ann_m.

As a current art student studying photography, I feel a pressure (that is steadily increasing) to produce altered and staged shots of reality, instead of simply capturing a real moment. Gregory Crewdson is certainly the huge influence of the moment amongst students and up and comers, and sadly enough, the style of the great F64 photographers is frowned upon. Ansel Adams and Weston are universally hated by the vast majority of my classmates, and photojournalism is treated as a four letter word. Images of nature have seemingly become as laughable as pet portraits. If an image hasn't been altered, staged, digitally enhanced, or printed ridiculously huge; then it's criticized for lacking pizazz and creativity. I have done staged shots and studio work, but prefer going out into the world to find moments and subject matter that fit with my ideas for projects. I find it disconcerting that this manner of creating photos seems to be losing credibility in the art world, at least within the realm of art school education.

Oh, and by the way, I was informed today during a critique/lecture with some famous photographers (who shall remain nameless) that framing and matting prints is out, way to Pottery Barnish.

 

-depressed art student

Congrats on tooting your own horn.

I forgot to add that I am not on his payroll, the original agreement was that I was to work for free for school credit and just come along on his shoots to observe how he works and runs his business. But it seems that my duties have certainly moved beyond this.

Thanks for the responses,

I have no written contract with this guy. When he approached me about interning for him, nothing was mentioned about me serving as an assistant photographer. Originally the verbal agreement was to schlep his gear, help with lighting, and misc. office tasks. I didn't find out until we arrived at the event that I was to act as a second photographer, and shoot the whole 7 hours. I have no problem working for nothing, if I am just acting as schlep and observing how he works, but since he is charging clients for my time and my shooting talent I feel I have moved beyond just an intern working for free. The other photographer's I work for pay me on average of $200 a day for just assisting them, not shooting, and they have a lot more to offer as mentors. The fact that he didn't ask me ahead of time of I was ok with shooting 7 hrs for $75 bugs me. What is the going rate for an assistant shooter?

Hello,

I am new to the world of assisting/interning and am currently working

for 3 different photographers. I am a little concerned that one

photographer is utilizing me unethically as his "intern". This

photographer is strictly a wedding photographer, and he often sells

packages that include 2 photographers to cover the event. He is

charging the customer the price of a second photographer, and than

using me, his intern, to be the second photographer. He than uses

several of the photos that I took and stamps his copyright and name

on them, without asking me upfront if this ok. For 8 hrs. of my work

as the "second photographer" he coughed up a whopping $75 to pay me.

Perhaps this is just how interns/assistants pay their dues, but

something seems fishy. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or not?

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses. I think I am leaning towards a high end 35mm system after reading all your responses. I am not shooting horses over fences, but rather faster paced Cutting, Working Cowhorse, and Reining. I believe that the faster shutter speeds and quietness of a 35mm will suit my needs best. I do have a Mamiya 6x7 rangefinder that I can use for my posed shots, so that is a good idea to interchange the two systems based on the type of shot. I think I will also rent the Mamiya 645 for a weekend just to see how it handles, as it sounds like it would be the one medium format that could work well for my needs. Thanks again everyone!

 

Cheers,

Amy

Hello,

I am embarking on a career in photographing horse shows and ranches

for magazine/advertising work. I am trying to decide what equipment

I will need to invest in and can't decide if I should stick with 35mm

for action shots or if a medium format could handle these action

shots as well. I want the highest quality image, so obviously medium

format would be preferred, but i'm not sure if it could capture some

of the same shots. I would most likely be using a 200 - 300mm lens

and taking a variety of action shots mixed with posed type shots.

Any recommendations out there? Thanks!

 

Amy

Hi everyone,

I am a sophomore photography major at a state school and I am

wondering if getting a BA instead of a BFA will hurt me at all in my

future career as a photographer?? I want to give myself the best

possible chances in the job market. Is there any discrimination

against a BA degree?? My advisor is telling me to get a BFA degree,

but they also want me to stick around at their school for as long as

possible. So I want some unbiased feedback from real working

professionals. Doesn't it really come down to your skill and

talent? Any thoughts or comments are appreciated! I am just

anxious to get done with school and not waste my time in other art

studio classes like sculpture and painting in order to get a BFA.

Thanks!

-Amy