Motivation and Independent Critique

I’m sure like most of us I have a pretty extensive library of books on photography. I have the usual truckload of books on technique and instruction on composition, lighting, posing, etc. You’ll also find a number of monographs from famous photographers that I look to for inspiration. But I picked up one book a couple of years ago that is unique in my collection, and it changed the way I do things.

Dawn at Rushmore : Dave Fulghum 2024

The book is “The Heart of the Photograph” by David DuChemin. Of the innumerable books out there on HOW to take a photograph, this is the only book I have ever found that explores the question of WHY we take a photograph. Why do we do what we do?

The answer to the question on motivation behind the lens is as varied as there are photographers. Some of us seek a creative outlet. Many are seeking acceptance among peers. Some enjoy the physical aspect of manipulating the gear (guilty). In most cases it’s a combination of those factors plus many, many more.

The biggest point made in the book though, the point that changed my perspective, was in regard to building an audience. In our case, being professional photographers, it relates directly to building a stable client base. How many of us, in the early days, when we received feedback from clients, would alter the way we approached our subjects to accommodate the client? In doing so, we vastly alter our processes to meet the client’s unrealistic expectations. I know I did. Yes, I made the sale, but I did not enjoy my work, and it showed in the final product. I made that sale, I gave them what they asked for, but I never saw them again as a return client.

Much of what we do flows from our creative core, from our heart. When we step away from that, in subtle ways, it shows in the final print. The point driven home in “The Heart of the Photograph” is to never let go of your creative core. Do what you do and allow your audience (or clients) to find you. Never compromise your process or vision to accommodate a client. They have seen your work, reviewed your portfolio, they hired you because they liked what they saw. Politely listen to their input and accommodate what request they have while maintaining your creative integrity.

Taking Criticism

Now, does maintaining your creative integrity mean that we can just kick back and do whatever we like. Any responsible professional knows the answer is … absolutely not!

I have been an active photographer for 50 years. I have a large photographic library, am a member of PPA and PPANI, attend conferences and meetings, serve on the PPANI board for the same reason, education. I continue to learn more and more about my craft daily. The day that dawns where I cannot learn something new, pick up a tip or tidbit that may change things for the better, is the day I need to hang up my cameras and move over for someone else.

Grand Falls : Dave Fulghum 2024

I have found that some of the hardest lessons to be learned, and some of the most beneficial for my images, come through the Image Competitions. Getting feedback from other independent professionals that work to a codified set of standards is invaluable. The judges bring a detached view to our work, unencumbered by our personal biases and experiences. They were not there when the shutter button was pressed and could not smell the fresh spring flowers, could not hear the breeze rustling the fall leaves, did not experience the laughter of the four-year-old. They only look to the technical precision you brought to the image (or didn’t). They do seek storytelling, as they should, but at this level that should be part and parcel of what we do every day. Many times, the feedback stings, but I have found that if I let that soak in for a day or two, take the messages to heart, and apply the information, my work gets better.

The merits are nice, yes, I want to get them as I’m working towards a degree, but in the biggest picture, I want my work to improve, consistently. And it has. In the March Image Comp, I submitted 8 images. Not a single one merited.  But all 8 scored in the above average category. All of my images scored between 76 and 79. I got great feedback on all of them, valuable take aways to help me grow. And the fact that all 8 scored in the same range equals… consistency.

Golden Spike : Dave Fulghum 2024

There is a tremendous amount of truth to the statement that when you score in the above average range (75-79) you are doing professional quality work. Work that is expected of us. 

Do not shy away from the Image Comp. The feedback you will receive will help you grow, help you improve, and help you grow your business.

And to all who entered the March Image Comp, congratulations to all. If you scored a merit, or won your category, Outstanding! If your scores were not what you would have liked, take the feedback and grow from it. But know that I did not see a single image in the Comp that did not belong there, all the work was wonderful. We are part of an incredibly talented community, and I for one am proud to call all of you my colleagues.

Dave Fulghum

PPANI Technology Chair : CPP