I enjoy being part of a camera club, but one of the criticisms that is often levelled at camera clubs is that they concentrate too much on the technical aspects of photography, at the expense of the creative aspects. It’s a matter of personal taste as to what “too much” means here, as I feel it is important to understand the technical aspects very well in order to be able to spend time on the creative aspects without over-thinking aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc. But this criticism is, in general, a fair point and I dislike that I find that mentality creeping into my own judgement of (my own) images on occasion.
For instance this photograph is one I would never enter into club competiton, or probably even show at the club, because there’s too much in it for a camera club audience to dislike. It is, afterall, technically quite average. I can tell you what a camera club judge might say about it (assuming that it got past the first hurdle of being considered a photograph at all, seeing as how wedding shots and camera clubs do not mix):
“Next we have “A stroll in the garden”. I gave this one 22 out of 50. It doesn’t work for me at all. I think all the interest is here (points to the small area around the bride and groom) and it would have been better if the photographer cropped in, or used a longer lens. Also, the couple’s backs are to the camera, which isn’t usually a good thing. It’s a pity there’s no detail in the sky – it’s blown out in parts and an atmospheric stormy sky might have helped to lift the shot. I find the figure at the right is too dominant and there’s almost no detail in the shadows. Again, had the photographer cropped or zoomed in this would have been overcome. And there’s something jarring about the people emerging from the left, and the fact that their faces are obscured by the window frame. Oh, and it’s crooked.”
Maybe not, of course. Maybe a judge would love it. But I think not. And here’s the thing – all those points are probably valid things to say about this shot if you are looking at it from a technical point of view. Now I don’t mean to do camera club judges a disservice by tarring them all with the same brush and making sweeping generalizations (and any other brush-related metaphors you can think of). But I have seen many judges in action who judge images in that way. I’ve played the system too, and on occasion scored 49 or 50 out of 50 with technically strong, but creatively unimaginative shots. That’s the problem – the camera club competition mentality can make you technically good, but creatively weak. If you let it, that is.
Let me reiterate again – I’m a fan of my camera club, and joining it has proven to be one of the best things I’ve done for my photography. In fact, I would suggest to anyone with an interest in improving their photography skills to find their local club and join. I believe once you do that however, the key to getting the most out of a camera club is to recognize the pitfalls that the club (and the competition mentality in particular) can draw you into, so that you can steer clear of them.
With all that in mind, as I post today’s image I thought I would tell you what it is I like about it, accepting the technical flaws that the hypothetical judge highlighted above.
I like it because it captures a moment in the wedding, with the bride and groom heading out in the garden of the reception away from their guests, but still the centre of attention as the silhouette looking out the window after them attests to. I like the fact that even though they are small in the frame, they catch the viewer’s eye instanty for two reasons – the focal plane is shallow and brings them into focus, and the brightness of the dress against the gloomier background makes the bride stand out – and there is no doubting that they are the subject of the photo. I like how the presence of the window both frames the scene and transports the viewer inside the room which itself has only hints of what’s going on – the seated man and the out of focus pint glass – but still manages to set the scene as the drinks reception at the wedding. Bascially, I like it as an example of a shot which breaks rules, could be executed better technically, but still manages to tell a story, hold the viewer’s attention and convey a moment on the wedding day.
Very good and well considered post Ronan. I’m not in a camera club because they’re is no clubs near me but I like the idea of the social aspect of it.
I suppose the camera club can be seen as a place to learn the rules if you’re new to photography and then it’s up to you to go out and break them, or at least stretch them and adapt them.
I’m half contemplating trying to start one up near where I live. I might get back to you for some advice if I ever get around to it
I enjoy reading your photoblogs. You always have something profound to say about photography both philosophically and technically. Good luck at the Blog Awards; I hope you win! I’ll be in Galway that weekend for the photowalk and may run into you in the town. Cheers, Karen
Totally agree with your sentiments. You have to play camera clubs at their own game, and understand all the hidden agendas and ego massaging that they all (seem to) work to. You’re right that this shot would be talked down in a club. And you’re right that it’s actually a cracking shot. From my ‘commercial photography’ point of view, it’s a much more intelligent and refreshing look at a magic moment in this couples big day, and one of the nicest wedding photos I’ve seen to date. Set’s you apart from the rest Ronan!
I had to laugh at your hypothetical judges comments. They are spot on!
Joining DCC back in 2006 was the best thing I have done for my Photography & have learned a lot from entering competitions. I do remember advice given from a long time member when starting to do enter photo’s & that was not to fall into the trap of only shooting for competitions, but to keep shooting what you like & then select what you choose to enter. It is good advice & a lot I shoot is just for me. The image I have the most comments on Pix.ie would probably be ripped apart by a judge as it’s a Sunset Shot (almost as despised as Weddings & Swans!) but people seem to like it. I do still enter stuff into the competitions which is not the general fare & often it does not score well, but so what. I will also stick in a more conservative shot too.
I also can see the technical issues with the shot above but also think it’s a very strong image. The key is knowing when the unconventional becomes excellent & bugger the “rules”. Now if you had broken one more rule & the couple were not sharp or poorly exposed the whole thing would then fail, but then that’s what you get with it being on the edge.
I loves breaking rules, keep it up!
Thanks folks for all the comment. This one has got some discussion on Twitter too. I’m glad to see in general people agree and see what I mean – it could have been misinterpreted and gone horribly wrong.
Jennifer, you should definitely try some sort of get-together if you can find others in your area. Your view of camera clubs is spot on I think. They play a great role to get a good technical mindset. I’m definitely no expert on them but by all means drop me a line if you are trying to put one together and I’ll happily give you my thoughts on how to go with it.
Karen, thanks for the nice comments… I’d love to get to the Blog Awards and the photo walk but sadly (!) I’m going to be in Sydney. I’ll be keeping an eye on Twitter from over there to see how everyone is getting on at the awards though.
Tim, that’s very kind of you to say so. The reason I was able to get this shot was because I was a guest and not the official photographer. Sadly as official photographer you’d be unlikely to get this shot – it would take an assistant or a lot of guts to wander so far from the couple at that point of the day!
Tony – glad someone laughed at them! I agree too that joining DCC has been great, and I love the competitions, but do find myself playing the game on occasion. Your approach has worked well for you this year, and that famous egg shot was one of the most creative I’ve seen in a long time!
Cheers all,
Ronan
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