impatient to wait 30 minutes for me while I set up a shot.

 

[Dave Wooten]

I work alone, don t have that many friends really that would "put up with" or have the patience for my selfish obsessions.....I'd probably break my code of conduct however if Monty or Sandy showed up in the wild wild west.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Last week a hunter walking alone in Kananaskis Country was killed by a Grizzly bear. My wife freaked as I was out alone shooting the same weekend. So, I probably have no choice but the find a photo buddy. I have tried non-photo hiking companions, but they are usually to impatient to wait 30 minutes for me while I set up a shot.

Many hunters I know have a horror story or two to tell about how they've gotten into trouble exactly because they're sneaking around in the bush. I've got a big old wooden tripod with metal spikes at the ends of the legs that I whack against tree trunks as I walk along, and once in a while I'll give a loud hoot or two as well. In 25 years of wandering (mostly off trail) in the north coast BC rain forest I've never had a bad encounter with a bear. Hope it stays that way!

I go alone because nobody else likes to wander around in the pouring rain of the fall monsoons, or snowshoe through winter snow. My gear usually stays in the closet during spring and summer.

I prefer the quiet anyway.

Anybody who's gone by themselves a lot for two or three day hikes knows how much more they are aware of, compared to hiking with a partner. Being alone allows you to see and feel in a way that's impossible knowing someone else is nearby.

Murray

 

[Ross Chambers]

Like Jean-Loup Sieff, a well-known French photographer, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago, said: 'Photography is like onany, solitary'

I do hope that he was not implying that we lone wolf by preference LF types are all wankers!

It can be difficult to tactfully turn down peers who want to make up a party, I just sneak off without telling them.

Regards - Ross

 

[walter23]

I wouldn't say I hate it, but I find it much easier to shoot alone. I enjoy photography more when I get into a solitary contemplative mood, and being with someone else kind of distracts me through no fault of their own. I went on a hike a couple of months ago with some local photographers and it worked out fantastically though; we chatted a bit on the hike but didn't feel constrained to stay shackled together, met up for lunch at the end, and pretty much did our own things photographically. Ideal, as far as I'm concerned!

This will perhaps seem selfish, but as I get older I realize that I'm really beginning to hate being with another photographer when doing street shooting or fine-art landscape work.

As for commercial work; yeah, there's nothing better than good assistants. I don't have a lot of experience, but what little I have has taught me that a good assistant who notices details is fantastic.

 

[panastasia]

I go alone because nobody else likes to wander around in the pouring rain of the fall monsoons, or snowshoe through winter snow. My gear usually stays in the closet during spring and summer.

I prefer the quiet anyway.

Anybody who's gone by themselves a lot for two or three day hikes knows how much more they are aware of, compared to hiking with a partner. Being alone allows you to see and feel in a way that's impossible knowing someone else is nearby.

Murray

After reading this entire thread, finally, someone I can identify with!

It's in those moments, in remote places, alone, that I find complete joy when composing a photo. There are still places that have been undisturbed by others - always off the path. I love hiking in the bush with compass and altimeter (not GPS, accuracy is questionable).

I'm somewhat of a loner, but not completely.

 

[Vaughn]

Anybody who's gone by themselves a lot for two or three day hikes knows how much more they are aware of, compared to hiking with a partner. Being alone allows you to see and feel in a way that's impossible knowing someone else is nearby.

Murray

Exactly -- I do miss going on 7 to 11-day backpack trips by myself. On a few inside the grand Canyon, I would see no one (except for some folks floating down the river) for 9 days. One pretty much has to decide for oneself if one has having good time. And knowing a false move while exploring a side canyon with the 4x5 could result in an injury that could mean death, does gives oneself a heighten awareness.

Now that I have kids, I don't have the time, nor do I wish to takes such risks (well, not so extreme, anyway).

Vaughn

 

[mark]

I love going out shooting with my father. I have no idea why, but we have an unspoken rule. If one wants to stop they stop and we leave each other alone. Aside from my father I have gone out with one other person and it was a good time for the same reasons. When it was time to take a shot we left each other alone. After that we talked.

I would suspect laying the ground rules before going out will help. I would go nuts if someone was trying to talk while I was shooting, or offering advice. It is possible to be alone and solitary when you are with another person, that person just has to agree to it.

 

[highpeak]

The fun part with a group outing is the after-shot beer. Plus, you can learn a lot by just watching other people doing things you never thought of doing. If you find something interesting, you can always go back and shoot alone.

Alex W.

 

[haris]

Yes