I've been a photographer for a very long time and I find it hard to find one type of photography to focus on. Some people say in order to be successful as a photographer you need focus. Do one type of photography and be the best at that. Put that out to the world with a consistent style and you will make a name for yourself. I get that, consistency is king. When you look at an Instagram account that has more than 10k followers chances are good that the images presented have a theme. The majority of successful photographers are known for what they shoot. When you hear the name Pete Souza you think Obama, Anne Geddes you think babies, Ansel Adams, Yosemite and the list goes on and on. My question is, is that a requirement for success?
I love landscapes. I've been an outdoorsy type person from a very young age. I've been drawn to Yosemite and the rest of the sierras all of my life. I've lived in Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. I also believe I have made some beautiful landscape images over the years.
Yosemite Valley shot from the tunnel view parking area. This obligatory location for every Yosemite photographer.
Bodega Bay California. This is a spot called Bodega Head and is one of my favorite sunset locations.
Found these trees along the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley.
But there are other things I love to photograph as well, portrait photography being one. There is a magic in the capture of someones essence. A photograph of a person is something, if done right, that can be treasured by future generations. I believe it can be the best way to remember someone as the years and generations roll on. I cherish the images that I have made of my two sons. I have challenged myself to capture their true being, not just for me, but for them and their children and so on.
I have also been able to create candid portraits that will be passed on for generations.
My fathers 80th birthday.
I have also tried my hand at model photography. At first this was just a project to push the limits of my photographic abilities. I wanted to practice my off camera flash skills as well as interacting with a subject in a different way. I had never paid someone to be my subject but I have no regrets after seeing the results.
In addition to the above I also love travel photography. It is a dream to, some day, be able to travel the globe, gear in tow, and capture the essence of the places that I explore. My latest adventure was to Vancouver BC.
So you tell me. Where do I fit in? Where should I focus my attention? I love photography as a whole and can't imagine limiting myself to one genre. I enjoy the constant challenges that different locations present. I enjoy not knowing where my next adventure might come from. I love working with people and capturing their being, their essence, their love for life. I also love the outdoors and mountains and natures beauty. So I'm torn. For the time being I will continue on my path, shooting what arrives in front of my lens and hoping that I find a tribe or audience that appreciates me for what I am, a true lover of photography in all of its' forms.