thunderbird
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 p.17 #20 · My Holy Grail of photography! | |
Steve Shinn wrote:
Hi Andy, sorry I didn’t notice your reply sooner. Since you ask some pointed questions here I will try to respond.
The significance of luck seems clear but I think I would argue that while the “instinct and technique of a wildlife photographer” played an important role here, there were others present that day who seem have shown equal skills and results. Mind you, I do not intend to diminish your work. But I observe that you are clearly in the company of many other similarly skilled photographers. I don’t think any of them appear to offer themselves as superior to the others and I think this where the rub is.
How would you react to someone, who while posting very decent images, seemed to also include comments that appeared to applaud and exalt their own skills and work? I think that your reactions might logically include rejection, contempt and occasional disparagement. Would not a more modest person allow their work to do the speaking and, thereby, enjoy genuine respect and admiration?
Sincerely, Steve
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Steve,
I'm looking at this discussion with a total open mind. I appreciate you taking the time to explain. There are also a few other facts that need to be considered before I'm accused of "less than modest".
1. There were about a dozen photographers there that day. Every single one was concentrating on the Ospreys circling above, and chatting between each other, while I was the only one that noticed the lone Egret assuming a "hunting" position on the other side. I walked around, the walk alone would have taken at least a couple of minutes. Then I took my position close to the bird, careful not to surprise it. The Egret made a few failed attempts at catching a fish. It was the failed attempts that made the others become aware of the subject. Then they turned their cameras to the Egret, I even waved a couple of hand-holding photographers over to this side. The question is: Who used their instinct to recognize a potential interesting situation first? The answer clearly is: Me.
many other similarly skilled photographers
2. If two "identical" images were taken of the same subject, at the same place and the same moment:
Image 'A' captured by a setup of less than $3000 (semi-pro or high end amateur equipment) and went on to be published by the most highly regarded publication IN THE WORLD.
Image 'B' captured by a setup of roughly $20,000 (top-of-the-line pro equipment). The image was submitted into a LOCAL photography CLUB internal contest and could not even crack the Top 3.
A quick comparison would give you a clue at which image was taken by a better skilled photographer.
Would not a more modest person allow their work to do the speaking and, thereby, enjoy genuine respect and admiration?
Last time I looked, this Holy Grail post was and is still the highest single-image post ever on the N&W board, including more than 150 comments showing genuine respect and admiration.
Steve, I think you're clearly mistaken. I am sorry that a few individuals have seen it the same way as you did, but it was truly not my intention to come across as such. If you look at things with an objective mind, you would look the other way as well. Just take a look at the few individuals on FM who have taken a stab at me, try to discredit me, put me down, and even get their cohorts to turn against me. If that's not caused by the strong emotion of jealousy/envy, then it's personal discrimination. All I have done is show the love of photography, love of nature, and share my wonderful experiences with others, albeit the "SATISFACTION" part might have rubbed some people the wrong way, but wouldn't you be satisfied after taken a shot like that?
Can we all get along? 
Peace,
Andy
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