Issue 143 of the SNYC Newsletter
Greetings everyone! October was my busiest month since the beginning of the pandemic. It would seem that people are feeling more comfortable traveling again. And the rate of transmission in New York City is down.
That said, in my group and private workshops we continue to follow safety guidelines. And we continue to take lots of photos and have a great time doing it! If you’re planning on visiting New York City you should know that most restaurants, museums and many other indoor venues including Broadway shows require proof of vaccination AND masks.
Welcome to all the new subscribers! The Shoot New York City newsletter is to keep you informed of what’s going on in the streets as well as tips and tricks for shooting street photography no matter where you live.
Thanks for all of your well wishes. My ankle is almost back to normal. I’m still walking with a cane which has the effect of slowing me down. But, slowing down when shooting street photography is a good thing. I’ll be losing the cane very soon.
Thanks for being a subscriber and a big thanks to everyone who has taken my workshops and tours. I couldn’t do it without you.
As always, happy shooting and stay safe!
The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Marcel Proust
I have created a Buy Me a Coffee page and I’m still trying to figure out how to create the button with the link on it. I’m a little challenged with some of the technical stuff
In the meantime, the link above should work. I love coffee and I love it when I get treated to one :-) But no sweat if you’re unable to contribute. The newsletter is still free for all.
Thanks to everyone who has bought me a coffee!!!
Did you know?
You can like the newsletter at the top and at the bottom of this issue? You can also share it on all of the usual platforms. And, best yet, you can comment! Yes, your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Dialogue is cool.
The Amateur vs Professional Debate
I would like to think that sometime in the near future we can get beyond the amateur vs professional dichotomy. First of all, the only possible distinction between the two is the transaction of money.
Just because someone is paid for their photography doesn’t mean that it’s any good. It only means someone was willing to pay for it. The reverse is also true. Just because you don’t get paid for your photography doesn’t mean that it isn’t good.
So I’ve mentioned many times in the past that the word amateur comes from the Latin word to love. When you practice photography as an art, (normally) you do it for love. That doesn’t preclude the ability to earn money doing it. It’s just that the reason you set out to make it in the first place wasn’t for commercial purposes.
The idea that everything in life should be one thing or the other. That we can only think in terms of good and evil, black and white or women and men, should be evaporating in our present times.
Few things in life neatly fit in a one or the other category. We are in the midst of a post binary world that has been championed by the LGBTQ communities. We are finding more nuanced ways of thinking about the world and dropping stereotypes.
Not to get off track here, my point is that not only is it not a bad thing to be an amateur, it is not necessarily the opposite of being a professional. I am pondering what might possibly be a third group between the two that can take some influence from both.
So money is of course part of the equation that tends to have people declare that they are just amateurs. While I get paid for my work leading tours and workshops, I would do it even if I wasn’t paid for it. It’s what I love.
As well, professional doesn’t even mean that you have nothing left to learn. I don’t really think of myself as a professional. I prefer the label of artist. And I have much to learn as well.
I don’t like the idea that there is a hierarchy with professional at the top of the food chain. In the world there are many people who are considered professionals in many different areas of work that are really not people that we would choose to emulate. So I always look at the label professional with caution.
As I have mentioned before, I consider street photography to be an activity. It is an activity that I really enjoy. It is an important part of my life. Just wandering the streets with a camera is wonderful. When I manage to capture some good photos at the end of the day, it’s like icing on the cake.
I will continue to think about a name for the middle of the two categories. If you have one, I’d really like to hear what it is. It isn’t a hobby. At any rate, I hope that you will not feel like you need to downplay who you are as a photographer.
I am not perfect. And yes, I’ve written about my dislike of perfect photos. Perhaps the bigger issue above all is actually confidence. And I can tell you that I’m not as confident as you might think.
Many years ago, I knew a man who cut down trees way up high. I had this idea that he must be fearless. I was so wrong. He told me that the day you aren’t afraid is the day you have an accident!
That was a real revelation for me to learn. Perhaps we should not take some things so seriously. We also need to be kind to ourselves rather than think that we aren’t good enough. Overly confident is of course a problem. That’s called arrogance. But the opposite is also a problem.
Somewhere in the middle is a place where we should enjoy ourselves and learn to accept that we can always be better but also to acknowledge when we have captured something well.
I am always interested in hearing your comments, suggestions and even your experiences. That’s what this newsletter is about. It is about me writing about my experiences as well as those of the people that I’m working with on the streets.
It is also about you, the reader. So don’t be shy. I won’t reveal your identity. But it’s amazing how many people have the same concerns and don’t realize that they aren’t alone!
Social Media Corner
Awhile back I started a column about social media. I had hoped that people would comment and/or suggest whatever questions or complaints that you have about social media. I am far from being an authority on it. But I think that it’s important to share what you have to say about it all because chances are, you’re not alone.
Have you opted out of some or all social media platforms? Why or what would change your mind?
My most comment complaint these days about Instagram is the proliferation of videos. I am inserted in still photos for the most part. But to start out with no less than a dozen videos is really a bother.
As well, I don’t understand people adding music to them. Yes, you typically expect a video to have sound. But when it comes to still photos, I tend to feel that they should stand alone without explanation or interference.
The addition of music creates an influence that changes how we see a photo as does my next complaint which are quotes. So many people are adding cool quotes without explanation as to how they relate to the photo.
So many things that don’t make sense to me. Perhaps they do for you or others. But a photo should stand on its own. I post photos that get many likes and comments as well as some that don’t get much of either.
We should not be mistaken in thinking that our photos ever get the kind of treatment that they should. But of course adding frills like video and quotes will push them up is just gaming the system. Ugh, whatever.
I’m looking forward to a dialogue with you about this. Just hit reply. Thanks!
Caution
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Biweekly Photo Assignment - Your Favorites of 2021
It’s that time of the year again when we post our favorites of the year. We can look back and see what we liked and how we would like to improve or just new methods we would like to work on. And for extra points you can write about why you like it.
You can interpret this assignment and don’t be afraid to post creative photos. As well, it’s good to know why you chose the photos you did and it’s maybe best to post them individually so they don’t get buried.
This is a voluntary assignment if you want to take part. You can submit your photos to the Facebook group for Shoot New York City and also on Instagram tag @shootnycity. If you're not a member of the Facebook group yet, all you have to do is request to join.
It would be great if as a group people would comment on photos submitted as well. Let's have fun! Happy shooting and sharing! And you can connect with other people that you share an interest with.
Further Viewing:
Forgive me if you’re also subscribed to the Curious Frame newsletter as well. This video is worth a look. Normally I suggest something inspiring. Today, I think that Alex’s video might also help you find good content on YouTube. I really like his videos and he suggests a few of my favorites vloggers as well.
Upcoming Workshops:
Workshops are still a maximum of 3 people. Social distancing and masks are required. And with fewer people in each workshop everyone can gain even more individual attention.
For those who haven't done a workshop or photo tour with me in the past I have a number of reviews on my website and also on TripAdvisor! Workshops are both for people who live here and also travelers, as are photo tours.
Photo tours are one-on-one and arranged on an individual basis for both neighborhood and photographic style and can be designed as a workshop as well. They are customized to your interests and level. Thank you for your patience and Stay Safe!