Pursuit of Masterpieces in Photography: A Reality Check
The Defined Path of Science vs. the Fluidity of Photography
From my professional background in the medical field, I can attest to the importance of methodical processes. In both medical diagnosis and engineering, precise steps are followed to ensure the desired results. This holds true in most scientific and technical procedures: adhere to specific steps, and you can be confident about the final product.
While these processes can be challenging, their intricacy is well-understood by those who practice them. The most significant stage for creativity is the design stage—conceptualizing a product, planning its mass production, and setting up quality control measures to ensure standard output. After this, it’s largely a matter of repetition.
The Unpredictable Nature of Landscape Photography
However, when we talk about landscape photography—without stepping into the debate about whether it qualifies as art—the scenario changes, yes, there are techniques and compositional devices that can enhance your work, but can you be certain of the outcome? If every image produced was of the same caliber, it would be more akin to monotonous work.
Photography is essentially about creation—each time you frame a shot and press the shutter, it’s like the design phase in the industrial world. Except for some predetermined setups like product photography in a studio, the results can be unpredictable.
Embracing the Unpredictability in Photography
It is not feasible, nor indeed desirable, to expect each photoshoot to yield a unique masterpiece. And this uncertainty is a key reason why the experience of photography often takes precedence over the final image.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why can’t every photograph be a masterpiece?
Given the unpredictable nature of many photographic subjects, particularly in landscape photography, it’s not possible to control all variables to guarantee a masterpiece with each shot. - How does the process of photography differ from scientific or technical processes?
Unlike methodical scientific processes that follow a strict set of steps for a known result, photography is more fluid and creative, with results often being unpredictable. - Why is the experience of photography put ahead of the resultant image?
The creative process and the experience of capturing the world through a lens can be more rewarding and fulfilling than the actual image, especially given the unpredictability of the outcome.
Conclusion
While the pursuit of masterpieces is a noble goal in photography, it’s important to remember that the unpredictable and creative nature of the field means not every photograph can—or should—be a masterpiece. The experience of capturing a moment often holds more value than the final image itself.
