Bragging Rights?

How does one get into this sharing group of serious photographers?

By doing the opposite of what you do, though you seem to know that already and clearly don’t want to join so I’m not sure why you asked.

So you interpreted my very descriptive account of what I see in people in the flesh as overly analytical instead of an appreciation of the nuances of a personality. Maybe you don't look very closely at the world as I do.

Oh, I notice those things. I just don’t consider them socializing. Tell me, what about someone’s personality do you learn by which direction they lean when they walk? Maybe listening to them would be of more value for understanding personality. Noticing details in the world is wonderful, especially for a photographer. It’s NOT socializing, sir.

I can't imagine your take on the Mona Lisa.

The details of the Mona Lisa are all worth noting, and most are part of a genius portrayal. A lot have nothing to do with socializing or personality.

Comradery is about the most anyone can expect in the form of an emotional human connection whether in exchanges online or in person. It feels good to be connected this way but it is short and sweet unless there is a clear demonstration of a true commitment and that isn't happening online or in chance meet ups in person.

Part of the reason I like taking walks around the city is for the human contact, whether it’s chatting with someone in their front yard, saying hi to someone waiting for the light at a street corner, going into a produce store to buy a peach. Those can often stay with me long term, not as individual details, but as an ongoing connection with those around me. It inspires a lot of my street photography as well. Human connection comes in many forms. It doesn’t have to be deep to be real. Certain personalities don’t enjoy these simple pleasantries of life. That’s fine. But it’s telling when they look down on others who do, or minimize its effects and reach.

I can't even comment on this comment because I find it very bizarre and the antithesis of what I believe. I totally disagree with your view on photographic history also but I am a firm believer in free expression no matter how strange I think it is.

Good! I left you speechless. My work is done.

This in bold...

 

Oh, I notice those things. I just don’t consider them socializing. Tell me, what about someone’s personality do you learn by which direction they lean when they walk? Maybe listening to them would be of more value for understanding personality. Noticing details in the world is wonderful, especially for a photographer. It’s NOT socializing, sir.

 

Conflicts with the lines in bold below when it comes to your definition of socializing...

Part of the reason I like taking walks around the city is for the human contact, whether it’s chatting with someone in their front yard, saying hi to someone waiting for the light at a street corner, going into a produce store to buy a peach. Those can often stay with me long term, not as individual details, but as an ongoing connection with those around me. It inspires a lot of my street photography as well. Human connection comes in many forms. It doesn’t have to be deep to be real. Certain personalities don’t enjoy these simple pleasantries of life. That’s fine. But it’s telling when they look down on others who do, or minimize its effects and reach.

 

So you socialize in order to use people as subjects in your photography. In my book that's a bit of a dishonest, shallow and disingenuous way to socialize (and not very deep so you're correct in that claim). So which is it? Photography as a way to socialize? Or socializing as its own reward?

 

You socialize in public much like you do online. Keep it light with no commitment and always be distracted by waiting for that defining moment. That's not what I call developing lasting friendships where I come from.

 

And what's the definition of a serious photographer? Who gets to define that term? From the way you've defined socializing I can't take you seriously.

Photographer has a clear definition.

Serious has a clear definition.

Simple enough.

 

Narcissism also has a clear definition.

So you socialize in order to use people as subjects in your photography.

No.

 

I socialize and am able to be inspired by and translate that photographically. I would socialize whether or not I photographed. I don't socialize in order to use people. But I do use a whole lot of what I do in life in my photography. I incorporate many of my more intimate moments (not necessarily literally as much as poetically) into making photos, but I'm not intimate with people or places or things IN ORDER TO use them in my photography. The difference should be clear.

In my book that's a bit of a dishonest, shallow and disingenuous way to socialize (and not very deep so you're correct in that claim).

No response needed. Speaks for itself.

So which is it? Photography as a way to socialize? Or socializing as its own reward?

It's not either/or for me. I can socialize as its own reward and also socialize with and through photography.

You socialize in public much like you do online. Keep it light with no commitment and always be distracted by waiting for that defining moment. That's not what I call developing lasting friendships where I come from.

Hmmm. I was talking about one particular kind of socializing I do when walking the streets encountering strangers. I wasn't talking about developing lasting friendships. My lasting friendships are different from my chance, often quick encounters with people on the streets.

And what's the definition of a serious photographer? Who gets to define that term? From the way you've outlined it I can't take you seriously.

Since I haven't outlined what I think a serious photographer is, I don't know how you can form any opinion of my thoughts on what a serious photographer is. Tim Holte was the first person who used the term, and then you used it in response to him. No one has defined it.

Clearly we've both established in this exchange that you're not an authority on how to socialize. And I'll leave it at that.

Clearly you have not Tim.

Back to addressing the topic...

How do we, as a community, feel about sharing our successes, such as posting images and announcing their having won in competition? Perhaps I'm just a bit dense, but I would appreciate the opportunity to share good outcomes, but without crossing the line into braggadoccio.

