Labor of Love Part II

My husband and I were checking out some websites this evening. As part of my photographic growth I often frequent photography websites. Some "moms with cameras" websites, while others are high end fashion websites. 

I am very careful while looking through every picture. I analize, study.... Watch where the light is placed look in the eyes of the subject. In doing this, my husband said something to me. He said, "it must suck being a photographer". I paused turned around and asked him, "why would you say that"? He said, "you don't just look at the art the artist created for you, you pick it apart and analize it". I thought about it for a moment... My answer was this, being a photographer is magnificent! I have the luxury of looking at a portrait of a person, as not just a portrait of a person. I study it, truly look at it. I "SEE" the light, how it wraps around the subject, I notice how the light transforms an object. I look in the eyes and know how the portrait was taken. I am not analizing I am admiring. I admire a photograph that it is very obvious the photographer did not half hazardly throw a light on top of a camera and blast the light straight on. I admire when it is obvious the artist took their time to study the subject and place a light in a position as to accentuate the positive features of the subject.

It is this that is lacking in todays "professional portraits" there are so many "moms with cameras" who get a fancy camera and get lucky with one average shot and think "I am a photographer" (I can say this cause I am a mom). And then take 500 images and sell them on a disc for $25. Then that person comes to me and thinks I am ripping them off for charging what I charge.

So no, it does not "suck being a photographer"! My heart flutters when I think of photography, when I photograph I seriously get so excited.  Yes, I analize "GREAT" photography but not because I am picking out flaws, but because, I am memorizing and learning. Picking out lighting patterns. And yes, I do analize my subjects. I want every portrait I take not to be just some photograph that pays this months bills. I genuinely want it to be a work of art. Something someone passes and actually stops turns around and studies. I yearn to be more, to grow and be "GREAT". I want people to look at my work and say WOW! Any one wanting to share in my adventure don't hesitate to say so. I love talking and critiquing, not just critiquing, but also being critiqued. It is what helps me grow!

A website worth checking out

www.micheallavine.com