10 Things That Don’t Matter to Me When I Shoot

[kayumanggisnapshot11]

1. FANCY GEAR

I don’t need the newest or most expensive equipment; I shoot with whatever feels right in my hands.


2. PERFECT SETTINGS

I don’t obsess over the “correct” ISO, shutter, or aperture. I adjust fast and shoot the moment.


3. TRENDY STYLES

I don’t chase what’s “in.” I shoot what feels honest to me.


4. SOCIAL MEDIA METRICS

Likes and shares don’t define the value of a photo.


5. GATEKEEPING RULES

I don’t care about strict “rules” some people force on others. Photography is expression, not a checklist.


6. PERFECT SHARPNESS

A little blur doesn’t kill a story. Sometimes it even makes it better.


7. HAVING A FULL CONCEPT

I don’t need a deep narrative every time. Some shots are just instinct.


8. MATCHING A THEME

I shoot what I see, not what fits a curated feed.


9. PEOPLE’s EXPECTATIONS

I’m not here to impress anyone; I’m here to express something.


10. BEING PERFECT

Imperfections make photos human. I embrace them.


How about you guys?

 

[zombiesniper152 17]

You put a lot more thought into this than I did when I read the title.
I shoot for myself. If people like great but I don’t need likes or validation. For me it’s something I like to do.
I happen to have old gear cause “G.A.S.S.” Is too expensive.

 

[cgw157 182]

Funny but I tend to ignore most of what you're ignoring

 

[greybeard72 46]

My shots are more instinct than thoughtful.

 

[DanOstergren33]

For me it depends on the situation. For client photos, especially ones shot in-studio, precision is important to me, as well as executing a vision or concept in which it is my responsibility to expertly capture, lest I cause a production to become more expensive and time consuming than it needs to be. Thankfully the newest gear isn't always necessary for even this sort of work, and my old 5D MKIII handles the majority of my responsibilities perfectly. Fortunately renting is a cheap, easy solution for gigs that require me to have newer tech, and it's a cost that gets baked into my rate for those specific jobs.

For personal stuff, I also like to have a vision and a (sometimes loose) plan, but I don't worry so much about precision. I think a skilled/experienced photographer can rely on their instincts and will naturally produce what could be perceived as "perfect" results.

Regarding having a "theme", my personal work just naturally has a theme because I mostly photograph what interests me, which is a more alluring and intimate display of masculinity (which in my view is not trendy at all outside of niche circles). I also enjoy having a concept and often work towards specific personal projects. It's just something I like to do.

Regarding social media, I like the attention my work receives but I don't create my work for that reason, I'm just lucky that my personal work has been received well on platforms like instagram.

Photography can be such a personal thing, so it makes sense that everyone's perceptions, experiences, and expectations for themselves and their work vary so widely.

 

[kayumanggisnapshot11]

For me it depends on the situation. For client photos, especially ones shot in-studio, precision is important to me, as well as executing a vision or concept in which it is my responsibility to expertly capture, lest I cause a production to become more expensive and time consuming than it needs to be. Thankfully the newest gear isn't always necessary for even this sort of work, and my old 5D MKIII handles the majority of my responsibilities perfectly. Fortunately renting is a cheap, easy solution for gigs that require me to have newer tech, and it's a cost that gets baked into my rate for those specific jobs.

For personal stuff, I also like to have a vision and a (sometimes loose) plan, but I don't worry so much about precision. I think a skilled/experienced photographer can rely on their instincts and will naturally produce what could be perceived as "perfect" results.

Regarding having a "theme", my personal work just naturally has a theme because I mostly photograph what interests me, which is a more alluring and intimate display of masculinity (which in my view is not trendy at all outside of niche circles). I also enjoy having a concept and often work towards specific personal projects. It's just something I like to do.

Regarding social media, I like the attention my work receives but I don't create my work for that reason, I'm just lucky that my personal work has been received well on platforms like instagram.

Photography can be such a personal thing, so it makes sense that everyone's perceptions, experiences, and expectations for themselves and their work vary so widely.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I really like how you separate client work from personal work—it makes a lot of sense. Client shoots definitely require precision and responsibility, while personal photography gives more room to trust your instincts and simply photograph what genuinely interests you.


I also agree that photography is a very personal craft. Everyone develops a different process, style, and motivation, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting. Appreciate you taking the time to explain your approach.

 

[kayumanggisnapshot11]

You put a lot more thought into this than I did when I read the title.
I shoot for myself. If people like great but I don’t need likes or validation. For me it’s something I like to do.
I happen to have old gear cause “G.A.S.S.” Is too expensive.

I think that’s a great way to look at it. At the end of the day, photography should be something we enjoy doing for ourselves. If other people appreciate the work, that’s just a nice bonus. And honestly, old gear can still do an amazing job when you know how to use it. No need to let G.A.S.S. take over!

 

[kayumanggisnapshot11]

My shots are more instinct than thoughtful.

I completely understand that. Sometimes instinct and experience can guide you better than overthinking every shot. I think that’s one of the beautiful things about photography—everyone has their own way of seeing and capturing a moment.

 

[F.O.V.]

I love Street’ (ex Fleet St hack) any camera with a 35mm lens and I’m zoned in. Nowadays it’s mainly floral mixed with macro. My Leica CL (digital) with 60mm TL lens. Again I zone in.. Colors, shapes, shadows and the small living things that call gardens home..
Get it right in camera, minimal PP.
At times a crop or a little clean up, otherwise the image are as is…

 

[IpseLux]

I photograph to learn to better see, and I play music to better hear. I've certainly benefitted from both, but I've got a long ways to go.
And I most definitely agree with the comment about sharpness or perfection. Some of the greatest images on film emulsion were not particularly sharp or perfectly composed....
Most great paintings aren't either. The eye enjoys finding pattern, and shape on things that may or may not have it.
Thanks for sharing your list. Kind regards.

 

[IpseLux]

I love Street’ (ex Fleet St hack) any camera with a 35mm lens and I’m zoned in. Nowadays it’s mainly floral mixed with macro. My Leica CL (digital) with 60mm TL lens. Again I zone in.. Colors, shapes, shadows and the small living things that call gardens home..
Get it right in camera, minimal PP.
At times a crop or a little clean up, otherwise the image are as is…
View attachment 300951

A poet and friend of mine once penned words to the extent: dichosa mariposa, se permite el infinito, al posarse inmensa sobre una flor. It's been decades since I read this poem. But that's the general feeling of it. (The great Juan F. Hidalgo, poéta.)