p.3 #1 · Does a [street] photographers background matter? > Phil Penman
Oh boy, I regret starting this thread ;-)
First of all, I never said PP wasn't a legit photographer. If you read his interviews, his father was a photographer, he learned the skills of photography and darkroom at an early age. He did study photography (to be accurate, UK 'college' is not the same as a university college, it is a "further education" school you attend from age 16-18, i.e. high school level, to pursue a trade or vocational training), and then started working full-time as a professional photographer. There is no doubts or shade that he made his living as a professional photographer for his entire career.
As it seems like I was throwing him under the buss due to his paparazzi background, I decided to go back and watch some earlier interviews, e.g.
I can understand and relate to his choices. He came from the UK and wanted to work as a photographer in the US. The job and visa available included working as a paparazzi - that is how bills were paid, both for the agency and the photographers. As he said in this interview, he was working nonstop in the UK as a photographer making $18K/year, now as a paparazzi, it was north of $100K. I understand where he is coming from. I haven't walked in his shoes and I guess I shouldn't be quick to judge. Sorry for that, that is on me.
It is just that the paparazzi profession and media/society fascination with celebrities irks me so much!
At any rate, street photography isn't really my bag either, so fair to say, I won't sign up for any of PP's workshop. An Alan Schaller one would be interesting though.
p.3 #2 · Does a [street] photographers background matter? > Phil Penman
patotts wrote:
Oh boy, I regret starting this thread ;-)
First of all, I never said PP wasn't a legit photographer. If you read his interviews, his father was a photographer, he learned the skills of photography and darkroom at an early age. He did study photography (to be accurate, UK 'college' is not the same as a university college, it is a "further education" school you attend from age 16-18, i.e. high school level, to pursue a trade or vocational training), and then started working full-time as a professional photographer. There is no doubts or shade that he made his living as a professional photographer for his entire career.
As it seems like I was throwing him under the buss due to his paparazzi background, I decided to go back and watch some earlier interviews, e.g.
I can understand and relate to his choices. He came from the UK and wanted to work as a photographer in the US. The job and visa available included working as a paparazzi - that is how bills were paid, both for the agency and the photographers. As he said in this interview, he was working nonstop in the UK as a photographer making $18K/year, now as a paparazzi, it was north of $100K. I understand where he is coming from. I haven't walked in his shoes and I guess I shouldn't be quick to judge. Sorry for that, that is on me.
It is just that the paparazzi profession and media/society fascination with celebrities irks me so much!
At any rate, street photography isn't really my bag either, so fair to say, I won't sign up for any of PP's workshop. An Alan Schaller one would be interesting though.
p.3 #5 · Does a [street] photographers background matter? > Phil Penman
RomanMF wrote:
Hopefully your meeting with your fancy schmancy guest results in some learning.
I am guessing that "fancy schmancy" is another way of saying accomplished and successful based on their own merits? Yes, I often learn valuable things from such people. We were her guests and had a wonderful dinner.
p.3 #6 · Does a [street] photographers background matter? > Phil Penman
Ne314satel wrote:
You know, I was born in a country where there was never any discrimination based on skin color or gender. What you're saying is complete bullshit. Just because a black man from Africa wins a marathon doesn't mean we need a quota for white men, and vice versa. If your photos sell, you're doing great. If not, there's no point in changing your gender or skin color.
Congrats on being born in a country that never existed.
