From a very early age I was always interested in images; paintings, sketches and photographs. My Uncle, an avid photographer, used to intrigue me when he would go into his makeshift darkroom and print various images. There was this wonderful magic seeing an image appear from a blank piece of paper and there was a fabulous sense of romance in this softly lit room and I still get that feeling. As your image appears and you are embraced with soft lighting and inspirational music, whether it be Budda Bar or Maria Callas singing Madama Butterfly, you get an amazing adrenalin surge! This is what is missing whilst sitting in front of a cold, bright computer, playing and wrestling with Photoshop, or the likes. There seems to not be any evolution of works, comparison of prints, or observation of differing tones and exposures. I feel that the craft and romance are being lost in this new age of photography. To me, it appears that the most average photographer can produce a very good image. But, what has this to do with his craft, his true skill in composing and feeling what he is about to capture. However, there will always be differences in opinion on this subject and the debate continues we are not using glass plates, there is just as much skill involved with digitally creating and producing an image in Photoshop. And perhaps there is.
Today, a child is so advanced with technology that they are capable of producing some very good images, which is what causes me grief. Because the general public think they can do what we photographers do and therefore do not recognise the need for professional photographers. Already many advertising agencies, architects and graphic designers are doing our work. So, what has this to do with me being asked to say a few words to those who will be our future?
I am one of the lucky ones who had the very good fortune and honour to be closely associated with a great master of our profession. A gentle and humble man, who loved his craft so much, who was a leader in people photography and was one of the nations true photographers. John Whitfield-King, my late husband, mentor and friend, who nurtured me into who I am today, to be able to feel and see, be aware of my senses and to be able to have that gut feeling for what it is all about. Hence, this is why I am a photographer. I want to document life, to produce images that will stand the test of time, to freeze a moment that will never come back no matter how much you try to recreate it. I love to put a frame around life with truth and dignity.
Having been involved with Site Unseen for many years, I have been able to see the progress of the students and their talent never ceases to amaze me; well done. So what pearls of wisdom may, or can, I impart to you?
Be honest with yourselves.
Enjoy what you do and do it with freedom and drive.
Trying to be too different may cause you to not see clearly.
Nurture what photography is all about and embrace it with love, sensitivity and dignity. Go forth with strength, ambition and commitment, keep up the good work and have fun doing it.
BY DARREN JAMES
Darren James
I studied at Mt Lawley college of TAFE, graduating in Audio Visual Photography in about 1987. I worked for a while with Community Newspapers and FTI (Fremantle) then went overseas for 8 years, travelled a lot while based in London and Belfast. I moved to Melbourne in 1997 and now work for Metropolis Media on 3 weekly magazines. I also keep my own projects going and attempt to exhibit once a year.
I'd like to use this chance to share some of what I have learned in 20 short years. I have no more talent than any of you represented here and feel very much one of you. I don't want to sound like I've worked it all out, but I have learned a few things. In 15 years time you will admire another photographer's work and say "Wow thats fantastic, how did they do that?" And you know what? They were probably working when you were out having a good time or sleeping in after a night out basking in the glory of being a photographer. Don't get too full of yourselves just yet. The work in this book is remarkable, but those who will make it on pure talent are few, if any. You have been used to having days perhaps weeks to formulate and create these images. In the future you may have just minutes. Those who feel they are already 'fine art photographers' should turn the page. I'm pretty sure I learned as much in my first year out as I did in three years' study.
Your folio is your ticket to success. Letters after your name won't be noticed as much as your personality. Anyone worth being employed by won't hire you if your folio only 'shows promise'. To get the job, you need to show you can do the job. Go take pictures that prove you can get something great out of a subject, and put those in your folio. Find some people to judge your work honestly, re-shoot your weak stuff. Show your strengths and interests, but cover your bases. It could be a while before you can live on shooting only what you love. When you shoot for yourself, have a 'point of departure' (as someone told Ralph Gibson) but keep 'loose' (as I tell myself). Some of the best photos are taken by those free of the structures that can constrain a professional. I believe creativity can't be taught, though it can be nurtured. Practically though, good professional work comes from thinking laterally, one foot in the creative world, one in the trained. On a job, go with the first or second thought if you need to, but be ever so aware of any other ideas coming in. There's little point visualising the best shot in the car driving away, though there may be something to learn.
If you are passionate about photography and it becomes your job, you are in for a ride. Your highs will be doubled and so will be your lows. Make sure you do your 'own work' as well as for others, it can shield you from the lows. Arguably the best photographers only do their own work, and others pay them for it. Realise your interests early and start working on projects. Make an exhibition or a book or a web site, take 5 weeks or 50 years if you want but you should start now. Don't be afraid, ashamed or ignorant of ideas within you, they could just be what that make you stand out from the rest, perhaps lead you to something great. Through photography you can be a part of any life you wish, it gives you access to other worlds like no other profession I know of. You can communicate on a deeper level than most, both with your subject and with your audience. Use that ability responsibly. If using your creativity to make lots of money makes you happy, then you may be in the right field. If not making much money and being happy is your thing, you may be too.
From a very early age I was always interested in images; paintings, sketches and photographs. My Uncle, an avid photographer, used to intrigue me when he would go into his makeshift darkroom and print various images. There was this wonderful magic seeing an image appear from a blank piece of paper and there was a fabulous sense of romance in this softly lit room and I still get that feeling. As your image appears and you are embraced with soft lighting and inspirational music, whether it be Budda Bar or Maria Callas singing Madama Butterfly, you get an amazing adrenalin surge! This is what is missing whilst sitting in front of a cold, bright computer, playing and wrestling with Photoshop, or the likes. There seems to not be any evolution of works, comparison of prints, or observation of differing tones and exposures. I feel that the craft and romance are being lost in this new age of photography. To me, it appears that the most average photographer can produce a very good image. But, what has this to do with his craft, his true skill in composing and feeling what he is about to capture. However, there will always be differences in opinion on this subject and the debate continues we are not using glass plates, there is just as much skill involved with digitally creating and producing an image in Photoshop. And perhaps there is.
Darren James
