Why do you photograph? What is your target?

jtk · Sep 23, 2019

Why would someone want to "photograph more" ?

I generally avoid clicking shutters until something strikes me as significant and worth photographing.

Many things seem significant and don't call for photographing.

Our large format friends are tuned in to that, as are those of us who (like me) generally don't click shutters unless we intend to print.

Chan Tran · Sep 23, 2019

Just like sound recording I photograph because I am interested in the process of making the photograph.

mshchem · Sep 23, 2019

I love the process. I too started with my Dad, I was the kid who had a yellow filter attached to his Instamatic shooting Verichrome .
I like signs and buildings, streets and portraits. I love my darkroom. This is what I was working on this morning. Pretty typical, I am not bold, I'm too shy.

KenS · Sep 23, 2019

vedostuu said:
Why do you photograph?

For fun?
For business?
For therapy?
For getting instagram/flickr "fame" ?
To be famous some day?
To impress people?
For only yourself and never show your work to others?
To spend time?
To have your own exhibit?
To document your family life?
To raise questions?
I don't know.
To fill up your external disks?
To store heritage in gelatin?

What is your project? What is your target? Why?

Be honest.

I did for these many years (as a 'Pro) because I 'enjoyed the challenge' of being able to assist the 'customer' ( ie my clients were 'scientists' in a Government, 'Agricultural Research Center' and they needed an onto-film and then onto 'paper 'record' of visible image of what could be observed by the naked eye, 'under' a magnifying glass, a microscope. or in some cases within the 'scanning' or 'point-source' electron microscope... for evidence of a 'something observeable'.. and.. in many cases there would be little to no chance of a 're-do'.
Since my 'retirement', I am now recording to film a 'something' within my 150-ish degree of my binocular vision, that my 'brain and 'inner-feelings' may be 'worthwhile' recording to film.. and printing onto paper using the 'archaic photographic print processes' under my ultraviolet light-source. (which tend to be 'much more work'.... a lot slower than commercial B/w papers).. but in the long run much more 'satisfying' to my 'Inner self'.

Ken

awty · Sep 23, 2019

mshchem said:
I love the process. I too started with my Dad, I was the kid who had a yellow filter attached to his Instamatic shooting Verichrome .
I like signs and buildings, streets and portraits. I love my darkroom. This is what I was working on this morning. Pretty typical, I am not bold, I'm too shy.
View attachment 231554

Nice, what format size is that?

Vaughn · Sep 23, 2019

Because that is what artists do. Like breathing, it only hurts when one stops for too long.

mshchem · Sep 23, 2019

awty said:
Nice, what format size is that?

It's a 6x17 cm negative, printed(apx 9x23?) on 10 x 24 rc paper. I went further and did split printing. I think I have it worked out on rc. Now to try to summon the will to make some nice DW prints.

Patrick Robert James · Sep 23, 2019

Vaughn said:
Because that is what artists do. Like breathing, it only hurts when one stops for too long.

Vaughn gets it....

removed account4 · Sep 23, 2019

Patrick Robert James said:
Vaughn gets it....

+1 !

awty · Sep 23, 2019

mshchem said:
It's a 6x17 cm negative, printed(apx 9x23?) on 10 x 24 rc paper. I went further and did split printing. I think I have it worked out on rc. Now to try to summon the will to make some nice DW prints.

What enlarger are you using to print 6x17 with? I have only a 4x5 enlarger, so have only gone up to 6x12.

awty · Sep 23, 2019

Vaughn said:
Because that is what artists do. Like breathing, it only hurts when one stops for too long.

Guess you wouldnt be doing it for the money. Personally I prefer eating, but its surprising how long you can go without food if you have to.

Arklatexian · Sep 23, 2019

jtk said:
Why would someone want to "photograph more" ?

I generally avoid clicking shutters until something strikes me as significant and worth photographing.

Many things seem significant and don't call for photographing.

Our large format friends are tuned in to that, as are those of us who (like me) generally don't click shutters unless we intend to print.

