Something I learned during the 2008 wedding season...

I'm not y'all.

I can learn SO much from you... but in the end, I need to find a way to make those new lessons work for who *I* am as a photographer. When I came on here lo these many years ago, I was so overwhelmed by what I didn't know. And I spent so much time absorbing all these different tips and techniques so that I could become better. In doing so, I ended up spending time trying to be some of YOU.

I got crazy with the one light for a while.

I got crazy with the sun flare for a while.

I got crazy with urban grunge for a while.

I got crazy with overhead shots for a while...

And the list goes on...

But in the end, what I realized was that, in my quest to be everything I saw on here, I was losing out on what was in my OWN mind. In 2008, I felt like I was getting back to my roots... roots that weren't based in things I saw on here... but things I thought up all on my own. Not that they were totally original (there's nothing new under the sun)... but they weren't directly "inspired by" others. I just looked at what was in front of me... and I tried to make the best of it.

Don't get me wrong... being on here and seeing what others do is really vital to our growth as photographers. But if we find ourselves looking too much like someone else, then we're not doing ourselves any favors. I don't want to be a copy of someone else. I want to be me.

So, I just want to encourage all of us on here... learn from what you see and read... but then take it and see how it fits with who YOU want to be. You started getting into photography because YOU were creative... YOU had ideas... if you see something on here that makes you go "wow... I love that!"... then take it and change it up before you attempt it for yourself. See what you can do to make it your own. Don't try to copy it and then end up with a lesser imitation... twist it up and use the technique in a new and creative way.

Those are my thoughts... just wanted to share them.

amen sister!

//ed

Post of the year... so far. ;o)

Love ya Mel!

-tmiller

Thank you for your post. 100% agree! I feel since coming on here I've been over influenced - not that its a bad thing as you say, but as you say its your own style and ideas that are what matters most.

(edited because I made bad grammatical errors. They aren't so bad now.)

unblinkable wrote:
if you see something on here that makes you go "wow... I love that!"... then take it and change it up before you attempt it for yourself. See what you can do to make it your own. Don't try to copy it and then end up with a lesser imitation... twist it up and use the technique in a new and creative way.


I wish we could put quotes as signatures because that would be mine.

BRAVO mel - fabulous post. really resonates with me and should be required reading here

Thanks unblinkable.

Tony Hoffer wrote:
unblinkable wrote:
if you see something on here that makes you go "wow... I love that!"... then take it and change it up before you attempt it for yourself. See what you can do to make it your own. Don't try to copy it and then end up with a lesser imitation... twist it up and use the technique in a new and creative way.


I wish we could put quotes as signatures because that would be mine.

mine too.

//ed

thethinkcouch wrote:
Tony Hoffer wrote:
unblinkable wrote:
if you see something on here that makes you go "wow... I love that!"... then take it and change it up before you attempt it for yourself. See what you can do to make it your own. Don't try to copy it and then end up with a lesser imitation... twist it up and use the technique in a new and creative way.


I wish we could put quotes as signatures because that would be mine.

mine too.

//ed


Spoken like the most replicated guy in photography history.

Great post Mel! 100% Agreed!

that's the challenge of the year.
thank you, melanie.

Bravo!!!!! This is the biggest inspiration to date. Thank you!

Preach on!

So very true, and something I think all of us could stand hearing to some extent or another.

Thanks, Mel!

Well rounded thoughts and one of the few truly helpful posts I have seen in a while.

Perhaps some of the "look how good I am" posters could give a bit more, versus the self affirmation and stroke my ego posts...


Thanks for your thoughts.

Rad post. This is something I try to tell everyone, BE YOURSELF!

that's why everybody loves you, mel-you're so honest (well, that's just one thing we love about you )-maybe 2009 will be an even more original year if FMers follow this advice...-great post BTW

daniel

Well said, and I agree with everyone else, BUT...


It seems that 2008 is the year you become you. Balancing family, a growing business, many brides, opening the Best New Studio of the Year, hiring and training employees and STILL expanding on your creative learning curve Throughout all your work (even the one-light, sunflare, etc.) there is something that is very much you.


You may have went crazy with some things, but I see that as your passion coming through! Did you enjoy those at the time? Did your brides like it? Did it in the long run bring you further into being a very well-rounded proficient photographer?

Some go nuts with close-ups, cut off heads, ring shots or numerous other cliches. For many they remain cliches while others bring them beyond that. Never once have I looked at one of your series or images and thought -- "Hey! That's (insert another amazing photog's name) shot!" Maybe I was just missing the connection and some of those great photog's were feeling ripped off by you?

I have a feeling I'm going to be creating a lot of cliched images this year. I won't be trying to do that, but there's a good chance it's going to happen as I progress. I'm sincerely not trying to rip someone off or find a shortcut, but rather finding the way into my own style.

Thank you again, Melanie. For your inspiring work and this fanstastic post.

So, I just want to encourage all of us on here... learn from what you see and read... but then take it and see how it fits with who YOU want to be.
........... Don't try to copy it and then end up with a lesser imitation... twist it up and use the technique in a new and creative way.

I read your post and let out a huge sigh because it clicked for me. I look at all of the great photos here day after day discouraged because I'm not at that level and think wow that's something I don't know if I'll ever be able to do. Then when I measure my own work to some on here I get a little down because I'm not there. But you made me realize I don't have to be able to do what someone else does I have to perfect what I do. Although all the inspiration does help!! Thanks!!

I'm tired of everybody using my Rick-Roll idea. MINE!

