I received an interesting email this morning from this website. The sender enquires about the apparent “lack of creativity” in the Lethbridge photography market. I’ll keep the sender’s address confidential, but post the original email, and my response here for discussion.
Original Email
Why do Lethbridge photographers seem to have so little creativity. I see photos on a website then a month or so down the road other photographers have the exact photos on their site (different subjects, same concept). Where is the creativity?
My Response
Hi Xxxx,
I think many photographers in Lethbridge are very creative, but let me give you my spin on things.
Wedding photography is very commercial, and most photographers branch out into one of three categories:
- Traditional
- Modern
- Photojournalistic
Usually the bride sees a set of shots in a magazine or a style from another photographer and requests similar locations, poses, etc.
Most photographers try and put a personal spin in things, but in the end – it’s all about the client.
Another factor is trends in the industry. Most of us belong to WPPI, a national group of wedding photographers, and attend their conference. Too many return drinking the same kool-aid.
Other times, photographers will collaborate on the same shoot. I often second shoot for other photographers in town, and they for me. Both of us will post photos from the same wedding.
If you would like to evaluate the creative potential of a photographer, ask to see a wider portfolio to see work past the constraints of weddings. As an example, I shoot music, models and cars – none of which follow the wedding “formula”.
Most photographers would love to collaborate with a client on new and fresh concepts and styles. With risk comes reward, finding a client who will give the freedom to create is often a challenge.
Where does your comment stem from? Can I help at all?
M
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I think this sender makes some valid arguments that relate to other discussions we’ve been having in the industry as of late. The current economic situation is generating many new and part-time photographers into the market, trying to supplement their income, or generate a career change. This flood of new talent is bringing varying degrees of quality into the market, and the common reference for the majority of them is the portfolios of other photographers.
With many new photographers chasing quick dollars, emulating the style of other photographers, and generating a similar post production look – with just a few clicks in Photoshop (many photographers use Photoshop “actions” or recorded moves by more experienced hands to generate certain tones, textures or other visual styles) the landscape is too “watered down”. The overuse of these “actions” and “me too” poses, backgrounds and compositions tends to make things quite generic. If creativity truly is “the art of concealing your sources” – the internet is making things harder to hide.
A wedding photographer is a special breed, she is one part counsellor, photographer, project manager, technician and salesperson. The pressures of the wedding day bring out the best (and the worst) in a photographer, and those who can handle the heat excel over the long term. Some argue that the intensity of the wedding day, and the risk of experimental photography keep things looking the same.
I personally believe that if photographers stick to a consistent style, they will get work in that style – feeding more originality in the portfolio. Many discussions around locations, style and incorporating the personalities of your subjects into the resulting photos will keep things looking fresh, and let the new ones sort things out a level below.
What do you think?
Excellent points, Michael.
I don’t think this is a Lethbridge issue; I see this issue is prevalent among a LOT of wedding photographers.
Fundamentally, I think what is most important is that photos are memorable for the client and they have a photographer’s signature (even if slight).
Especially when it comes to weddings, there really are only so many things you can do. The human body can only be posed in a certain number of ways (especially if the bride is wearing a hoop in her dress!) so I’m sure by this point its all been done before. A lot of what is key in photography is the emotion it captures, and that goes beyond creativity.
I think you’re absolutely right. So very often I feel as though I can’t pursue what is my creative ‘style’, simply because I have to make a living, and my client wants something completely different. I guess no-holds-barred creativity is what my free time is for.
A given ‘Style’ is a set of gestures (poses, lighting, props or not, etc.). Often certain ‘styles’ will become fashionable (for a while) then fade / what is past often can look humorous from a distance (the phrase – 80′s style is bound to make me smile)…and yet one wants to be ‘current’…so must use elements of the predominant … style …
I think Tanyas’ comment is right on – the key is the emotion that is captures – whatever the style…