Well said. With me that something that strikes me as significant causes a voice in my head to say:"Take my picture". When I have done as the voice commanded, I have been rewarded with a photograph that I can be proud of. Old age keeps me from experiencing those moments anymore. Can't walk and carry a camera and tripod. Fortunately I have prints on the wall (B&W) that I can look at and relive those moments. Not everyone likes those pictures as much as I do, which is OK with me. I made them for ME! My wife, who was with me when I made those pictures likes them also. I'm just lucky, I guess......Regards!

Vaughn · Sep 24, 2019

awty said:
Guess you wouldnt be doing it for the money. Personally I prefer eating, but its surprising how long you can go without food if you have to.

I suggest getting rid of ones misconceptions and generalizations about what an artist is and how an artist works. Yes, early on (late 70s, early 80s) there were times of little money -- enough for rent (50 to 80 bucks/month) but not for food...thankfully rare, though...I remember a week of living on a 10 pound bag of potatoes (80 cents) and the lettuce of a friend's garden. But I could save up and buy some film and paper. Good times! And eventually, a seasonal US Forest Service job that allowed me to save up enough for a couple photo trips to New Zealand.

Now I am retired from my day job (running a university darkroom) I have a pension and Social Security from a life of part time and seasonal work...always made time for photography. The money from occasional print sales and workshops helps to pay the photo-related bills...platinum, travel gasoline, film, that sort of thing. One boy out of college, another finishes up this year...that will free up some money to get the darkroom finished.

One does what is neccesary when life presses in on art. One makes it work. When I was a stay-at-home-dad and the triplets had not even learn to crawl yet, I made work with an SX-70 instead of an 8x10. As the boys got older, I got out the 8x10 and weaved that into our lives. The boys are moving on and I have my shows, workshops and new work to make.

mshchem · Sep 24, 2019

awty said:
What enlarger are you using to print 6x17 with? I have only a 4x5 enlarger, so have only gone up to 6x12.

Zone VI VC cold light head. My first 6x17 carrier I made out of a piece of cardboard. I had SK Grimes modify a 6x7 factory carrier. Now it's perfect. I was incredibly lucky to find this enlarger. It runs off a Metrolux II timer, which is one indispensable tool for cold lights.
I use Beseler 4x5 enlargers as well. The camera is the most humble Fujica G617, fixed 105mm f8 SWD . I can shoot handheld in daylight, 500th @ f16 with TMY 2 developed in XTOL.

mshchem · Sep 24, 2019

Vaughn said:
I suggest getting rid of ones misconceptions and generalizations about what an artist is and how an artist works. Yes, early on (late 70s, early 80s) there were times of little money -- enough for rent (50 to 80 bucks/month) but not for food...thankfully rare, though...I remember a week of living on a 10 pound bag of potatoes (80 cents) and the lettuce of a friend's garden. But I could save up and buy some film and paper. Good times! And eventually, a seasonal US Forest Service job that allowed me to save up enough for a couple photo trips to New Zealand.

Now I am retired from my day job (running a university darkroom) I have a pension and Social Security from a life of part time and seasonal work...always made time for photography. The money from occasional print sales and workshops helps to pay the photo-related bills...platinum, travel gasoline, film, that sort of thing. One boy out of college, another finishes up this year...that will free up some money to get the darkroom finished.

One does what is neccesary when life presses in on art. One makes it work. When I was a stay-at-home-dad and the triplets had not even learn to crawl yet, I made work with an SX-70 instead of an 8x10. As the boys got older, I got out the 8x10 and weaved that into our lives. The boys are moving on and I have my shows, workshops and new work to make.

Sounds like you are having a great life! I took a buy out at 55 from what was for me a high pressure job. I continued to work part time until I turned 61. Now I'm collecting Social Security and a modest pension. My Subaru just turned over 100,000 miles, bought 4 new snow tires for this winter. Life is sweet.

awty · Sep 24, 2019

Vaughn said:
I suggest getting rid of ones misconceptions and generalizations about what an artist is and how an artist works. Yes, early on (late 70s, early 80s) there were times of little money -- enough for rent (50 to 80 bucks/month) but not for food...thankfully rare, though...I remember a week of living on a 10 pound bag of potatoes (80 cents) and the lettuce of a friend's garden. But I could save up and buy some film and paper. Good times! And eventually, a seasonal US Forest Service job that allowed me to save up enough for a couple photo trips to New Zealand.

