Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
or conversely
" I only shoot studio lighting".
Also as badge of honour.
I am sure you have heard this or seen this in any number of places.
But, here is the kicker.
I have NEVER heard (edit: or seen ) that come from any really good photographer, who actually understands light. Even from those who would never shoot out in nature or those who would never contemplate coming into a studio.
Thoughts for discussion?
Photographer
TomFRohwer
Posts: 1601
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Herman Surkis wrote:
I have NEVER heard that come from any really good photographer How many good photographers you have talked to?
Photographer
Herman van Gestel
Posts: 2266
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
light is light, the sun or clouds are just a different type... understand light, shadow and colortemperature, and you can make anything out of it... Herman www.hermanvangestel.com
Photographer
Laura Elizabeth Photo
Posts: 2253
Rochester, New York, US
Almost as good as 'I only post raw images, I don't use photoshop'
A good photographer uses all tools that are available to them and even if they don't they probably don't brag about their limited skill set. Whenever someone says 'I only do this' like it's a good thing it just makes me think they can't do anything else well. I know because I only shoot women and it's because I have no idea how to shoot dudes well :p
It just seems like something artists say to be elitist.
Photographer
Four-Eleven Productions
Posts: 762
Fircrest, Washington, US
I only shoot natural girls in natural light.
What's the problem?
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
That statement is crap! They want to appear better than others.
Photographer
GD Whalen
Posts: 1886
Asheville, North Carolina, US
I don't know any good photographer that would start any sentence with, "I only..."
Model
Alabaster Crowley
Posts: 8283
Tucson, Arizona, US
GD Whalen wrote:
I don't know any good photographer artist that would start any sentence with, "I only..." Fix't.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
TomFRohwer wrote:
How many good photographers you have talked to? A lot, and some crazy good ones at that.
And to make you more comfortable, perhaps I should have said,
...never heard or seen that...
And I have read many, many articles and books, from the best.
Now that is not to say that it has never happened, it is just in my experience it has never happened.
So perhaps you could reference a very well known and respected photographer who has said that. I am willing to learn.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
"I only shoot natural light" as a badge of honor 'Badges of Honor' in either studio or available light can't really be worn by those who attempt to lay claim to them. They have to be earned through acknowledgement from one's peers. The sheer number of views, comments and lists received on whatever lighting environment your images are created in will provide you with incite on where your real talents lies. Put your best foot forward in both arenas, and watch where 'your badges' pop up. Hundreds of samples in both settings here... feel free to slap badges on any you like... 
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
Whatever the subject, the word "only", when used this way, is probably the most constrictive straitjacket anyone could fashion for himself. It tends to mark the user as a fool and traps him into defending often indefensible positions.
All IMHO as always, of course.
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
Alabaster Crowley wrote:
GD Whalen wrote:
I don't know any good photographer artist that would start any sentence with, "I only..." Fix't. The thread can probably end here.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
When someone says that, does it make your skin crawl like it does me?
Comes up in the forums on a regular basis, but recently I was with a group of photographers when somebody said that ('only shoot natural light', as if he was better than those who use artificial light). All I could do was bite my tongue and walk away shaking my head.
Photographer
F-1 Photo
Posts: 1164
New York, New York, US
Even Ansel Adams did an occasional studio shoot.
Badges if honor are silly... "I only shoot studio images",... "I only shoot film",... We all have preferences. Why pigeonhole yourself with absolutes?
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Good Egg Productions wrote:
Alabaster Crowley wrote:
GD Whalen wrote:
I don't know any good photographer artist that would start any sentence with, "I only..." Fix't. "The thread can probably end here." Yep, have to agree.
But somebody must know somebody who is actually good, and yet also that egotistical and pretentious.
Photographer
SayCheeZ!
Posts: 20621
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Herman Surkis wrote:
"I only shoot natural light" as a badge of honor
I have NEVER heard (edit: or seen ) that come from any really good photographer, who actually understands light. Even from those who would never shoot out in nature or those who would never contemplate coming into a studio.
Thoughts for discussion? 98% of the time those words are coming from a photographer that really means:
"I'm too cheap to spend money on a decent flash and I wouldn't know how to use it anyway.
(the remaining 2% who are doing it for serious reason tend to do it very wel)
Photographer
MichaelClements
Posts: 1739
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Potatoes potatoes
But I do get it and maybe the badge if honour is really inexperience and fear of learning new techniques. I have the same gripe about black and white portfolios but hey ho.
Model
Alabaster Crowley
Posts: 8283
Tucson, Arizona, US
Good Egg Productions wrote:
The thread can probably end here. You should know better!
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
Herman Surkis wrote:
When someone says that, does it make your skin crawl like it does me?
Comes up in the forums on a regular basis, but recently I was with a group of photographers when somebody said that ('only shoot natural light', as if he was better than those who use artificial light). All I could do was bite my tongue and walk away shaking my head. It irks me as well.
People who brag because they only use film, or they only use Broncolor. I boil it down to two things.
1. They spent a LOT of money on something or a set of things, and they need to justify (to themselves) that it was worth the expenditure.
