Friday, April 22, 2011

Pet Peeve #1 Does Your Work Really Belong In A Gallery?

















© JoAnne Kalish


I've spent years working to develop a style of my own. Many upcoming photographers think that after a short amount of time acquiring a few skills their work is good enough to be should be shown in a gallery. A lot of amateur photographers pay to be shown in a gallery. Does your work really belong in a gallery just yet? Is there a theme to your work? A personal style? Or is it another picture of an old barn, a seagull or photos from your last vacation all framed up so nice, where you spend hundreds on matting and framing - the presentation may be professional but is it really art? Think about it. It brings the art of photography down - there's more to it then you think. Develop a style, hone your craft really work on it. Keep striving to make photographs rather than pictures have them say something about you, what do you care about? What do you most like to photograph? Nature? People, Portraiture? Sports? Fashion? Still Life? I can go on but won't. If you can't make up your mind try keeping your work in categories - all  portraiture together, all sports etc. See what you're best at and go with your strongest suit possibly. Develop and round out the category. What's it missing to make it better? When putting your best photos together remember this rule - "When in Doubt Leave it Out." What photos are weak and should be replaced to make a stronger statement?  

No comments:

Post a Comment