Is your Photography any Good?

Summary

In this episode, the speaker reflects on the journey of improving as an artist, particularly in photography. They discuss three key concepts to assess progress: intention, consistency, and originality. By emphasizing the importance of intentional work and avoiding reliance on external opinions, the speaker encourages artists to find their unique voice. They also stress the significance of consistent output and the control necessary to achieve it, ultimately fostering personal growth and confidence in one's craft. The video concludes with a reminder to celebrate one's artistic development, regardless of external validation.

Takeaways

• 😀 All art is subjective, and the feedback you receive will vary based on individual opinions, so it's important to take critiques with a grain of salt.
• 😀 Reaching out for professional reviews can be valuable, but it’s crucial to remember that even professionals have their own preferences and biases.
• 😀 Technical skills don't define the quality of a photographer’s work; some photographers excel without knowing all the technical details, focusing instead on the images they want to create.
• 😀 A key indicator of improvement in your craft is developing an internal method for measuring progress, beyond relying solely on others' opinions.
• 😀 The first word for assessing your progress as an artist is 'intention': Are you creating work that truly reflects your creative goals?
• 😀 Intentional work doesn’t guarantee universal approval, but it ensures you're creating with purpose, which is the mark of a good artist.
• 😀 The second word is 'consistency': It’s not about making repetitive work, but about the ability to produce quality work with control and reliability over time.
• 😀 Consistency can be seen as a sign of mastery, indicating control over your craft and the ability to repeat great results.
• 😀 The third word is 'originality': It's not about doing something brand new, but about creating work that is uniquely yours, filtered through your creative lens.
• 😀 Popularity does not equal mastery—just because your work isn’t widely liked doesn’t mean it’s not good. If you’re creating with intention, consistency, and originality, you’re on the right path.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this video script?

The script focuses on how photographers can measure their progress and assess the quality of their work. It offers three key principles—intention, consistency, and originality—to help artists evaluate their development in their craft.

Why does the speaker emphasize that all art is subjective?

The speaker stresses that art is subjective because opinions on whether work is good or bad vary widely depending on individual preferences. This means that feedback from others is just one perspective, and artists should not rely solely on external judgments.

What is the significance of 'intention' in evaluating one's work?

Intention refers to whether an artist is making work that aligns with their goals and personal vision. The speaker suggests that the hallmark of a good artist is the ability to create work that truly represents what they intend to express, rather than just creating images based on accidents or random outcomes.

How does the speaker suggest an artist can improve their intention in photography?

The speaker explains that by embracing accidents and reflecting on them, artists can begin to recognize their unique style. For example, when the speaker first shot street photography, mistakes in exposure led to deeper shadows, which later became a defining aesthetic that the artist intentionally adopted.

What role does consistency play in an artist's development?

Consistency is about being able to produce work that meets the artist's intended standards repeatedly. The speaker argues that true creativity comes from consistent execution rather than random moments of brilliance, suggesting that good work is a result of practice and control over the medium.

What is the difference between technical skills and artistic intuition in photography?

The speaker acknowledges that while technical skills can be important, they are not the only measure of success. Some photographers rely more on intuition and less on technical precision to create compelling images. The balance between technical skills and personal vision is key to success.

What does the speaker mean by 'originality' in photography?

Originality, according to the speaker, doesn't mean creating something completely new or never seen before. Instead, it involves developing a unique style that is distinctly the artist's own. The speaker highlights that as an artist grows, their influences should be filtered through their own creative lens to create recognizable work.

Why does the speaker argue that consistency does not hinder creativity?

The speaker believes that consistency doesn't suppress creativity but rather enables an artist to control their work better. Once an artist gains control over their medium, they can consistently produce high-quality work, which provides the foundation for further creative exploration.

How can an artist gauge whether their work is becoming original?

An artist can assess originality by noticing if their work is becoming recognizable to others. For example, when people comment that they can identify the artist's work before seeing the signature, it’s a sign that the artist has developed a unique style and voice.

What is the relationship between feedback from others and an artist’s self-assessment?

While feedback from others can provide insights, the speaker stresses that it’s ultimately up to the artist to decide if their work aligns with their own intentions. Popularity and the opinions of others should not be the sole measure of success; rather, the artist’s personal satisfaction with their work and the intention behind it is more important.