Hi,

We photograph for:

-ourselves,

-for our own pleasure

-or to please others, to seek feedback.

If we read the interviews and biographies of the great photographers we understand that they have always followed their instincts.

Like many artists, painters, sculptors, musicians, etc. photographers have always followed their style, some followed the rules, some invented them and some broke them, but always faithful to their idea, the judgment of others didn't matter and is this what made them immortal? I think yes.

We must believe and photograph what we like and how we like it and be satisfied with what we produce when we stop time by pressing that magic button, it is only in this way that we create something pure and unique, not chasing what others want.

Maybe in modern times we are too subject to the judgment of others, even here on this platform?

I recently listened to a monologue by a well-known photographer and he said that he did commercial photography for a living but once he had earned the money he needed to live for a few months or years he dedicated himself to his photography what he believed in and he didn't sell those photos even for a penny.

But then time recognized him in his photos and not in the commercial ones like the well-known photographer who wrote it in history.

What do you think?

Sebastiano,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Photography, our common hobby and obsession.  It's good to step back now and then to ponder why we make photographs, and what value they might possibly have.

 
I agree that the most important art is created by artists who follow their insincts and disregard the rules when the work demands it.  Avoiding the temptations of cliché, and ignoring critics is part of the formula too. 

   
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." ―  Pablo Picasso

Two things:  It's human nature to seek praise for what we do, and I think we also have a need to share with others - either to teach some truth we have discovered, or simply ♫ to tell our story before we turn into gold♫  (Leonard Cohen).   When we create something meaningful or beautiful we want - we need - we have a responsibility - to share it.  There's always the slim chance that sharing will make the world a better place.  

“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”    . . . . . . . Henry van Dyke (American poet and short story writer)

. . . . Steven T.

For all of those things, Sebastiano. For some however, it's also not so much about art, as for documenting life and its consequenses. Personally, it's documentary photography that moves me the most. And it's trully sad that documenatry photography has suffered from decline the most. I will bring to your attention one female documentary photographer who died unrecognised and pennyless for her art, just a few years ago. Tish Murtha. A wonderfully talented photographer. Yet only now does she have her work exhibited in the Tate Gallery in London. The night sky is filled with the stars of artists, you only have to die to join them.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tish_Murtha

Indeed. I noticed her book "Elswick Kids" some years ago. For all who are interested: Her daughter Ella has created a website with informations and images.

http://www.tishmurtha.co.uk

Nice topic Sebastiano,

purely for myself (even though I already had a few exhibitions), I take photos for pleasure or for me it is a form of clearing the mind, a form of meditation. However, I am trying to improve, and here, sooner or later, one may encounter the limits of one's perception of the world or one's talent. Likewise, a great photo may not be popular in general (these are two different worlds for me). Anyway, it's often just purely subjective. So I understand that when a well-known photographer takes pictures commercially, he creates differently than when he creates his free work.

Anyway, it's a beautiful hobby, a livelihood for some or even a beautiful art.

radek