I wouldn't be interested in hearing about photo contest successes because I don't want to be reminded of the tons of polished mediocre photos that will most likely win these contests seeing the over abundance of content online make it impossible to find the really good stuff. The judges just don't have the time to do the work necessary to find really meaningful photos culling through a trillion images.

 

No matter who wins a photo contest it's always going to be a display of disappointing polished mediocrity. And I really don't give a crap if that's taken as an antisocial comment.

No matter who wins a photo contest it's always going to be a display of disappointing polished mediocrity.

 

Uh Tim, we’ve seen your work, you have a record here.

Tim, you are either part of a community, or not, you decide. If not, consider why you are still here. You are not a value monitor or conscience except for yourself.

Who shoots pictures to be stored in the attic unseen? Appreciative comments from others urges us on to greater accomplishments. We all need "atta boys" in life including for our photos. If your kids soccer team won the championship, would you deny him or her the excitement and gratification of celebrating victory? Of course, you might balance that with inviting the losing team to the party and show appreciation of their sportsmanship as well. We are all human after all. FInding balance in life is acceptable as long as you didn't cheat to win the game.

Clearly we've both established in this exchange that you're not an authority on how to socialize. And I'll leave it at that.

I never claimed to be. I talked about and answered your questions about how I socialize. I assume you'll leave it at that instead of responding to my answers to your questions because you realize how off your questions were and how obvious your misinterpretations are. We get it!

Tim, you are either part of a community, or not, you decide. If not, consider why you are still here. You are not a value monitor or conscience except for yourself.

You don't define what a community is, Sandy. It's a simple exchange of opinions whether you or anyone else agrees or disagrees. I've been here longer than you have. I've also frequent quite a few other forums where my input is welcome whether it's taken negatively or positively. I see something, I say something. If someone doesn't like what I say, that's their problem.

No matter who wins a photo contest it's always going to be a display of disappointing polished mediocrity.

Here's my response to that.

 

Tim Holte's work is individual and personal, he's developed a particular voice in the way he treats landscapes and other subjects, often a little haunting, rarely from a typical perspective, often with a bit of an edge if not more of one. Polished might describe them, and there's nothing wrong with that, though I'd just say they're technically well done as well as aesthetically compelling.

 

Your work, to use your own words, I'd describe as disappointing unpolished mediocrity. They're generally uninteresting, bland, and lack visual acuity, social commentary or relevance.

And why you put people on “ignore”.......

Who shoots pictures to be stored in the attic unseen? Appreciative comments from others urges us on to greater accomplishments. We all need "atta boys" in life including for our photos. If your kids soccer team won the championship, would you deny him or her the excitement and gratification of celebrating victory? Of course, you might balance that with inviting the losing team to the party and show appreciation of their sportsmanship as well. We are all human after all. FInding balance in life is acceptable as long as you didn't cheat to win the game.

Alan, you crack me up. Yes, invite the losing team. LOVE IT!

There are only so many ways to photograph tame suburban deer.....

Or take cinematic selfies.

;)

Here's my response to that.

 

Tim Holte's work is individual and personal, he's developed a particular voice in the way he treats landscapes and other subjects, often a little haunting, rarely from a typical perspective, often with a bit of an edge if not more of one. Polished might describe them, and there's nothing wrong with that, though I'd just say they're technically well done as well as aesthetically compelling.

 

Your work, to use your own words, I'd describe as disappointing unpolished mediocrity. They're generally uninteresting, bland, and lack visual acuity, social commentary or relevance.

Great! Good call! You should be a judge at these contests. I'll expect the same keen eye and articulation on all the posted winners.

 

Good luck seeing the light of day.

Great! Good call! You should be a judge at these contests. I'll expect the same keen eye and articulation on all the posted winners.

 

Good luck seeing the light of day.

Not very good at taking photographic criticism, are you? You could just listen and accept or reject it and even say why by referring to your photos but, no, you've got to put down not the criticism itself and not with reasons but, instead, the critic and only with bluster. Classy.

Guys, warning points next up - let's call it a day, please.

When well-meaning and seemingly innocuous threads result in so much rancor I find myself questioning why I should invest myself here. I love a thoughtful, engaged polemic, but I detest demeaning, personal attacks.

 

For anyone who cares, my B&W piano of the storm clearing over Canyonlands won 1st place in its category at the Utah State Fair. It was also selected as one of only 20 images to participate in a year-long, travelling exhibition. My strikeout photo from the baseball game won 2nd place in its category. This is my very first photo competition of any kind and I am both surprised and grateful to experience success. I am also extremely grateful to everyone here who has provided feedback and encouragement. This success is as much yours as mine.

 

Happy trails...

Sometimes the diamonds are amongst the coal.....

Congratulations on the recognition of your success.

Your posts here make this a better place.