Photography as an Obsession

How much time do I spend 'doing' photography?

That's the question that was raised by LensWork publishing editor Brooks Jensen in the audio clip we listened to for class on Friday.

"Success happens when opportunity meets preparation." - Vince Lombardi

It is said that....
Talent is what really differentiates one artist from another- it's the genius of talent that counts.
... is that really all?

Malcolme Gladwell makes the argument that talent is not irrelevant, but overrated. He points out that in order to be really good at anything you have to have put in 10,000 hours working at it in order to develop that skill set to a top notch level.

In order to be a good photographer you have to do a lot of photography.
You have to spend a lot of time working on the development of your own eye. The more time you spend on it, the more you have the ability to see a good photograph the ability to see what makes a good photograph. That only comes with time.

How much time do I spend-
Out photographing
Looking at prints
Thinking about photography
Attending Gallery shows
Reading photography
Reading Books about photography
Using photoshop
Working in the darkroom
..... 'doing' your photography.

What am I physically doing this semester to get better at my photography?
I am taking a darkroom class
Taking photographs for the A&S department
Photo Story Class
Reading as many photo books as I can get my hands on*
Carrying my Lumix with me everywhere... like usual.
Attempting to blog everyday

I think all of these things really do contribute to being successful as a photographer.


If experience is the single largest component that leads to success, Jensen says that, It might be worthwhile to think about how much time you spend actually following your passion.

**Apparently my photo book obsession is a good thing...