2. They are unable to produce doing anything OTHER than what they're currently doing, so they are trying to justify (to themselves) that anyone who doesn't do it their way is inferior.
Just dumb.
Photographer
Herman van Gestel
Posts: 2266
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Herman Surkis wrote:
But somebody must know somebody who is actually good, and yet also that egotistical and pretentious. I'll do my best :p....
....
....
....
...
if i was stuck without flash, and only natural light, I would still be making above average images :p....gehehe 
no, that didn't worked out to wel....need re-wording :p
half of the time i work with natural light only (sounds better?)
The other Herman
www.hermanvangestel.com
Photographer
PS Photo
Posts: 7
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Photographer
SoftLights
Posts: 5426
New Orleans, Louisiana, US
Herman van Gestel wrote:
light is light, the sun or clouds are just a different type...
understand light, shadow and colortemperature, and you can make anything out of it...
Herman
www.hermanvangestel.com I agree with Herman.
Most will agree that it's hard to beat a nicely placed north facing window, or an overcast day, or shooting during the golden hour. But by saying I only shoot natural or strobes or continuous or what ever, you're limiting yourself to these situations. I compare it to buying an upper end camera and never taking it off of program mode.
Just my humble opinion 
Photographer
GD Whalen
Posts: 1886
Asheville, North Carolina, US
Alabaster Crowley wrote:
Fix't. Fixing is good.
Photographer
David Stone Imaging
Posts: 1032
Seattle, Washington, US
I've heard/read the same "I only's ....... ." I can see these comments from someone who only does cityscapes or landscapes and nature. But when people or models are involved, their approach is obviously limiting to their growth as an artist.
Photographer
R Bruce Duncan
Posts: 1178
Santa Barbara, California, US
Sheesh, Herman-
You've created a straw man, whom we all apparently hate.
My congratulations on the responses though.
I shoot natural light because my studio has great windows, and I know how to use it.
Still, one of better cheesey Mayhem threads.
Everyone got to chip in!
RBD
Photographer
Michael DBA Expressions
Posts: 3730
Lynchburg, Virginia, US
Rays Fine Art wrote:
Whatever the subject, the word "only", when used this way, is probably the most constrictive straitjacket anyone could fashion for himself. It tends to mark the user as a fool and traps him into defending often indefensible positions.
All IMHO as always, of course. Mine, too.
Photographer
GD Whalen
Posts: 1886
Asheville, North Carolina, US
R Bruce Duncan wrote:
Sheesh, Herman-
You've created a straw man, whom we all apparently hate.
My congratulations on the responses though.
I shoot natural light because my studio has great windows, and I know how to use it.
Still, one of better cheesey Mayhem threads.
Everyone got to chip in!
RBD Bragging about shooting natural light is like bragging about breathing. If you can't shoot natural light you can't turn your camera on. At least these days.
Photographer
GD Whalen
Posts: 1886
Asheville, North Carolina, US
Herman Surkis wrote:
or conversely
" I only shoot studio lighting".
Also as badge of honour.
I am sure you have heard this or seen this in any number of places.
But, here is the kicker.
I have NEVER heard (edit: or seen ) that come from any really good photographer, who actually understands light. Even from those who would never shoot out in nature or those who would never contemplate coming into a studio.
Thoughts for discussion? Absolutes are never good things.
Photographer
Swank Photography
Posts: 19020
Key West, Florida, US
Herman Surkis wrote:
or conversely
" I only shoot studio lighting".
Also as badge of honour.
I am sure you have heard this or seen this in any number of places.
But, here is the kicker.
I have NEVER heard (edit: or seen ) that come from any really good photographer, who actually understands light. Even from those who would never shoot out in nature or those who would never contemplate coming into a studio.
Thoughts for discussion? Well honestly you have those who "only" shoot in one or the other aspect. Probably just poor choice of wording actually.
Myself, I primarily shoot in natural/available light...I think I've used "only" myself here and there.
(To me)....being a good photographer is understanding light in all forms and being able to work with light sources from all different levels, whether it is studio, outdoors, or somewhere in between.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
I use a speed-lite when I shoot in the desert.
Photographer
The Grand Artist
Posts: 468
Fort Worth, Texas, US
Is this like saying:
I only shoot film
I only shoot with full frame
I only shoot with professional bodies
I only use Photoshop
I only use Lightroom
I always pay models
I only use Nikon
I only use Macs
I only use iPads
I only use professional gear
I only work with established professionals
I could go on but I will not. Seems like this is required behavior for most creative types, especially here.
Photographer
Happy Guy Photos
Posts: 1271
Upland, California, US
TomFRohwer wrote:
How many good photographers you have talked to? +1,000
The OP isn't asking a question, he's making a statement. Why, I don't know.
Looks like the "I only ... " statement makes the OP rather uncomfortable.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
David Stone Imaging wrote:
I've heard/read the same "I only's ....... ." I can see these comments from someone who only does cityscapes or landscapes and nature. But when people or models are involved, their approach is obviously limiting to their growth as an artist. And I have never heard/seen it from some of the top nature photographers I know or have read. So even there.
