All is Permitted in Photography!

There are no rules in photography; all is permitted.

1. Why rules?

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Every photography “master” is a tyrant. They think that their way of photography is the only “legitimate” form of photography. Thus, they try to get everyone to shoot and think the way they do.

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For example, I love Henri Cartier-Bresson, but he was the ultimate photo-tyrant. He decreed:

The only legitimate form of photography is black and white. You cannot interact with your subjects. All photos must be candid. You can only shoot with a 35mm or 50mm lens. You cannot shoot with flash. You cannot shoot color.

In other words,

My way or the highway.

2. Make the rules for yourself

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I think it is very useful to study the masters of photography, in order to gain a foundation. It is good to learn from the masters before we kill the masters.

Studying from the masters or from teachers is useful as an apprenticeship. But there is a point where you must cut the umbilical chord, bid your master-teacher farewell, and go down your own path.

3. Self-discipline

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Dictate the rules of photography for yourself, and don’t believe that everyone must do as you believe. Realize the fact:

Everyone shoots photos for different reasons, and this is a good thing!

Also,

Everyone shoots photography differently, and this is good!

A hellish photography world would be a world of mono-photography; in which everyone shot the same.

4. Shoot different

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We must shoot different. Shoot differently from the crowd. Shoot what feels right to you, and shoot what looks good to you.

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Pave your own path. Be brave, and have courage (heart) in yourself!

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SHOOT DIFFERENT!
ERIC