“You’re not hiring me for my shutter finger–everyone can push a button. You’re hiring me for my creative vision and my ability to convey a particular message about the (blank) experience through unforgettable imagery.”
This is an excerpt from a recent email to a potential client of mine. And really, although the word “passion” isn’t even mentioned, I think it sums up nicely what separates an exceptional photographer from many of the good photographers out there. Regardless of your technical prowess, your lens collection or your abundant knowledge of a certain location or activity–without passion for the medium of photography and the action of capturing timeless moments forever, you will fail at connecting with people as they view your work. It’s as simple as that.
Matt Warner revels in a fisherman's paradise on the Middle Provo River, UT
Sure you could probably shoot skiing if you don’t ski, but would you really capture the subtle nuance of an epic powder turn? Or would you simply be documenting it…
Brant Moles. Happy. Alta, UT
Sure you could probably shoot fly fishing if you don’t fish, but would you really capture the connection between man and water? Or would you simply be going through the motions…
Bryan Gregson casts in early morning light on Currant Creek, UT
Sure you could probably shoot scenic imagery without a personal connection to the landscape, but would you really personify Mother Nature in your imagery? Or would you simply be tracing an emotionless empty stencil onto a digital sensor…
Evening skies light up over Utah's Middle Provo River
We are not just photographers. We are interpreters.
Tags: AdamBarkerPhotography, Currant Creek, Fly Fishing Photos Utah, Landscape Photography Utah, Middle Provo River, Ski Photos Utah, Utah
beautiful work! thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for dropping in Trent.
This is a great post Adam. Stunning pictures (as always) with meaningful commentary. Going to your blog periodically is always a great surprise. I love it.
Thanks Steve. Always great to hear from you.
Great post. And great images. I couldn’t agree more concerning the passion. Might I suggest “Interpreting our Heritage” by Freeman Tilden. It doesn’t speak directly to the medium of photography, but it does address passion.
From Chapter VI: “Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address itself to the whole man rather than any phase.”
THIS is what a great image does for an individual.
Great quote Rick. I’ll have to check out that book. Thanks for dropping a line.
Fantastic article Adam, without passion, theres no drive, and no soul
“Regardless of your technical prowess, your lens collection or your abundant knowledge of a certain location or activity–without passion for the medium of photography and the action of capturing timeless moments forever, you will fail at connecting with people as they view your work. It’s as simple as that”
quote worthy itself.
J