True words Mel. Agree here with what being said. If were not careful, FM could become a breeder of similar photographers. There is an amazing sense of loyalty to specific corners here at our forum. Example: We hate Fong products, Love Joe Demb. If it aint Canon or Nikon it's crap. Selective color is of the devil. EVERYONE owns 3 sb-24 and at least 2 pocket wizards. You shoot more narrower then 2.8??!!! OMG!!

When everyone uses the same products, adopts the same PP techniques, poses, lighting tricks and harvest the same pool of textures we will result in similar portfolios of work. Some of our similarities aren't easily avoided. Others are blatant copies. whats the solution? Not sure. That said I do have an interesting story:

I had the privilege of shooting a family with Pingol 2 weeks ago. (His client, not mine: http://edpingol.blogspot.com/2008/12/marquez-family-ritz-carlton-half-moon.html ) In short, the man is a savage. Clicked with the family VERY well. He made them feel like a million bucks. About half way through the session I realized I was about to be let in on a secret recipe of some of Ed's brilliance. How he gets the dynamic images etc. He saw a look of amazement on my face and looked at me and said, "don't worry bro, I'll show you".
I was very excited. Towards the end of the session we were intercepted from a lunch break by our self's as was planned. The family graciously invited us to have lunch with THEM. I DID NOT want to join them but they were insistent and it would have been rude not too. (plus it was at the Ritz Carlton and we were having Kobe beef ) We had lunch and never had our "revelation" session together. I was bummed.

I've thought of that many times since then and have come to this conclusion. Ed, I don't want to know the recipe! The right thing happened. The man behind the curtain needed not be to be revealed. I am me. Ed is Ed. Thank you my friend for being so cool and more then willing to share. As it sits, I'm content without knowing how the magic trick is preformed. Besides, it's your act, not mine. Respect.

~Sam

How well spoken of everyone.

Marie-Louise

Linda:: Thank you very much. I'm so glad that you didn't think I lost myself or looked too much like others. I'm ready to take it even further!

Sam:: What a great revelation!

Melanie, two things:

1) You have nothing to worry about.
2) Thanks for this post, it opens peoples eyes about finding your own style. There is nothing wrong with trying to duplicate shots, however as it was said prior, make it your own.

Sam:

You should be thankful, as it sounds like you are. I love watching both yours and Ed's work. I get inspired by it and the last thing I would want to see are two people with differentiating styles converge into something similar!

Keep up the good work.

pees out homie.

Sam Hassas wrote:
I'm tired of everybody using my Rick-Roll idea. MINE!

True words Mel. Agree here with what being said. If were not careful, FM could become a breeder of similar photographers. There is an amazing sense of loyalty to specific corners here at our forum. Example: We hate Fong products, Love Joe Demb. If it aint Canon or Nikon it's crap. Selective color is of the devil. EVERYONE owns 3 sb-24 and at least 2 pocket wizards. You shoot more narrower then 2.8??!!! OMG!!

When everyone uses the same products, adopts the same PP techniques, poses, lighting tricks and harvest the same pool of textures we will result in similar portfolios of work. Some of our similarities aren't easily avoided. Others are blatant copies. whats the solution? Not sure. That said I do have an interesting story:

I had the privilege of shooting a family with Pingol 2 weeks ago. (His client, not mine: http://edpingol.blogspot.com/2008/12/marquez-family-ritz-carlton-half-moon.html ) In short, the man is a savage. Clicked with the family VERY well. He made them feel like a million bucks. About half way through the session I realized I was about to be let in on a secret recipe of some of Ed's brilliance. How he gets the dynamic images etc. He saw a look of amazement on my face and looked at me and said, "don't worry bro, I'll show you".
I was very excited. Towards the end of the session we were intercepted from a lunch break by our self's as was planned. The family graciously invited us to have lunch with THEM. I DID NOT want to join them but they were insistent and it would have been rude not too. (plus it was at the Ritz Carlton and we were having Kobe beef ) We had lunch and never had our "revelation" session together. I was bummed.

I've thought of that many times since then and have come to this conclusion. Ed, I don't want to know the recipe! The right thing happened. The man behind the curtain needed not be to be revealed. I am me. Ed is Ed. Thank you my friend for being so cool and more then willing to share. As it sits, I'm content without knowing how the magic trick is preformed. Besides, it's your act, not mine. Respect.

~Sam

A Step Further...

The times when I've taken pictures that were truly my own brainchild... born out of necessity or a light bulb over my head... these were the images that I loved more than anything. I want that feeling every time I click the shutter.

Early on, there were times when I tried to mimmick something I saw on here. Either a pose or a set up... and for one reason or another, it just didn't work. What I realized was that I was trying to do something that I didn't first ENVISION in my own head. Without the ability to envision it, you just can't grasp what made it good. And if you can't grasp what makes it good, then it probably WON'T be good.

My goal this year is to avoid shooting what I can't see for myself. This doesn't mean I can't practice and step out on unknown ledges (to fail or succeed). It just means that I don't want to step out blindly... but INTENTIONALLY. And this means understanding WHY we're stepping out to begin with. Otherwise, I'll just have cheaper, imitation shots without purpose or emotion.

Great post, and agreed 100%. I think most of us have become reliant on this place for inspiration, and creativity. However, in doing so, we may sometimes lack the self confidence in doing our own thing... and in the process, end up copying others work, style, lighting, etc. Lately, this seem to be a trend, and we see more and more of the same from everyone else. I hope this year we see more work that is not only unique, but has it's own characteristics and individuality from everyone else. Thanks for the inspirational post.

What a brilliant thread to kick off the New Year, thanks Mel you have stirred me to start thinking out of the box.