Bob Jarman
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 p.3 #4 · How do you approach photography? | |
dmacmillan wrote:
How do talented people progress, though? I was with you until "developed, not instinct".
I don't think you can draw a hard line between the two. To me progressing or maturing is based on a feedback loop. Those who improve, especially quickly, do so because their instinct or talent or whatever you want to call it allows them to see and refine and move forward. Practice and talent feed on each other.
Not to oversimplify, but I guess the less natural talent, the slower the process, sometimes to the point there is no progress. There's a local "professional" photographer who is no better now than he was 20 years ago. Once in a blue moon he'll luck into a decent photograph, but it's pretty much a fluke. As I told my students, it's one thing to take a good photo when the stars are aligned and you're feeling good and the light is just right. A professional can perform at a high level day in and day out, overcoming less than ideal conditions and turning out good work when they feel bad or uninspired....Show more →
dmac,
digressing from the topic....
Good observation, but might I suggest we not denigrate the pro who has not progressed in 20 years. If he's a pro, and folks think enough of his work and continue as return clients (sustain his business), it works for him and that is all that really matters to him. On the flip side you have the person who leaps at every new gadget, lens, whatever (a marketeer's best dream) yet still produces marginal work - that is another matter.
You often refer to computer programming - I have (and continue) taught CS1, 2 and software engineering for 30 years at the college level. My experiences support your assertion of a maturation/practice/feedback loop model. But, I am continually amazed by some, not many, extremely bright students who struggle to grasp programming concepts. This is especially so when dealing with the notion of abstractions. With diligence and practice, this student develops into a competent programmer (good employee) but seldom evolves into the 'star' employee capable of unlimited progress, yet both are successful.
Returning to an earlier comment, I'd certainly like to see more competence in folks (especially trades, auto repair, etc.). Too often when asking I get an answer of "I can tell you who not to hire" rather than an affirmative response. Any competent person/business should never lack for work.
Now, if one judges photographs, captures, whatever, from a background of a formal art education, such as yourself (certainly not myself), I believe we owe it to ourselves to appreciate and understand the world views (schemata if you will) of artists versus non-artists are not likely congruent. And, for the most part, I believe that appreciation is manifested in the submissions, comments, re-works, and critiques offered by FM'ers, which is what makes this a special place.
My 2˘
Bob
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) and the vision being all that appears to remain for the world to see, such that the world believes it to be "instinctive" ... as it should be.
