What You NEED to Become A Better Photographer — Documentary Photographer Dan Milnor

Summary

The speaker reflects on a life-changing moment in 1990 when, as a photojournalism student, they were caught in a dangerous situation and realized their true interest was in documenting the bigger picture—what leads up to and follows major events. They emphasize the importance of reading and writing daily, knowing how to speak about one’s work, conducting thorough research, and continuously experimenting. Collaboration with others in different fields is also key to producing impactful work. The speaker advises aspiring documentary photographers to expand their knowledge beyond just photography and focus on broader cultural, historical, and social contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realization that documentary photography focuses on the build-up and aftermath of events, not just the peak moment of action.
• 😀 Reading daily is crucial for documentary photographers to expand their knowledge and understand the broader context of their work.
• 😀 Writing every day is essential for photographers to articulate the meaning behind their images and connect with their audience.
• 😀 Being able to confidently speak about your work is a key skill; knowing why you're doing it and what it means in society is vital.
• 😀 Conducting research is critical for photographers to understand what has been done before and to add a personal touch to their projects.
• 😀 Experimenting daily with new techniques and ideas, even if it means failing, is necessary for creative growth.
• 😀 Collaboration with people from various disciplines, such as writers or designers, enhances creativity and innovation in documentary photography.
• 😀 Being more than just a photographer means expanding your knowledge base beyond just technical skills to include history, culture, and society.
• 😀 The ability to deliver a concise, 30-second elevator pitch about your work is essential for gaining recognition and standing out.
• 😀 Photographers should aim to be part of something greater by collaborating with more talented individuals and working on challenging, collective projects.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to shift from photojournalism to documentary photography?

The speaker had a life-changing experience when they were shot at while working on a photojournalism project. This moment made them realize they were more interested in the larger context surrounding events, such as the build-up and aftermath, rather than capturing the peak moment itself. This led to their decision to pursue documentary photography.

What advice does the speaker give to aspiring documentary photographers regarding reading?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading every day, specifically long-form materials like books. They suggest reading a wide range of topics, including history, fiction, biographies, and even unrelated subjects like the history of mosquitoes, to broaden one's knowledge base.

Why does the speaker suggest reading physical books rather than relying on online or social media content?

The speaker believes that reading long-form material, such as books, fosters deeper understanding and focus. They acknowledge the convenience of digital readers but stress that reading physical books allows for a more enriching and concentrated experience compared to online, short-form content.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between photography and writing?

The speaker stresses the importance of writing daily as a complement to photography. They highlight that photographers are often not seen as strong writers, but they encourage aspiring photographers to develop their writing skills. Writing helps clarify the story behind the images, ensuring the viewer understands the context.

How does the speaker view the importance of speaking about one's work?

The speaker considers the ability to articulate the purpose and significance of one's work essential for success in photography. They argue that knowing how to explain why a project matters and what it represents is just as important as the images themselves, especially in a portfolio review or when presenting to others.

What role does research play in documentary photography, according to the speaker?

Research is critical in documentary photography. The speaker emphasizes that photographers should study previous work on similar subjects, not to mimic it but to bring their own unique perspective to the story. Being unaware of previous work can harm a photographer's credibility in a competitive field.

What does the speaker suggest about experimentation and collaboration in photography?

The speaker advises photographers to experiment daily, try new ideas, and embrace failure as part of the creative process. They also highlight the importance of collaboration with people from different disciplines, as working with others can lead to more impactful and innovative projects.

Why does the speaker recommend collaborating with people from other fields?

The speaker believes that working with individuals from different disciplines—such as writers, designers, and city officials—can enhance the scope and depth of a photographer's work. Collaborations provide new insights and opportunities to create something greater than what one could achieve alone.

How important is the ability to summarize your work in a brief 'elevator pitch'?

The speaker stresses that photographers must have a concise, 30-second 'elevator pitch' to explain their work. This skill is vital for standing out in a crowded field and making a strong first impression with potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

What are the five key recommendations the speaker offers for becoming a successful documentary photographer?

The speaker's five key recommendations are: 1) Read every day, 2) Write every day, 3) Learn to speak about your work, 4) Do your research, and 5) Experiment and collaborate. These practices, along with making great images, are essential for success in documentary photography.