Now I am retired from my day job (running a university darkroom) I have a pension and Social Security from a life of part time and seasonal work...always made time for photography. The money from occasional print sales and workshops helps to pay the photo-related bills...platinum, travel gasoline, film, that sort of thing. One boy out of college, another finishes up this year...that will free up some money to get the darkroom finished.

One does what is neccesary when life presses in on art. One makes it work. When I was a stay-at-home-dad and the triplets had not even learn to crawl yet, I made work with an SX-70 instead of an 8x10. As the boys got older, I got out the 8x10 and weaved that into our lives. The boys are moving on and I have my shows, workshops and new work to make.

I'm always happy to have my "misconceptions" challenged, Im often wrong just ask my wife, but I wasnt intending to be derogative, just my observations show you can not make a living from art, unless you are one of the few exceptions. I see small regional art galleries selling framed paintings for as little as a few hundred dollars, kind of shocked me of how little value. Ive seen other photographers rent galleries to display and try and sell their pl/pa prints to not sell any. Its a tough gig. Plenty of people have done it tough, I have been single parent when I was 23 for a few years and that was with working full time and went and remarried and brought up 4 kids, as you say you make it work. Now they are all growned up and moved out, I get to have a disposable income and a hobby. Im fortunate I dont have to sell any of my pictures at the moment, so can do as I please. In the future I might need to reevaluate that.
Tell me do you produce "art" with the idea of selling it, or is it purely something you just do and do it so well others buy, so are you more inclined to make pictures that sell.....not sure if that makes sense, not trying to offend. I often put up pictures here and else where to gauge reaction and after awhile you get an idea of what is popular and what isnt, then try and push the parameters a little.

jtk · Sep 24, 2019

Vaughn said:
I suggest getting rid of ones misconceptions and generalizations about what an artist is and how an artist works. Yes, early on (late 70s, early 80s) there were times of little money -- enough for rent (50 to 80 bucks/month) but not for food...thankfully rare, though...I remember a week of living on a 10 pound bag of potatoes (80 cents) and the lettuce of a friend's garden. But I could save up and buy some film and paper. Good times! And eventually, a seasonal US Forest Service job that allowed me to save up enough for a couple photo trips to New Zealand.

Now I am retired from my day job (running a university darkroom) I have a pension and Social Security from a life of part time and seasonal work...always made time for photography. The money from occasional print sales and workshops helps to pay the photo-related bills...platinum, travel gasoline, film, that sort of thing. One boy out of college, another finishes up this year...that will free up some money to get the darkroom finished.

One does what is neccesary when life presses in on art. One makes it work. When I was a stay-at-home-dad and the triplets had not even learn to crawl yet, I made work with an SX-70 instead of an 8x10. As the boys got older, I got out the 8x10 and weaved that into our lives. The boys are moving on and I have my shows, workshops and new work to make.

Interesting disjointed mix of tales. No mention of women (kids evidently appeared like your neighbors lettuce ). Me, I chased and caught a number of great examples...which created multiple wonderful lives for me, was fueled mostly by my love of Ektachromes and graphic design...and challenges of single parenting (only one from cc74'). With respect, I observe that many commercial photographers are also and by nature and commitment very productive artists rather than hobbiests...and that they work among peers (often in urban centers like LA, SF, Chi, and NY). Different strokes. Also it's appropriate to mention contraception and again salute women .

markbau · Sep 24, 2019

I just love the process of film/developing/printing. Once I have a print that I like (has happened about 6 times in 40 years) that photo is dead and I continue. I don't give a shit if anyone likes my photos. It's a totally selfish exercise.

warden · Sep 24, 2019

vedostuu said:
Why do you photograph?

Be honest.

It keeps the lesser demons at bay.

Vaughn · Sep 24, 2019

awty said:
...
Tell me do you produce "art" with the idea of selling it, or is it purely something you just do and do it so well others buy, so are you more inclined to make pictures that sell.....not sure if that makes sense, not trying to offend. I often put up pictures here and else where to gauge reaction and after awhile you get an idea of what is popular and what isnt, then try and push the parameters a little.

