Don’t be a button pusher.
One of the great photographers who was a pioneer in photography was Edward Steichen. Besides knowing his early work, I read a lot about him in one of the best books that I always recommend to anyone to read…Group F/64
I’ve mentioned this book both in my online class with the BPSOP, and in my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct all over the place.
He once said, “A button-pusher shoots only at things he’s seen other take”. If there was ever a quote that rang true to all my students past and present, this is it.
My name is Joe Baraban for anyone out there that’s new to this blog. I have seen firsthand a student walk up behind another student and shoot an identical photo. Oh, sure there might be some nuances, but for the most part it’s the same shot.
They’re just not comfortable in their own skin…so to speak. They need to rely on someone else’s idea instead of venturing out on their own in search of their own unique way of looking at things.
There’s an inherent problem with that. What if the person they are trying to look like is not who they should be looking like…if you know what I mean!!!
In other words, what if you’re a stronger photographer but lack the confidence to travel down the road less traveled? What if it’s actually you that should be leading the way? Relying on the person next to you to come up with a visually interesting photo is not going to be in your best interest.
Take matters into your own hands, and don’t be a button-pusher.
Visit my website at www.joebaraban.com, and check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.
JoeB
