Today, while studying works by pictorialists a part of the photo-secession, I realized my own attempt at photography was on the wrong path. I suddenly felt like all (save one or two) of my photos were just ‘pics’. As one might imagine this threw me into accepting that I am just a beginner. However I long for so much more… When people view my photography I long to be realized as an artist. I want people to be intrigued, moved, or emotionally aroused by my images. And up to this point I have achieved nothing close to that.
I have come to understand that up to this point, all of my photography has been along the path of looking at subjects and trying to photograph them artistically. And it has worked so far. (At least, enough to get friendly responses from people viewing my work at Homer’s Coffeehouse during the month of January.) Unfortunately, taking artistic photos is not the same as making art.
Therefore, I begin my journey to change my pursuit. It is from here that I shall attempt photography as an art. Instead of finding what’s artistic about interesting subjects, I am going to create art using interesting subjects. I’m going to explore what’s less realistic, but more True. I’m going to become an artist. Welcome to my new journey.
Unfortunately it isn’t going to be easy. And I will probably find many people who won’t like it. It certainly won’t offer me much of an income. But if there is one thing I know, it is to pursue your passions. As a wise janitor once told me, “Once you know who you really are, nothing else matters”. I am this passion. So here I go.
