Avoiding clichés requires one of two things: An original approach or an unexplored subject matter and ideally, both. In other words, figuring out a new way to make pictures of a tried and true subject is one way. This usually means telling a specific, dynamic story. The other is to discover or conceive of a subject that hasn’t been trampled to stereotype. Do both and you’re a genius.
via Mike Davis.
3 Comments
Yes I agree. Even if you can do one of these you are doing better than most. A fresh view of something that has been photographed endlessly is the key. Often practitioners new to the medium who have experience in other disciplines offer a new insight. It is not about the thing being photographed but it is about what you have to say about it.
@Nick Brewer, Very sincinct, wel put and I echo the thoughts.
I have always thought a photographer needs to be a really good story teller. I think that it takes the most time develop out of all the skills needed to create images. I think some of the best photographers I have met in my lifetime could speak well and also tell the very interactive stories behind their images in social settings. Don’t kill me on this because there are exceptions.
Indeed.
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