Photographer
R Bruce Duncan
Posts: 1178
Santa Barbara, California, US
GD Whalen wrote:
Bragging about shooting natural light is like bragging about breathing. If you can't shoot natural light you can't turn your camera on. At least these days. I whole heartedly agree GD Whalen-
These natural light fanatics are a plague on the forum.
Truth be told, I'm a huge admirer of Herman's previous avatar, the dude with goggles. Now that's a model image!
You may put me on the record as doing my best to run the Natural Light fanatics off the forum.
They're scum and have done their best to infect these hallowed grounds.
Anyone else in favor of tar and feathers for Natural Light Fanatics?
Personally, I suspect they're all illegal immigrants from those, well, dare I say it, Middle Eastern Countries?
Too many have been have been here too long.
Adios, bastardo Natural Light Fanatics.
Find another forum!
RBD
Photographer
Steven Gelberg
Posts: 70
San Francisco, California, US
I shoot only with natural light (with a reflector), because I feel that natural light is more beautiful and organic looking than artificial light.
I only shoot with film (because I like the way it renders skin tones).
I only shoot with black-and-white film (because I love that aesthetic).
I develop and process my film and print my own images in my darkroom (because I love the art and craft of gelatin-silver print-making).
I do these things not because I'm elitist, or better than anyone, or trying to imitate anyone, or for any other reason than that it is these kinds of images that I find most beautiful and compelling.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Happy Guy Photos wrote:
+1,000
The OP isn't asking a question, he's making a statement. Why, I don't know.
Looks like the "I only ... " statement makes the OP rather uncomfortable. The " I only ..." statement when used as a badge of honour, meaning I am better then those who don't do it my way, does not make me uncomfortable, it irritates the hell out of me.
Ok, I'll throw some oil on the fire.
The only time I have heard or seen that (or similar) with that kind of tone, is coming from pretentious incompetents.
As others have said people have their preferences of what they like to shoot and how, but that does not make you better than the rest. And as well those preferences are just that.
"The only good photographers are those who shoot BW, and the only real photography is Black and White." Prefer that?
And not quite a straw man, as scratching an itch. A recent itch.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
R Bruce Duncan wrote:
I whole heartedly agree GD Whalen-
These natural light fanatics are a plague on the forum.
Truth be told, I'm a huge admirer of Herman's previous avatar, the dude with goggles. Now that's a model image!
You may put me on the record as doing my best to run the Natural Light fanatics off the forum.
They're scum and have done their best to infect these hallowed grounds.
Anyone else in favor of tar and feathers for Natural Light Fanatics?
Personally, I suspect they're all illegal immigrants from those, well, dare I say it, Middle Eastern Countries?
Too many have been have been here too long.
Adios, bastardo Natural Light Fanatics.
Find another forum!
RBD Careful.
Blue dude with googles is (SHHH...don't tell anyone) is shot with (horrors) natural light. He was fooling around in the studio during a bodypaint shoot and stepped in front of a window. The rest is history. Total window light. Aren't I great!!! Ok, the only thing that is great is that I saw it, and took a few moments to tweak the pose to work the light.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Steven Gelberg wrote:
I shoot only with natural light (with a reflector), because I feel that natural light is more beautiful and organic looking than artificial light.
I only shoot with film (because I like the way it renders skin tones).
I only shoot with black-and-white film (because I love that aesthetic).
I develop and process my film and print my own images in my darkroom (because I love the art and craft of gelatin-silver print-making).
I do these things not because I'm elitist, or better than anyone, or trying to imitate anyone, or for any other reason than that it is these kinds of images that I find most beautiful and compelling. Bingo.
Perfect reason for doing it that way.
Photographer
GER Photography
Posts: 8463
Imperial, California, US
The statement means that they are too lazy to set up lights or can't afford them. :-)))))
Photographer
R Bruce Duncan
Posts: 1178
Santa Barbara, California, US
Herman Surkis wrote:
The " I only ..." statement when used as a badge of honour, meaning I am better then those who don't do it my way, does not make me uncomfortable, it irritates the hell out of me.
Ok, I'll throw some oil on the fire.
The only time I have heard or seen that (or similar) with that kind of tone, is coming from pretentious incompetents.
As others have said people have their preferences of what they like to shoot and how, but that does not make you better than the rest. And as well those preferences are just that.
"The only good photographers are those who shoot BW, and the only real photography is Black and White." Prefer that?
And not quite a straw man, as scratching an itch. A recent itch. You appear to enjoy throwing oil on the fire you created, Herman.
Am I allowed to suspect you enjoy fires and throwing oil on them?
I know, I know.
I'm a fool to take the forum seriously.
Do as you please.
Am I allowed to say that, sheesh, forgive me, I'm new and an idealist, that this place could be wonderful for those who care about making good images, and sharing them?
And would be better without those who take great pleasure in starting fires, and throwing oil on them?
I know, I know.
It's the Mayhem.
RBD
|