My photographs are a personal exploration and study into the art of seeing. I make the art I want to make, and if people want to buy it, great. Which of my art I put out for sale is influenced by what people want to buy. I also display pieces I figure no one will buy, but that I am pleased to have produced...occasionally I am surprised and someone will buy one. I am a few decades into not worrying what other people think about my photographs. But I am greatly interested in how people react to my photographs -- it is a form of communication and it is nice when the messages get through.

I do not believe the personal success of an artist depends on his or her financial success in selling their art. This is one of the misconceptions I was talking about.

jtk -- I generally do not discuss my love life on a photography forum. But you can insert this between the first and second paragraphs of my 'tale': I met my wife-to-be while photographing in NZ in 1981, we married in her home town in Oz after my second photo trip to NZ in 1987 (I was 33), we had triplets when I was 43, my wife divorced me and moved in with another man when I was 56 (boys were 13). The boys are now 22. One committed suicide at 20. One graduated with the highest honors from Cornell University and the other might do the same at UC Berkeley this year. I am still single.

jtk · Sep 24, 2019

It

Vaughn said:
My photographs are a personal exploration and study into the art of seeing. I make the art I want to make, and if people want to buy it, great. Which of my art I put out for sale is influenced by what people want to buy. I also display pieces I figure no one will buy, but that I am pleased to have produced...occasionally I am surprised and someone will buy one. I am a few decades into not worrying what other people think about my photographs. But I am greatly interested in how people react to my photographs -- it is a form of communication and it is nice when the messages get through.

I do not believe the personal success of an artist depends on his or her financial success in selling their art. This is one of the misconceptions I was talking about.

jtk -- I generally do not discuss my love life on a photography forum. But you can insert this between the first and second paragraphs of my 'tale': I met my wife-to-be while photographing in NZ in 1981, we married in her home town in Oz after my second photo trip to NZ in 1987 (I was 33), we had triplets when I was 43, my wife divorced me and moved in with another man when I was 56 (boys were 13). The boys are now 22. One committed suicide at 20. One graduated with the highest honors from Cornell University and the other might do the same at UC Berkeley this year. I am still single.

Heavy lifting .

Vaughn · Sep 24, 2019

jtk said:
...Heavy lifting .

Hey, of course, its life...everyone has their story. At 65, I prefer to keep writing and watching how much time I spend rereading chapters...good and bad. Its taken awhile to get back to that point.

awty · Sep 24, 2019

Vaughn said:
My photographs are a personal exploration and study into the art of seeing. I make the art I want to make, and if people want to buy it, great. Which of my art I put out for sale is influenced by what people want to buy. I also display pieces I figure no one will buy, but that I am pleased to have produced...occasionally I am surprised and someone will buy one. I am a few decades into not worrying what other people think about my photographs. But I am greatly interested in how people react to my photographs -- it is a form of communication and it is nice when the messages get through.

I do not believe the personal success of an artist depends on his or her financial success in selling their art. This is one of the misconceptions I was talking about.

jtk -- I generally do not discuss my love life on a photography forum. But you can insert this between the first and second paragraphs of my 'tale': I met my wife-to-be while photographing in NZ in 1981, we married in her home town in Oz after my second photo trip to NZ in 1987 (I was 33), we had triplets when I was 43, my wife divorced me and moved in with another man when I was 56 (boys were 13). The boys are now 22. One committed suicide at 20. One graduated with the highest honors from Cornell University and the other might do the same at UC Berkeley this year. I am still single.

Thanks I appreciate the explanation. Tough work being a parent, even harder on your own. Work and life is always a balance. Its important to keep your stress levels manageable and to enjoy things, you get better at it as you age.

jtk · Sep 25, 2019

Vaughn said:
Hey, of course, its life...everyone has their story. At 65, I prefer to keep writing and watching how much time I spend rereading chapters...good and bad. Its taken awhile to get back to that point.

In the rear-view mirror the downs seem to have engendered and nourished the upsides.

A calm, stable life is not often consistent with a life in art.

jtk · Sep 25, 2019

...along that line, "success" means different things to different people.

Financial success isn't necessarily inconsistent with artistic success. Strife isn't necessarily an obstacle to either kind.

Why do you photograph? What is your target?

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