Who is Number One?

I got a lot of email responses to yesterday’ post in the Learning Center about what the pros carry.  It seems each of these photographers have a very enthusiastic following and I would agree, and count my self as a fan of their work!  When we start to look at various top shooters the invariable question comes up, (taken from one of yesterday’s emails), “who are the ten best shooters out there today, and how do they compare to the ten best of all time?!”   This brings up a very important question;  what is a photographic identity?  That is, after all, what the question asks.

Websters:  IDENTITY, Distinguishing character or personality of an individual. Dividing into kinds, classes, or categories.  The bottom line is we seek to find a way to score ourselves for the purpose of comparison with others, so that we may rank ourselves.  Why do we feel the need to do that?  Does it really make us a better photographer because someone perceives us as better than someone else.  Do opinions matter, maybe, but would you wear half the clothes you see on the streets in New York!!??  Not me, it’s fair to say that opinions vary, greatly!

So why do we care about rank?  The definition of  Rank: a degree of a position of  dignity, eminence, or excellence.  A grade of official Standing in a hierarchy.  What’s the point?    How good are you?  Why does it matter?  Why can’t we just have fun, enjoy learning, and just get better with practice.  Are any of us ever going to be Joe McNally, or David Muench, Ansel Adams?  I hope not, those people already exist, or in the case of Adams, did exist! Are my HDR images ever going to look as good as Jim Begley’s?  No, and frankly my dear, I don’t give d—!  For some time now I have been making images to please only one audience, myself.  Does that mean I don’t care what others think, no, but my life is not ruled by what they think.  If someone likes, loves, adores, despises, or hates my work, what difference does it make?  Only if they are a client, (meaning I want their money for services rendered),  would I care that much.  Everyone would love to be loved and appreciated, but that should not be what drives us to get out of bed in the morning and function.

JOY:  an emotion based on a state of well being, success, good fortune, and  the prospect of possessing what one desires.  I’ll take that!!!  Does this mean I will not make an effort to get better as a photographer and artist?  Of course not!  I love learning, and getting better,  but not to move up in any kind of ranking.  People are free to see me anyway they would like, frankly I doubt very few people care, which is fine with me.  Honestly there is only one Number One in my books, and I don’t think scripture ever mentioned Him owning a camera.

the pilgrim

* I posted this entry in both categories of The Pilgrim’s Chronicles and The Learning Center, O think it applies in both places……

Kicking the ball forward!   I got an email today after the post asking a really good question, I would like to respond to everyone as I think some others may have had the same thought.

The question was, “Do you feel it is wrong to want to be quote, “famous”.  You have to admit that all of these photographers, including yourself, have benefited from having some recognition in the photo industry.  Your thoughts would be appreciated!”

I think that is a good and fair question and I’m glad it was asked.  First let me take a slight issue with the word “famous”.  I think Elvis was famous, Harrison Ford is famous, Frank Sinatra was famous, Joe Montana was famous.  To me, and forgive me if I’m wrong, but famous means you are instantly recognizable by the vast majority of the population in the country you are considered famous, possibly the world!  Muhammad Ali is certainly world famous.  If any of these people (if they were living) walked into a mall in any city in America they would cause quite a stir as they would be instantly recognized and mobbed for autographs.  Pick a photographer, any photographer, the one you think is most famous, now take them to that same mall, what do you think would be the reaction????   I am almost certain no one would have any idea who they were!  To me that’s not famous.  I believe that if a photographer is known and appreciated among their peers (other photographers) that is as far as fame goes for any of us.

Is it true that if you are known and recognized within our small community, you get certain benefits or special treatment?  Sure, people are generally nice and kind and many really want to benefit from a persons recognition, so yes I will concede that being known in the industry does buy a level of opportunity.  A Joe McNally, or a Scott Kelby, or a John Shaw certainly get more of that than a Bill Fortney.  Enough said on that.

My favorite part of the question was “Is it wrong to want to be famous?”  I wouldn’t say wrong, maybe misguided?!  Since we have established that there are no “famous photographers” at least not in the text book meaning of  famous, it would be a little like wishing you could be Superman, not gonna happen, doesn’t exist!  I think the question that needs to be asked is why would a person feel that need to be famous.  Even if, as a photographer, you could become famous, look at many of the truly famous people out there.  How has it worked out for them?  But you say, I could have more money, more power, be more respected!  Well I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I don’t think it works like that.  I know lots of people that have lots of money but are not happy at all.  I know several people that are very powerful, but that has not brought them peace and joy.  I and you do too, l know people that the world knows well, but they are not respected.  No fame doesn’t guarantee anything except you will be known.  I’ve been on a long standing mission to hopefully help people find a way to have real happiness, peace, joy, contentment, and a feeling of real security.  Fame or nothing related to it will guarantee any of those states of being.  I’m not against fame, if it can make you better, and make you aware of others, their needs and causes you to use your fame to reach out to the world around you, it’s a great thing.  Just don’t think that being a great photographer is a good way to get to there, probably not going to happen.

Did I rather generously use the words famous in my description of the photographers in the gear article, I plead guilty, I’m a fan too!  The lesson be careful how much weight you bring to bare on even my words!!!!

the pilgrim