Photographic Personalities

Some 'serious' photographers can have fun taking snapshots, having a camera with them at all times, and generally integrating photography into their everyday life even if they are not professionals who make their living with a camera.  On the other hand, there are 'serious' photographers like me who make their photographic sessions a separate and isolated part of their everyday life.  By this I mean that rather than enjoying spontaneous photography, I generally have my outings planned and don't like  combining it with other non-photographic events or happenings.  When I go out to photograph, I want to be able to make pictures and not be concerned about other issues or people waiting for me (though I do very much like going out to shoot with other like-minded photographers). I am not sure why this is; perhaps it is a matter of wanting complete control or having enough time to have the most complete control that can be had in any particular photographic  session.  I do know that my best work happens when I put myself into the type of all-encompassing situation where I can give my entire attention over to working at making pictures.  I don't feel that I am giving up any of the 'joy' of photographing by being this way.

I think  armed with this knowledge I can better plan what will give me better results.  For example, under similar conditions, I am sure I would produce better work with one three hour session than three 1 hour sessions. I can produce better work on a dedicated photography trip than on a family vacation where I wake up before the rest of the family to go shoot for an hour and rush back.  It is just the way I work and it helps to know that.  I think knowing how you work as an individual leads to being able to plan for conditions that will give the best results.

So what kind of photographer are you?