The “Self-Taught” Photographer ContradictionPosted by drfl on August 18th, 2010
Everyone is taught photography by others. Consciously or unconsciously we receive the majority of our instruction from other artists, friends, instructors, etc. In many photographer’s early careers, I find many resumes and statements that contain such phrases as ”completely self-taught” or “was not instructed”. By these descriptions, the artist is trying to validate their perceived lack of formal credentials. It is my experience, first, this is never true, and second, it doesn’t matter.
In regard to the first point, the non-intentional lack of honesty inherent with being “self-taught”. Most of the time someone chooses to become an artist because of inspiration they have received from seeing other’s work. It is their wish to create something of similar beauty and if they continue to evolve, to improve upon the work with their own voice and style. Photographers look at images from various sources, calendars, postcards, the Internet and then they attempt their own creations, initially by imitation. In this manner they are being instructed by those disassociated slices of imagery. If they find they are not successful in imitation, then they research how to achieve those results. Often, they find their answers in books and the internet. After the artist reaches the desired results, the next step is developing vision and style. (Some artists never evolve past imitation)
For those that have received formal instructrion, I submit that they may start with a disadvantage. The student’s voice and style is heavily influenced by the instructor. The instructor chooses the lectures, the example artists, the images. While they maybe attempting to broaden the student’s understanding of the art, they may still be applying their vision on the students, albeit unconciously. Additionally, the instructor maybe required to grade, therefore applying an objective rating to subjective material. Thus, the evolution of the style of the student could be changed accordingly. In this respect, photography instructors should be very careful on how they influence.
Now, in regard to the second point, it does not matter if one is “self-taught”. If the art is good enough, fits the needed requirement, and is priced appropriately, no art buyer will turn down a piece simply because the artist was not formally instructed. Now, if someone is trying to get into an agency, or get a position as a staff photographer, this may matter, but if your goal is to sell stock or prints then it is really not necessary to point out that you received no formal instruction. I believe the phrase “self-taught” detracts. Strike it and let your art speak for itself!
Technical Details:
Canon 5D Mark II, 300 f/4l + 1.4 tc, f/5.6, 1/800 sec.
Schramm State Recreation Area, Nebraska
