Understanding the Differences Between a Creative or Technical Photographer

We talk about the creative or technical photographer in this episode of The Photo Flunky Show. Which aspect of photography is more important, and how do you cultivate the side where you're weakest?

Is creativity or technical skill more important? Lee and I approach photography from opposite sides. She's more creative than I am and I'm more technical.

Yet we both agree that the technical side is the foundation. Nothing could be more frustrating than having a clear vision of a photograph you want to create, but no idea how to make it happen.

On the opposite side, plenty of photographers approach things from a technically perfect perspective, creating flawless photos without much creativity or imagination.

Are You a Technician or an Artist?

It isn't wrong to be either, but are you the kind of photographer that you want to be? If not, what are you doing to strengthen you craft?

Put another way, are you passionate about your photography? Does it drive you to improve?

Lee thinks that technical people aren't passionate, but I disagree. I don't think that technically minded people have to be any less passionate than creatively minded people. We may have different ways of getting to the same place, but it doesn't mean we're any less passionate or driven to reach our objectives.

I raised this question based upon something I heard Joel Grimes say at Photoshop World a few years ago.

If you’re an artist with a camera, you’ll get noticed; if you’re a technician with a camera, you’ll blend with the masses. In the end, it really doesn’t matter what new technical advancement is on the horizon.

I get what he's saying, but I have one fundamental disagreement. I see the technical and creative minds as motivations. To me, it doesn't matter what motivates you.

That's art.

What Do You Wish You Could Do Better?

Whether you are a creative or technical photographer, there is always something you can do better. It doesn't hurt if you are happy with your current level. Take some time to explore what you know.

When the time comes, you'll know to press toward some kind of advancement or improvement in your photography.

Is there one thing you wish you could do better as a photographer? Doesn't matter if it's creative or technical. Let us know in the comments.

Tell us your “one thing.”

Transcript

 

THE PHOTO FLUNKY SHOW:  Episode 64

 

Links to subscribe to the show:

 

You can find links to this episode and all of the other ones at photoflunky.com

 

iTunes: williambeem.com/itunes

Google Play Music: williambeem.com/googleplay

Stitcher Radio: williambeem.com/stitcher

Blubrry: williambeem.com/blubrry

 

 

Keep up with us on social media:

 

Twitter: @photoflunky

Facebook:  William Beem Photography

YouTube: William Beem Photography

 

You can find links to this episode and all of the other ones at photoflunky.com and of course if you’d like to subscribe, we would love that.  Go to at williambeem.com/itunes or williambeem.com/googleplay or williambeem.com/stitcher or even williambeem.