Re: [Leica] Snapshots vs 'art'

[Alastair Firkin <firkin@ncable.net.au>]

Not everyone will see photography as art: who cares, not everyone sees 
painting as art. To many people capturing "snaps" is enough, and modern 
equipment allows even the ham fisted to make "images". The challenge 
for the photographer remains the same today as it did when the medium 
was invented -- to convince the public -- or some of the public-- to 
appreciate the work, dedication and creative talents of a photographer, 
and they do. On the popular level, there are "superstar" photographers 
who capture the imagination of a world wide audience, right down to 
those who say to me -- "I know you are a photographer, I could not do 
that", when of course they probably could, IFFFFFFF they made the 
effort and had the interest and passion. So everyone who thinks they 
are talented doesn't make a living, do you think all painters do?

Cheers
On Friday, Jun 13, 2003, at 00:29 Australia/Melbourne, Ted Grant wrote:

> Steve Barbour added:
>> yes absolutely Rich...yet at the same time, people trivialize photos, 
>> and
>> take them for granted, often  assuming that everyone can be a
>> "photographer"<<<<
>
> Hi Steve,
> How true! And there are lots who've regretted, "assuming everyone can 
> be a
> photographer" by not hiring a competent professional.
>
> Any number believe and voice strongly about photographer's horrendous 
> rates,
> "just to take pictures?"  Or this one, "To hell with paying that kind 
> of
> money, my uncle has a great camera, a German lika or something and 
> takes
> great pictures of the family. He'll  do it for free!"  Surprise!!!! 
> Uncle
> Willie may take great happy snaps of the family in their Sunday go to 
> church
> clothes, but when he has to deliver in the heat of the week, fails 
> miserably
> under pressure.
>
> Over the years I can't remember how many people have said ,"is that 
> all you
> do go around the world taking snaps? What a great racket, I'm going to 
> get
> me a camera and do that.":-(
>
> Some folks don't think being a photographer has anything more to do 
> than
> squeeze down on the shutter release like they themselves do taking 
> holiday
> snaps. They give no thought to creative eye, equipment or seeing 
> talent,
> certainly zip thought to years of experience have taught the 
> photographer,
> professional, to capture moments otherwise lost. While others are 
> fiddling
> and diddling with what film? What settings? etc. Instead of re-acting
> instinctively to a passing moment.
>
> And in some cases we as professionals make it look and sound so simple 
> that
> "anyone can do this" we maybe our worst own enemy.
>
> ted
> Ted Grant Photography Limited
> www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>
>
>
>
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>
>
Alastair

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