I sometimes receive emails from photographers wanting to know how to get started in career in photography, what should they do, what should they shoot, who should they approach? I don’t want to say I know all the answers, or even some of the answers for what other photographers should do. Everyone has their own path, and part of the challenge is to first discover that path. I will tell you what works for me: I am best when I am working on a project whose subject I know, that I love, and that I have the technical capacity to carry out. When those elements line up with something that other people care about, then you have a winner. Not everyone is like this. For some photographers it is all about the numbers, shoot what sells, and repeat. You may be one of those people, and that is great, I admire you for being able to do that. It is a much simpler road to follow, but it is not a road that works for me. When I go that way I get myself seriously off the rails and it can take me years to get back on track.
Here is an example of what I mean. I got call from Kira Pollack the photo editor at Time Magazine in the fall asking if I wanted to do a story on some dogs that had been taken in the largest federal raid ever on dog fighting rings. I had no pictures of dogs or any other animals in my portfolio. But what I did have was a long relationship with Kira when she was at The NYTimes Magazine. At the Times, they would joke that if they had someone impossible ( Mike Tyson, Eminem) , or some impossible technical aspect to a job, they would call me. Which I think is why I got the call. They wanted me to photograph 80 rescued fighting dogs in 2 days on location in St Louis. To them this was an impossible task, fraught with danger. I mean, Fighting Dogs are scary, right?
What they did not know, is that I had previously owned a rescued pit, and had also owned a rescued 90 lb Akita, a former drug dealer guard dog. So I knew about these kind of dogs. I was absolutely thrilled to be able not only to make some great photos of them, but to just to be able to meet them. Without knowing it, Kira had probably chosen the single most qualified person in the world to go do this job.
I was determined to show these dogs with dignity and respect, two things are often lacking in the genre. My assistant and I practiced for 2 days with the lights before we flew down. The result is that the story won a PDN award and AP26 award for best editorial. I knew my subject, I had passion for my subject, I had the skill to carry it off, and it was something that resonated with the an audience. Additional to the awards, I was able to do a really good thing, and this is what pushes me to do great work. Money, success, recognition, yea, we love that, but being able to do a really good thing, that is the cherry, that is what really gets me going. What was going on with these dogs was unspeakably barbaric. By me doing a good job, and Time publishing it, we were able to get almost all those rescued dogs adopted, and to shine a bright light on a very dark part of America.
So what is important to you? What do you know and love? Is it of any interest to other people? Can you do it well? Look at people like Ryan McGinley, David Bailey, Larry Clark, Jill Greenburg, Helmut Newton. That is the secret to their success. If you can figure that out, the world will beat a path to your door.
Here is some of the fallout from the Recued Fighting Dogs story. This is the stuff that rocks my world and keeps me pushing for more everyday. These pictures and the Josie the Dog’s Blog, which you must read come from Sara, who brought Josie home after the big dog raid. Big shout out to A Rotta Love Plus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who made Josie’s new life possible.
If you would like to stay informed of the follow ups to the Rescued Fighting Dogs story, sign up at my FaceBook Fan Page, which is where I will be posting them. Thanks for your attention.
Becoming a photographer has been something I had in the back of my mind for the past few years. During those years of my life, I have experienced many different financial responsibilities, personal responsibilities, journeys, and work experiences that I let keep me from my photography. Sometimes it is very hard to keep the motivation going when you try to think of everything completely logically.
You can’t let the mental roadblocks and and worry get to you. You can’t let the difficulty of anything get to you.
David is completely right that you have to remember your passion. I let myself forget why I wanted to be a photographer and the passion I had. I buried it to try to do ‘the right thing’ for so many other people. I regret nothing I did, but if I focused on my passion three years ago I would be three years closer to success today.
Don’t forget your passion and surround yourself in people who believe in you and will support you. I honestly believe that is the key to success.
Hi Gil,
Thanks for taking the time to post this. Like you said, it is all about doing it, and having the courage to keep to doing it.
Best wishes in all your endevors,
David
I read your blog titled “Success=Photograph With a Passion” and want to thank you for your encouragement. I’ve always loved taking pictures, since I was a little tot, but never really asked myself the question, “What is important to me?” or “Do I have a passion for my subject?” I never realized that I take pictures best when I love the friends (or subject) within my frame.
May you continually be inspired, moved with compassion, and aspire to encourage others to take quality photographs.
Hi Kristal,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write in. I appreciate your thoughts, and your support. Best wishes and keep taking those pictures!
David