A brief synopsis of my philosophy pertaining to commercial photography

1. COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
- a philosophical approach
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2. OBJECTIVE
TODAY’S PRESENTATION
WILL ESTABLISH THE
FOLLOWING:
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES US AS A
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ?
WHAT ASPECTS OF OUR CRAFT
SET US APART ?
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3. Introduction:
Body / Content
1. Importance of TECHNIQUE
2. The Correct MINDSET
3. Familiarity with Art History
4. Copy the THEORY, not the image
Conclusion / Learning Outcome
Contagious Enthusiasm!
Summary
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4. 1. Importance of technique
The smart practitioner
utilises the knowledge
of:
• Instructors
• Lecturers
• Mentors
• Peers
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5. Command of your Medium
• Technically & Aesthetically
• Confidence to express
what you want to say:
- Be it Fine Art or Commercial
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6. 2. The Correct Mindset
• Ideas
Develop your own: • Theories
• Approach
• Solutions
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7. Then the technique will follow !
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8. 3. Familiarity with Art History
When you encounter
contemporary work,
- Carry out your own
critical analysis:
Is this actually new
or presented in a new
form?
What can I learn from it?
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9. • Even superbly crafted commercial images
represent universal Questions / Principles,
(Richard Avedon, David La Chapelle)
• Advertising does this constantly
• When we are aware of this, we see how Art;
- INSPIRES
- TEACHES
- and even CHALLENGES us!
We are informed, we are EMPOWERED!
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10. By immersing ourselves in positive external influences,
- i.e. MUSIC FILM LITERATURE FINE ART:
• Assists us to see the word differently
• Allows us to step outside our comfort
zone. Expose yourself to as many
creative influences as possible !
• Remember materials cost money but
inspiration is free!
CHECK OUT FILMS LIKE:
-“Slum Dog Millionaire”
-“Run Lola Run”
-“Blade Runner”
-“Koyaanisqatsi”
- OR ANY THING BY STANLEY KUBRIC OR ORSON WELLS!
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11. When you possess an informed and open mind
• You begin to genuinely seek exploration
of the broader questions
• Then your work will become distinctive,
personal, and consistent !
- You will develop your own “STYLE”
REMEMBER:
- It takes time to accrue life’s
experience
- We are ALWAYS learning !
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12. 4. Copy the THEORY not the image
• Seek inspiration from the work of others, but always acknowledge your sources
• You are respected more for it and people will find out anyway
• Ultimately your own style will show through anyway !
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13. CONCLUSION
It’s claimed “Rat-like Cunning”will always beat youthful
exuberance
• Everything discussed provides us with
experience, knowledge & ultimately
“Cunning”
• And it will sometimes get you out
of trouble
BUT REMEMBER:
CONTAGIOUS ENTHUSIASM expressed
- Sincerely
- Genuinely
- Conscientiously
Will over time melt even the most cynical of hearts !
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14. SUMMARY
1. We discussed the importance of
TECHNIQUE
2. Considered how the possession
the correct MINDSET assists us
3. Looked at how a knowledge of
ART HISTORY empowers us
4. Spoke about how we should
learn the THEORY, then apply it
to our images
5. Discovered the importance of
CONTAGEOUS ENTHUSIASM !
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15. THANK YOU
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