Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/08/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jesus, Rob - I was NOT attacking you, and saying that you must be going through a 'rough period' was hardly meant as an ad harmonium. I have the greatest respect for you and your photography. First off, we all go through 'rough periods' in terms of our work. Second, I made the comment because I cannot conceive of someone with your talent and apparent dedication writing off the work of most of the world's documentary photographers - including your own work - as a hobby. B. D. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Rob Appleby Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 10:20 AM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] OT: photojournalism Rough period... Well, let's avoid the ad hominem. A hobby is what you do for yourself, on your own dollar, and in those terms, most significant documentary is a hobby. You can be highly motivated to do it, it's valuable - I'm tempted to say it's the most valuable thing photography has to offer, even the central value of photography - but it's not a dayjob anymore, except for a handful of snappers worldwide. BTW, just to avoid any misconceptions, I've never been in a crack den ;-), but I have been in some horrible conditions - and enjoyed it. After all, it was just a visit for me, not my everyday reality. For instance, I've spent a couple of weeks in caves in South Hebron, but I'm back home now - but the people I was photographing are still there. For me, it was fun fun fun - although I was saddened and angered by the lives the people in question were being forced to lead. I do think this aspect of documentary is seldom brought out - and this ties in to WES: that the photographer is a tourist, really, in other people's realities, and for him it's a trippy trip. What could be more fun than going where nobody else goes, for whatever reason? It's a high - and I would suspect anyone who said otherwise of bad faith or self-aggrandisement (sp?). I'm not putting anyone down for doing commercial work or waiting table, or whatever. We all have bellies that have to filled. Which is precisely why now, unlike 30 years ago, perhaps, most serious photography is indeed done as a hobby. R. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 3:43 PM Subject: RE: [Leica] OT: photojournalism > You have obviously been going through a rough period, Rob - Wandering the > globe and living in truly horrible conditions, separated from your family > and friends for a "hobby?" Spending a year hanging out in crack dens, with > your life at risk day in and day our for a "hobby?" > > Where is this stuff coming from? Yes, they have to do commercial work to > finance their personal work - the work for which they are known. Just as > virtually every artist of every type has waited tables, driven cabs, > practiced medicine, worked for an insurance company, etc. etc. etc. in order > to finance their artistic work. > > - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html