Does this mean they’re not good enough? A great photographer is simply and unequivocally passionate about his or her art. Their desire to create new images drives them constantly because they’re not afraid to take risks.

A smart photographer keeps up with current trends and embraces the new technology rather than shunning it. Instead of mourning the loss of film they discover the depth of digital. If they’re not
sufficiently skilled on the computer or in PhotoShop then they surround themselves with the people who are. We can see a marriage between the older and younger photographers where experience now joins with expertise.

A great photographer must evidently be exceptional, but how did it all begin? What was it exactly that made them become a photographer in the first place? What enticed them to want to reproduce that particular and special moment in time? They saw something that mesmerized them sufficiently in that second that they simply had to take the picture.

So who are some of our great photographers and what makes them great?
Is it simply their photographs? Why do his or her images stand out from everyone else’s? Is it the composition, the lighting or the subject matter? Or maybe it’s the emotional feeling that is evoked upon viewing the image? We all know how very powerful a photograph can be. I wonder if an image is more memorable if it makes you laugh out loud, or if you are moved to tears?

Some of our most provocative images have to lie in the field of Photo Journalism where we can see how one single image can affect the world at large. Who can forget Steve McCurry’s “Afghan girl” with those incredible green eyes on the cover of National Geographic magazine, or the sad little boy JFK Junior saluting at his father’s funeral These are images that have literally reached out and touched millions. What was it about those images that stayed with me, or with anyone? Was it just the emotional response? How much power lies with the photo editor and why pick one shot over another? Are they going for pure “shock value” or simply illustrating the story?

In the world of Advertising and commercial photography, what was it that made that art buyer keep a particular promo piece, compelled them to bookmark that website or call in a specific portfolio? Was it the presentation that caught their eye, the branding or simply the content? Are the images really the most important thing? They say they are but presentation still counts for a lot. How much of it is “luck” and “timing” and is it really practical to rely on that? What can we do that is pro-active? If you’re in the Fine Art world for example, you’ll seek out the galleries and curators who believe in your work and who will help to sell your work to their collectors. You crystallize your vision and your style, then you figure out your market and lastly you get the work out there!

Why else might someone become a photographer - for the money? Doubtful, as not too many are really making the big bucks. Or maybe it was for the models? Photographers and models go together like doctors and nurses, pilots and flight attendants. Need I say more? Or perhaps it was a way out of working a real job? Hate to disappoint you but photography is a job too. And many of the “great” photographers” are smart business people. They understand that if they’re not able to figure out how to promote themselves and get their work out there, then they need to work with people who can. They may not start with a top agent representing them but they can find themselves a good assistant and a studio manager who can also promote. They start to build a team around them with a common goal – getting the work produced, then seen and ultimately purchased.

A great photographer needs to not only stay focused on the goal but to also be flexible for new avenues. A great way to garner new attention is to enter competitions. I remember a conversation with a London based photographer who seemed to be winning virtually every competition he had entered that particular year and he said it had actually been great “advertising” for him. Mind you, this was also his “out” from purchasing any advertising space with me! All the extra “press” had brought him lots of attention and ultimately work. Okay, so not everyone can be “Best in Show” but you have to be in it to win it, right?

Louisa is a creative consultant for photographers.
For more information please visit us at www.chatterboxenterprises.com
Or call 212-353-9250

Louisa J. Curtis
Chatterbox Enterprises
P.O. Box 123, Village Station
New York, NY 10014